If you need simply a dry, cheap place to lay your head, Prague has several relatively clean hostels. They aren't very private, but they do provide you with a chance to meet people from around the world. Hostels are most abundant in July and August, the school vacation period when many classrooms are converted into dorms. For the latest information, contact AVE Travel Ltd. (tel. 251-091-111; fax 251-556-005; www.avetravel.cz).
One of the best hostels is Welcome Hostel Strahov (building 3, Vaníckova 5, Praha 1, on Strahov Hill; tel. 224-320-202; fax 224-323-489; www.hostels.com), across from the giant Strahov Stadium on the biggest hill overlooking the castle and city below. This complex of dormitories was built to house competitors for Socialist Spartakiáda exercise festivals that were held before the fall of Communism. Today, these concrete high-rises serve as student dormitories and are a popular choice for backpackers from all over the world. Most rooms are doubles, not one has a private bathroom, and all are open 24 hours. Expect nothing much more than a bed and a place to throw your things in a pretty clean concrete cell, but the price is right. Rates are 300Kc to 400Kc ($12-$17) per person.
Traveller's Hostel-Pension Dlouhá (Dlouhá 33, Praha 1; tel. 224-826-662; fax 224-826-665; www.travellers.cz) is one of the best hostels in the city center. This flagship in the local Traveller's group of hostels is open year-round, just a few blocks off Old Town Square and a few floors above the wildest dance club in town, the Roxy. There is a total of 90 beds -- which can be expanded from singles to sextets -- on two floors, with all sharing large, well-equipped bathrooms. This hostel attracts a mix of student backpackers and veteran tourists taking advantage of the clean, affordable, modern setting, renovated in 1997. One single and one double have en-suite bathrooms, but they are often saved as a premium for tour group leaders; ask anyway. Traveller's offers other hostels at dormitories throughout town during the high season. Check their website for each season's roster. Rates including breakfast are 650Kc ($27) per person in a double room.
Pension Unitas/Art Prison Hostel, at Bartolomejská 9, Praha 1 (tel. 224-221-802; fax 224-217-555; www.unitas.cz), is great value for the money and located in an unbeatable location.
