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Spring visit Slovakia, Budapest, Prague
During the first 2 weeks of May my wife and I, both in our late
fifties, visited Prague, Slovakia, and Budapest. In Bratislava, Slovakia we stayed at Hotel Kyjev (www.kyjev-hotel.sk/engsite/main.htm) (for the second time). I like its central location and elaborate buffet breakfasts. Easy to reach by bus and/or tram from airport or train station (2600SKK double). We also stayed at the Grandhotel Praha in the Tatra mountains in town of Tatranska Lomnica. Beautiful hotel with restaurant and included breakfast. Off season 2600SKK. We were disappointed that the funicular and lifts in the area were all closed for maintenance (contrary to what another guidebook had said). When the weather cooperated the mountains were beautiful. Electric trains allow easy access to several nearby towns. One downside of hotel is it is about a 20 minute walk (for us) from train station uphill so we needed a taxi to and from. Younger, one flight baggers could walk it. In Budapest, we stayed at Ambra Club Hotel (www.hotelambra.hu). About 2 blocks from Opera metro stop so it is in a great location. We took the condo choice with living room and kitchen. We thought the extra space worth the 10 Euro extra. Double 95 Euro, less 10% for cash, breakfast included. In Prague we had got a good deal through Priceline for the Renaissance Prague Hotel. Excellent location less than a block from Nam. Republiky metro stop. First night in Prague met Sarka Pelantova (private guide recommended in Rick Steves' Eastern Europe book) for dinner. Information about Sarka can be found at www.prague-guide.info. A picture of Sarka and Rick Steves is at www.geocities.com/b_hall29/ricksarka.htm. Her basic rate is 13 Euro per hour. We had a pleasant dinner with her at a modestly priced restaurant next to more expensive Golden Lion on Celetna street near the Powder Tower area. She explained the different menu choices, esp. the appetizers and wine choices. After a relaxing dinner and a chance to ask a host of questions about tipping, getting the check, and life in general, took a short walk around the area including some "backdoor" sights such as the upside-down horse that I did not recall reading about. Having a guide and spending part of time having dinner with them may seem an odd use of the guide's time (and your money) but we felt it was equally, if not more, informative, and certainly easier on our feet. The next day we utilized some of Sarka's suggestions and were on our own. Our last day we met Sarka again for a day's touring. We were amazed at the depth of her knowledge. Some of the highlights for us were lunch at a modest restaurant in the Josefov area and an introduction to honeycake, having her whisk up through the two elevators at the astronomical clock tower to enjoy the views from the top, visiting St Vitus Cathedral and nearby gardens, and finally a trip to the supermarket part of Kotva (near Nam. Republiky) and having her explain some of their many different offerings, ending up buying stuff for a dinner back at our room. One interesting thing that Sarka mentioned was that she was amazed to receive requests for her to sign Rick Steves' book. Apparently autographing is not as big there as here. Again, stopping for lunch and/or coffees/drinks during the tour may seem a strange way to spend your guide's time, but except for the most driven visitor, I think it proves to be both informative, relaxing, and money well spent. |
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Spring visit Slovakia, Budapest, Prague
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Spring visit Slovakia, Budapest, Prague
"st" wrote in message ... On 23 May 2004 20:40:38 -0700, (Bob) wrote: First night in Prague met Sarka Pelantova (private guide recommended in Rick Steves' Eastern Europe book) for dinner... Her basic rate is 13 Euro per hour. So her basic trade is ripping off tourists, is it? And do you work for less than 13 Euros an hour? Alan Harrison |
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