Prague--first visit

Is that the Flora? Because if so it does seem rather far from the action - i.e. anything you'll want to see, and probably anywhere you'll want to eat. It will likely be lot quieter though, the center will be crowded. Can't help with 4-star hotels, I sleep cheap and local. And would you call the Courtyard a 4-star?

My wife and I just returned from Prague (last week) and stayed at the Courtyard. Unless there is more than one, I would definitely recommend something closer. Great hotel but the local transportation can take more than 30 minutes (combination of bus and metro). We stayed at the Hostel Tyn, literally 5 minute walk from the city center.

Another Courtyard Marriott is at the airport but that is not close to Metro. Flora Metro station is just few steps away and to get to Downtown is about 10 minutes ride. There are plenty of four stars hotels in Old Town and Mala Strana (Lesser Quarters). You can google them. I heard a lot of praise about hotel U Zlate Studny. Price wise similar like yours but location and style so much better. If you don't need parking consider change of hotels.

Have not been to Prague yet, going in Sept. Use Rick,s book and google earth, you can see where the lodging is and where sites are plus sometime ther is even a street view. And if you have it set to show sleeping and dining places you can click on the spot and get add'l info. We are staying ar the Dientzenhofer B&B, Dientzenhofer.cz
Very nice location close to Charles bridge on the Castle side of the river. Good luck

We were in Rothenberg last Sept, we were lucky to Join a meeting of the English Speaking Club, mentioned in Rick's book, it meets every Wednesday night at the Hotel Altfrankische, weinstube, please get reservation for the resturant as it fills up fast. We met "Herman the German', the gentlemen that Rick mentions, very fun evening. The resturant is cute and good German food even if not a Wed night. Have fun

Sorry posted to wrong message

Flora has a good mall where mostly Czechs shop. It is only a short metro ride to the tourist area. Not very far from Flora is the Vinohrady area that has a bunch of good places to eat.

It's no four-star affair but Hotel Hastal is centrally located, clean, efficient and right in the heart of Old Town. Between its location and amenities, it probably offers the visitor more the true Prague experience than a Marriott out in the suburbs.