The Czech Republic offers a full range of accommodation to suit every pocket. There is a wide range of hotels, graded from 1 to 5 stars, backpacker hostels and private apartments, plus a large number of campsites that are open during the summer. Tourist information offices keep lists of local accommodation, and can often find a room for you (for a small fee).

For further information on the range of accommodation available, contact the Czech Tourist Authority (see Contact Addresses).

Hotels in Prague are now just as expensive as anywhere in western Europe - the city is no longer a bargain as far as acccommodation is concerned. The good news is that the standard of hotel accommodation has improved enormously over the past decade, and Prague offers everything from beautifully restored historic buildings to boutique hotels created by cutting-edge designers. Note that a 'hotel garni' is a hotel that does not have a restaurant.

Outside of the capital, hotel rates - and standards - are a bit lower, though you will still be able to find high quality hotels in major cities such as Brno and Ostrava, and in popular resorts like Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov.

High season for hotels in Prague includes May - especially during the Prague Spring music festival - June, September and October, plus the Easter and Christmas/New Year holidays. Book as far in advance as you can - up to six months ahead for Prague Spring - if you plan to visit during these months. Hotel rates are slightly lower in the 'shoulder season' of April, July and August, and can fall by 30% to 40% in winter.

For further information on the range of accommodation available, contact the Czech Tourist Authority (see Contact Addresses

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A pension (penzion in Czech) is usually a small, family-run place with up to half a dozen rooms, a bit like a British bed and breakfast, though slightly more formal. They are often more common than hotels in rural areas.

Hostels can range from dedicated backpacker accommodation in Prague and other popular locations to dorms in student halls of residence or sporting club facilities. A number of youth hostels in the Czech Republic are affiliated with Hostelling International; several of these are located in Prague. Contact the Czech Youth Hostel Association for details (see Accommodation Information below).

Prague offers an ever-increasing number of private apartments available for short-term rental, and these can prove much better value than a hotel for anything from a long weekend to a fortnight's stay. Check out www.apartments.cz and www.prague-apartments.com

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Most Czech campsites offer pitches for both tents and caravans, with a communal shower and toilet block. Some also have chaty - basic, unheated huts or bungalows that you can rent by the night. Most are open from about March through October. For listings see www.czech-camping.com and www.camp.cz

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Czech Youth Hostel Association
Pristavni 2, 170 00 Prague 7, Czech Republic
Tel: 2208 05684.
Website: www.iyhf.cz