Advise on where to stay in Prague

I constantly recommend Castle Steps in Mala Strana. We stayed there in June and absolutely loved it. The staff was extremely helpful, and there was free breakfast, internet and laundry services! It was easily the best place I've ever stayed in the city.

Do you have RS's Prague Book? It covers this question in detail.

Are you traveling alone? With a spouse / significant other? Are you interested in being frugal / live close to the ground?

If so, do a private room. Go home with one of the old ladies in the train station holding a sign. They're almost always right on transportation, near sights and food, and can cost 1/2 as much (or less) than even a budget hotel.

I went on the RS tour of Prague and we stayed at the House of the Big Boot! It is in the RS Prague book but that is the english translation so there is anther name for it in the book then next to the name is the english translation. It was more of a B&B than a hotel as it is the owner's family home and very nice one. The owners are very nice and very helpful and it was one of the best places I ever stayed in on a RS tour! The breakfast may be extra for you but it was a full breakfast and buffet and hot! Check it out as it was worth it. I would stay there again and highly recommend it.

I recently stayed in Hotel Residence Retezova from Dec 1-5. It is in the heart of the old town, a few blocks from the astronomical clock. We had booked 4 nights to stay in their smallest cheapest room for 404 euros total and was upgraded to a bigger room that was 2 floors(we were just 1 of 2 couples staying at the property). Was very nice with court yard, full kitchen, internet, spiraling staircase, and they did our laundry!!!!

The info is in the Rick Steves book, and on trip advisor.

We stayed at the Cloister Inn - about 10 minute walk from Old Town. Found it pretty convenient as there were a handful of pubs within a block or two and we liked Club Arciteku (I am CERTAIN that is spelled wrong) for dinner. We had a big room - 2 rooms really, one with two twins and one with a single bed, TV, and desk ... so for three of us it was great. Good breakfast. Mini frig came stocked with a few drinks which were free (they don't re-stock it).

I was with husband and a 10 year old boy and we were pretty pooped at night so there could be much more happening locations but I wouldn't know.

Arcadia Residenze, Kozna 6 is great. Like a one bedroom apartment with full kitchen. Good rates, breakfast included, near old town square and metro stop. Pasquale is a great host and good source of great restaurant recommendations.

My friends went to Prague this past summer and had great things to say about this place called Sir Toby's. It's a hostel, apparently with a bar/brewery attached. We are definitely looking into this place for our trip!