Vinohrady / Vršovice

Czech Inn

★★★★★

Czech Inn proves that budget travel in Prague does not have to mean a cramped dorm in the tourist centre. It occupies a large building at Francouzská 76 in Prague 10, on the border of Vinohrady and Vršovice, two lively residential districts just east of the centre that many visitors now prefer to the Old Town for their cafes, bars and real neighbourhood feel. The great strength of Czech Inn is choice. For couples and families there are private en-suite rooms with air conditioning, a TV, a kettle, shelves and hangers, plus a cheaper budget twin with a shared bathroom. For families or friends travelling together there are apartments for up to five people, with one double bed and three singles, two of them in bunk format, a fully equipped kitchen and an en-suite bathroom; these are excellent value compared with two hotel rooms in the centre. For younger travellers there are shared dorms, en-suite dorms, premium dorms with a kitchen and living room over two floors, and pod beds with a private entrance, storage, and adjustable lighting and ventilation. Note that the official site restricts shared dorms to guests aged 18 to 39. Free wifi and fresh linen are included; towels and toiletries come with private rooms and apartments, and lockers are available in the dorms. The ground floor has the Czech Inn bar, a cafe, a breakfast service and a guest kitchen, and staff provide maps and local recommendations. The atmosphere is sociable but more grown-up than a party hostel, which suits the quieter residential setting.

Location: Francouzská is a tree-lined street with trams running into the centre, so Wenceslas Square and the Old Town are a short ride away, and Náměstí Míru, with its church, metro station and Christmas market, is within walking distance. The surrounding streets are some of the best in Prague for a night out like a local: Krymská street in Vršovice is known for its bars and cafes, and Vinohrady has excellent beer halls, wine bars and the Riegrovy sady beer garden in summer. It is a great base for beer lovers who want to drink where Praguers drink.

Choosing the room: families should book an apartment, which gives you space, a kitchen and a door to close. Couples will be comfortable in a private en-suite room. Solo travellers within the age limit get the best value from a pod bed or en-suite dorm. Book early for summer weekends, when the private rooms and apartments sell out first.

The value case: you trade a central address and hotel services for space, flexibility and some of the lowest prices in the city, plus a neighbourhood that many visitors end up preferring to the centre. Bring a little patience for the tram ride and enjoy the cafes on the way. In winter, the Christmas market on Náměstí Míru is a pleasant walk away, and a far more local experience than the big Old Town markets.