Arcadia Residence - Prague, Czech Republic     

I just want to say that I agree with the other reviews. This is an exceptional hotel. It's well managed, well located and our studio room was large, elegant and clean. If you're coming to Prague this is an excellent place to base yourself.

Arcadia Residence was fully booked during our stay, so we stayed at their Vlasska 2, self catering apartment in Mala Strana (Lesser Town). The location is excellent; just below the castle, a short walk to Charles Bridge, short walk to St Nicholas church, and short walk to a tram stop (one stop from metro). Pasquale Gusmano is amazing. He arranged transportation from the train station and to the airport and even met us at the apartment late at night when we arrived and at 4 am when we left. Great host! The price was excellent for Prague - 79 euros per night. The apartment isn't fancy, but it is very clean and comfortable. The bed was a little hard, but I find that with most hotels in Europe. It is a matter of personal taste. There is a mini-market across the street, a small bar that offers fairly cheap internet access, and many restaurants. The apartment kitchen is well supplied to cook some basic meals - finding the food you want might be more of a challenge, as there are only small markets in the area. There is a Tesco supermarket in Nove Mesto, but it a tram ride, a metro ride, and a short walk away. No breakfast is served at the apartment, so you must find your own. Don't go to the Ferrari Bar (near St Nicholas) for coffee - they charged us 95 czk for a coffee with milk - over 6 US dollars for a cup of coffee. We later saw a Starbucks near the tram stop - didn't try it, as we prefer to go local, but BE SURE TO ASK FOR THE PRICE FIRST IF THE ITEM IS NOT ON THE MENU. Prague is very expensive, especially for Americans with the horrible exchange rate - 15 czk to 1 US dollar when we were there. Prices vary widely depending on where you go. Some standard prices in the center of Prague are listed below. Beer - small beer 35 czk (can be much more expensive) 1 hr classical Concert in a church - 500 to 1000 czk Entrance to churches - 70 to 90 czk (50 more if you want to take pictures) Cruise on River - 220 czk - not worth it Prague Castle - full ticket - 350 czk Coffee - 50 -95 czk small bottle of cola - 65 czk small sandwich - 135 czk bathroom - 5 to 10 czk small ice cream cone 20 to 30 czk (very small) Metro 1 day pass - 100 czk other comments: -The metro and trams are very easy to use once you get your bearings. -Bring very comfortable walking shoes -Taking a personally guided walking tour of the city is a great idea if it is in your budget (not that expensive considering everything else). -pay attention when getting change - I think Prague is a safe city, but I think there are many who make a practice of short changing and over charging tourists. -you will be charged for the bread that is brought to your table even if you didn't order it -most places only take cash (ATMs (Bankomat) are plentiful, as are exchanges). The top withdrawl amount on many ATMs was 2000 czk, which doesn't go very far, considering a standard lunch was over 400 czk. -Prague is a beautiful city!