Feb 21 2009
Types of Accommodation in Prague - Budget
Types of Accommodation in Prague - Budget
One of the first questions each traveler asks him or herself before setting out to here is “Where is the best place to stay in Prague?” And, especially in nowadays economy: “How much does the accommodation cost in Prague?” There are several solutions for short to long term visitors to the Golden City, lets start with the shoestring ones:
Before you jump for this opportunity of free accommodation let me tell you that “coach surfing” means more than just “getting a bed for free”. It is a system of mutual exchange and a travel philosophy in its own right. Their mission statement says: “CouchSurfing is not about the furniture, not just about finding free accommodations around the world; it’s about making connections worldwide. We make the world a better place by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives. We open our minds and welcome the knowledge that cultural exchange makes available. We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures. CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!” Hubby and I have already signed up as hosts, to give back/ pay forward what we ourselves have received in hospitality during our own travels. Coachsurfing is not a quick solution for travellers, it requires quite a bit of planning, setting up a profile, sending emails etc. But one time you are in the system the world is your oyster and your couch is the worlds couch.
Price: Free
What you get: A couch to sleep on, anything more is at the discretion of your host.
The experience of and insight in another culture: Priceless
Hostels - shoestring
Prague has a wide range of hostel-style accommodation, approximately 100 hostels are open all-year-round in the Golden city. Expect to pay around 12€/ 350CZK/15$ per night during a short stay. This gets you typically a bunk bed in a shared dormitory, common showers/ toilets/ bathroom, common kitchen with cooking facility and fridge space, wifi and common rooms with abandoned books and newspapers. Some hostels even include linen, tea/coffee all day long and breakfast in the price. Others have restaurants/ bars in the same building where you can eat and drink for a reasonable price.
Bed prices will go up during high season, down during low season and will be generally get cheaper the longer you stay or the bigger your group is. The latter works like this: If you travel with a group of, lets say 6 friends you rent a room for six instead paying 6x the price for one bunk bed.
For the ones that love the hostel atmosphere and all what comes with it, many hostels in Prague offer now private rooms with en-suite bath rooms.
We stayed in a camp site on the outskirts of Prague. I don’t normally enjoy camping but, this time, it was different - the weather was good, there were good facilities (showers, etc), and a nice cafe on the campsite and all for a very reasonable nightly rate.
Roz