Hotel recommendations in Prague and Budapest

You didn't give your price range, but the best hotel we've ever stayed at in Europe is the Golden Well in Prague. www.goldenwell.cz

As Tom mentioned, you didn't give your budget so I'm going out on a limb. But, last year in Prague we stayed at Residence Retezova in Old Town and loved it. We paid less than their internet advertised rate, as we found prices to be a bit "soft." This was in March, however. www.retezova.com A few years ago I also stayed at Hotel 16 in Prague and liked it, too, but it is located in New Town and it was about a 15-20 minute walk to Wenceslas Square. It was great being in more of a neighborhood, as opposed to the tourist core of Old Town, but not as convenient if you wanted to go back to the room for a rest or to drop something off. www.hotel16.cz For Budapest, I'm not so sure I would enthusiastically recommend where we stayed, but I will say that it was on the Pest side and after spending a few days in the city we were pleased we chose that over staying on the Buda side. Good luck!

The Pension Green Garland in Prague is a winner (I woke up there this morning, if you can believe it!), as well as the Kalvin House in Budapest, which is also in a great location. Both are in Rick's books. Be prepared for a mob scene in Prague -- go to the square and the bridge very early.

In Prague last summer we were very happy with Hotel Hastal, about 5 minute walk east of Old Town Square, very quiet. Not very expensive, I think we were about 500E for 7 nights in standard double, book online.
We have booked Bellevue B and B for Budapest, highly recommended in the Blue books, and again on Trip Adviser. Rooms run 62-72 E. Can't comment yet as this is for the end of June, but expect it to live up to the reviews. This close it may already be booked.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Bellevue B&B in Budapest. We were reallly looked after by Judit there.

I second Hotel Retezova in Prague and Bellvue in Budapest. We got a great free of charge upgrade with Retezova, a 2 story room for 104 euro, but we were there in early December 2009. Judit from Bellvue will treat you like family. We had to leave to catch a train at 4;30am and she packed us a food bag big enough to feed an army, all with vegetarian delights. I would totally stay at both of these places over and over.

Just returned from 5 nights in Prague at The House of the Big Boot...Dum U Velke Boty. Excellent. Superb location a few minutes walk to Mala Strana Square, few more to Charles Bridge, easy access to restuarants and trams. Excellent breakfast cooked to your order. Hospitable, welcoming, warm, friendly, helpful. Our room was huge, spotless. But the kindness of the owners was the biggie..spoiled us for the rest of our trip.

We have two favorite hotels in Prague. If you are there on business and want efficiency then the Marriot Flora which is only 1-2 years old. If you want more charm and flavor then the Hotel Julian which is much smaller
and more personal.

I stayed at the Mercure Museum Hotel in Budapest and I was very happy with the hotel itself, though I never did get to the spa, and the location. Nothing fancy, but good service, very clean, all the amenities and friendly helpful staff. For Prague, I got a very good deal on the Hilton through priceline.com It's a bit away from the center, but only a short metro ride and at $100/night, well. . .

Back in 2008 I stayed at the Hotel Jeleni in Prague. It is sort of behind the castle in a lovely area, right at one of the tram stops (#28 if I remember correctly). PLUS we found a great restaurant just steps from the back door of the restaurant, U Zlaté Hrušky. The service was wonderful -- they gave us blankets because we were sitting outside and it was a little chilly.