U Semika - Prague, Czech Republic 

U Semika was a great little place. I was looking for something small, with local personality, a good location, clean rooms and so on. This hit the spot quite well. The management could not have been more helpful - setting me up with a map and a little tour route right off. The room was spotless, cozy, and well-furnished. The bed was super comfortable as well, and I slept well all four nights that I stayed. The location is great for people who like to be a tiny bit outside of the bustle of things - without being too far either. A four minute walk takes you right to the trams that take you anywhere you want in the city - often in only a couple of minutes - central Prague is very small. Finally, breakfast is a great buffet of local foods from sliced meat and good cheeses to granola and yogurt and so on. Very good. There's also free internet, you can purchase tram tickets at the front desk, and comically - there's a hysterical automatic shoeshiner at the front door... I strongly recommend this place - it's so comfortable and you get so much for very little money.

We stopped at the Hotel U Semika for New Year 2005, and had a great time. The hotel is about 20 minutes walk from the centre but with the regular trams that run along the river, and tickets available from Reception this is not a problem. The hotel is located next to Vysehrad Castle which is worth a visit as it has lovely views over the city. The staff at the U Semika were really helpful, especially as our flight was cancelled and we arrived a day late, we called them and they held the room for us, and only charged us for the nights we actually stayed. The restuarant is lovely and cosy with a wide range of traditional food served at very reasonable prices, alot cheaper than in the city centre. Room facilities were limited but they were clean and comfortable. Ideal for the budget traveller.