Prague Hotels?
 

Instead of posting this in Multiple forums, I figured 'The Buzz' was the best place. I will be in Prague for Pleasure in March and am trying to decide between the Hilton, the Marriott or the Renaissance. They are all comparably priced and seem somewhat comparable quality. Also do they allow upgrades? am Gold HHONORS so that might be a better play from that aspect. I am getting rates around 250-280DM per night. Any help is appreciated

If you want to experience more of the real Prague, avoid the American hotels. Try the Hoffmeister. It's minutes from the castle and Prague central by foot. It's small and quite personal. The food is excellent. Also, Mr. Hoffmeister was well known in the art community, and every room has distinct Hoffmeister originals. He was good friends with Picasso, Miro, etc. The accomodations are A+ (we took a bunch of Medical Specialists and they loved it!).

Well, TripTalker and I will be there March 10-17.. Will we overlap?

My advice would be to avoid the Hilton. It is an ugly musty atrium-type hotel with a dingy casino located in an inconvenient place across the freeway from the good stuff.

The Marriott and Renaissance are across the street from each other in a prety good location on the outskirts of old Prague. We stayed at the Marriott last year the first week it was open and had a good time. This time we're staying at the Savoy, an older hotel considered by some to be the best in Prague, for about $165/night including tax and breakfast. (Warning: hotel tax in Prague is 22%! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks for the tips to far (I made the original post under my old name b/c I forgot my password at work) Too bad to hear that aboutt the Hilton, I was hoping to use a Point Stretched there for 25,00 for 2 nights. The Marriott looks nice and may consider that. I would try and stay at a local Hotle but want to use some points to offset the cost. I would welcome other cooment. Thanks!

Just outta curiousity, why would you bother going to a foreign country if you wanted American lodging and surroundings?

I've been baffled by this since my first trip to Budapest, and have never received a reasonable answer, imo. The standard response is usually something to the effect of, "I like to stay in a comfortable place that I'm familiar with and will live up to my expectations". It just doesn't wash. Help me understand, won't you?

For the record, I always stay at Holiday Home in Prague www.holidayhome.cz and have found it's location, comfort and accountrements better than anything Conrad Hilton or any other American hotelier could offer, at a very reasonable price.

Whatever your ultimate decision, I hope your stay in Prague is a good one. It's one of the best and most beautiful cities in the world.

Cheers.

At least one night you gotta try the U Tri Postru (The 3 Ostriches) right at the Castle side of the Charles bridge. As others have said, why go to Praha and avoid the history?

I stayed at the Intercontinental Praha for my business meeting and it was fine, but after the meeting I went to the U Tri Postru and will never forget it.

Other Praha highlights include the restaurant U Svalta Ducha (The little Church) which is AFAIK the only non-smoking restaurant in Eastern Europe. Great food too which isn't saying much since every half-way decent place in Praha has great food. My other recommendation is Peklo which is underneath the Monestary in an ancient beer cellar.

Re why say in an American hotel...

I am very uncomfortable if any of the following occur:
1) small or uncomfortable bed or pillows
2) no ability to dial Internet from room
3) bad shower
4) noisy

I have frequently encountered these conditions even in fine hotels---the Gellert in Budapest is one example.

No Starwood or Marriott property will have this kind of problem. In addition, I don't get much out of sleeping in a foreign room just for its own sake. There's plenty of stuff to explore when I'm awake. I don't travel to "rough it," although I realize may people do. I travel to explore, meet friends, eat, drink, have a great time, and feel like I have expanded the set of places I can call home.

Avoid American hotels in Prague at any cost !!!!!!
I really recommend the Hoffmeister. It's a Relais et Chateaux hotel. Don't be put off by the location near a main street.
The Savoy is also a good one, although up to a some time ago it was owned by Lybian interests and US residents were not allowed to stay here (in theory at least...). Even if you do not stay at the Savoy, try the breakfast there, it's the best in town even if a bit pricy on Czech standards. I love the location of the Savoy, a little out of the way but still close enough to the castle, and the tram stops right in front.

If you held a gun to my head- and it'd HAVE to be a real big one, and I only had a choice between the 3 you mentioned, I'd stay at the Marriot. If you like this sort of thing, it's brand new and you can't beat the location near the gorgeous municipal house ( check out the restaurant in the basement, art nouveau heaven).
and one thing: watch for taxicabs who will rip you off from the airport. Negociate the price in advance, not more that 600 crowns to go downtown.
Have a great time, say hi to Vaclav and go check out the Last Judgment Mosaic on the cathedral.

The Marriott in Prague has a great location with very modern, comfortable rooms. The lobby is wonderful. For an American hotel in Prague, take this one.

I stayed at the Renaissance Prague in November. Location was convenient - walked from the train station to the hotel, and walked every day everywhere from the hotel. The rooms were nice and modern - yes, American style, but that was fine with me. Minibar, marble bath, data port, alarm... yep, all the things I needed. Breakfast buffet was fine if overpriced. Also, used hotel's private car service to the airport, nice that they have a fixed rate (either 600 or 800 CKc).

Prague hotels do not come cheaply, but for the money, I too would go with the Savoy. It is an extremely classy place, and attracts many diplomatic types, as most of the embassies are right down the hill. The hotel is small, and it is across the river from Old Town Square, but access is convenient. The #22 tram line runs right in front of the hotel and gets you into "downtown" in less than 15 minutes.

Also, the Mala Strana side of the river, which is where the Savoy is located, is great. A little bit quieter, and away from much of the nightlife and tourist attractions besides the castle, but quite nice. It is a beautiful 40 minute walk, especially in the morning, from the area around the Savoy, down the hill and across the Charles Bridge into Old Town.

QL, I've found the same problems you've listed in some American hotels in Europe. And I've found non-chain hotels that are far better than any Sheraton or Westin. There are no guarantees!

I'm sure you're right, Stimpy. In fact, I've always stayed abroad ONLY in hotels recommended to me by fellow FTers or others!


That being said, I realize I didn't give my full recommendation of the Marriott...quite fine in every way, will meet your expectations of a Marriott and a good location.

I agree with you, Quiet Lion, while I love soaking up the atomosphere abroad, when I come back to my room, fully exhausted, I appreciate knowing what I'm getting. That being said, I've stayed in some beautiful, intimate "American" hotels, that were formerly townshomes (the Sheraton Pulitzer in Amsterdam for example). Which I would gladly take over the 'local' Grand Hotel, mega property.
Also it is generally easier to find out information on the hotel on the US web site, make reservations, ask questions, register complaints etc.
Not to mention the fact that at these American' hotels you can earn our favorite points/ credits!

I must say I really appreciate everyones comments. I think I am going to go with the Marriott. I too perfer to know exactally what to expect when I get back to my room. I am probabally missing out on the Prague hotel experience but Since I will not be spending too much time there, I'm sure I will get enough Prague culture. I also have to conserve some costs and am using a 2 day MArriott reward. Again, this board once again is a tremendous help. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif