Accommodation in Prague is not cheap, especially in and around the historic centre, but the choice is wide: the city has close to 900 hotels, guesthouses, hostels and other accommodation establishments with nearly 100,000 beds. Some hotels still occupy buildings from the Communist era, usually with modernised rooms. Whatever you choose, it is best to book before you arrive rather than pay the full walk-in (rack) rate at reception.

Prague is busy all year round, so arrange your accommodation before you travel. If you are coming at Christmas, at Easter or in July and August, book well ahead. When comparing offers, look at both the price and the distance from the centre. A hotel a little further out can be good value, because Prague is fairly compact and public transport is frequent and efficient – but compare offers in the centre too, as you may find a good deal there. If you rent private accommodation, never pay anything before you have checked the property and the landlord. The star rating on the door does not always match international standards, because many owners classify their hotels themselves; only hotels certified under the Hotelstars Union scheme have been inspected, and you can check the list on hotelstars.cz. Nearly all hotels change their prices with the season and with demand, so rooms cost the most at Christmas, New Year, Easter, in summer and during big events. Read more in The Best Areas To Stay and How to Make a Booking.

Prague also charges a local accommodation fee (poplatek z pobytu) for each night of your stay. It is paid per person, guests under 18 are exempt, and the hotel or host collects it, so check whether the price you are quoted already includes it.

Hotels

The most common type of accommodation is a hotel with one to five stars. The star rating tells you roughly what level of service to expect, from the very basic to the luxurious. Most hotels include breakfast, and a private bathroom with toiletries is standard. From three stars upwards you can expect a bar, a television in the room and a wider choice at breakfast. Four- and five-star hotels aim at the highest international standards. See our list of hotels in Prague.

Apartments

Renting an apartment for a few nights is popular, particularly with families and larger groups who want more privacy and the option to cook for themselves.

Guesthouses (Pensions)

Guesthouses offer a family atmosphere and peace and quiet, which families with children and independent travellers both appreciate. The personal approach, and the good standard you often get for a modest price, are a pleasant surprise for many visitors.

Motels

Motels are meant for motorists, especially on long journeys. They stand next to motorways and main roads, which saves time.

Botels

A botel is a hotel on a boat, and in Prague you will find several moored on the Vltava. They are a slightly more romantic choice with unusual views of the city; most are mid-range, comparable to a three-star hotel, and the cabins are usually smaller than hotel rooms.

Campsites and Chalets

Campsites suit nature lovers who are happy to give up a little comfort to sleep outdoors. In the Czech Republic you will find them mainly along rivers and by lakes, and they are popular with families because they are one of the least expensive ways to holiday. There is usually a sports facility or something to do nearby. Pitches for a tent or a caravan are reasonably priced, and campsites have showers and washrooms, and electricity and water connections for caravans and motorhomes. Many also have chalets, which are much more comfortable than a tent; the price depends on the location and the number of people.

Hostels

Hostels are aimed mainly at young travellers and are an alternative to budget hotels. Dormitories with four or more beds are common, and toilets and showers are often shared, although many hostels also have private rooms. One advantage is that hostels are often in or near the historic centre.

Student Halls of Residence

Some universities let rooms in their halls of residence to visitors during the summer holidays, which makes them a simple, low-cost option. Most halls are outside the centre, though a few are close to it. You will find them in university towns across the country, including Prague.

Castles and Chateaux

The Czech Republic has one of the greatest concentrations of castles and chateaux in Europe. In the 1990s many were returned to their original owners, and some have since been turned into hotels. Standards, facilities and prices vary widely, even among these.