Not only does the Czech Republic have very inexpensive transport, but it also offers a range of accommodation of exceptional quality at surprisingly low prices. Visitors can select anything from the most basic hostels to luxury hotels.
Hostels
An alternative form of cheap hotels, this dormitory-style accommodation is geared towards a young clientele demanding little more than low cost. Predominantly with shared rooms (rooms of 4 or more beds are far from rare), showers and toilets in the corridor, yet often with the advantage of a location in the historic town centre. If you just need a place to sleep without special comforts, this is for you. (www.travellers.cz, www.europeanhostelguide.com)
University dormitories
Intended specifically for students who, during the summer holidays from June into September, are in search of cheap (8-10 euros) and easily accessible places to stay. They are often located on the outskirts of town, though at times they are found in the centre. Look for them in all university towns (Prague, Olomouc, Brno, Plzeň, České Budějovice, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, Ostrava, Opava, Liberec a Zlín) (www.kam.cuni.cz, www.studenthostel.cz).
Three-star hotels
A higher standard of comfort, yet surprisingly good prices (www.czechhotels.cz, www.hotel.cz, www.rekus-rekan.cz)
Family pensions
Good-quality accommodation in a pleasant family setting (www.dovolenahezkycesky.cz)
Campgrounds
Spend the night in a natural setting in your own tent. Average prices for the most highly rated Czech campgrounds in high season (July 1 – August 31) for a small tent are around 50 CZK (just under 2 euros), for a large tent around 70 CZK (a little over 2 euros) (www.czech-camping.com/, www.camp.cz)
Cottage settlements
Cabins and small cottages with the most essential fittings in the countryside (www.dovolenahezkycesky.cz, www.czechcottages.cz)
Points of interest
Accommodation in castles and chateaux
After the fall of Communism, a great many chateaux and castles were returned during the 1990s to their original owners, many of whom turned them into hotels. Quite surprisingly, a night in the baronial suite of a stately home could work out less than in a standard hotel – though it depends on the place, time and occasion.
