Prague/Budapest

[miotti]

I'm planning a trip with friends to Frankfurt, Prague and Budapest for this May. We plan to stay with friends in Frankfurt, but are trying to figure out what areas of Prague and Budapest are best to stay and which to avoid. For instance, is it better to stay in Buda or Pest? We are not looking to stay in hostels, but do want to find reasonable hotel or pension rates close to the attractions and night life. Any recommendations/advice will be greatly appreciated!

[javajann]

Try Pension Bob in Prague. The staff is helpful, the food good,and accomodations OK. Best, the price is right. It's the best open secret in the area.

A bus runs nearby, and will take you to the underground, which will take you anywhere you want to go. It's easy to learn.

[tommyfly]

I have been to prague several times and there is a lot of good stuff on the web. I would suggest sharing an apartment (http://www.hotelsprague.cz/accolh_e.htm). You can get these real cheap, especially if there are 2-3 of you.
Also there is a good guide (www.inyourpocket.com). They've got free pdf guides for download, to a bunch of eastern european cities.
Good luck.

[travelsandra]

Hi, lived in Prague for 7 years and just returned.

Hotel Europa is on Wenceslaus Square right in the middle of everything and offers low rates when pressed. You can walk to just about everything from there. Even if you don't stay there, go in for a coffee, is a well-preserved art nouveau hotel. Just don't wait for the waiters to smile.

There are quite a few small hotels in Prague 1 and 2 which are centrally located and reasonably priced. (Old Town and New Town) and will be your best bet for walkability to everything you want to see. Zizkov (upper) is a good location as well as Mala Strana (poss. higher prices).

Any hotel located in Prague 1,2 are good locations. Prague 3,5,6,7 most are easy access. The rest check distance to metro or tram and NIGHT TRAM. I hate buses in Prague. Taxi drivers will still rip you off.

AAA taxi service is honest and speak english. You can travel across town for 5 dollars. Restaurants will usually call them for you. Specify AAA.

And, don't worry about spending a little more on a hotel in Prague. (Though you don't have to) You can still get a meal for under $10 at good restaurants and a pint of famous Czech beer will set you back a mere buck. Even at tourist places.

Letna Park offers a lovely view of Prague and sports an old chateau with nice restaurant, cheaper and no cloth napkins cafe downstairs with outdoor patio and next door beer garden with park bench table seating serving beverages and snacks from a kiosk for less than a dollar each. A great place to relax and see views and locals. On maps as Letna Zamek. Just don't tell anyone I told you.

Have fun.

[miotti]

Thank you all for the great suggestions!