About Prague-Stay.com | Prague Accommodation Portal

Prague-Stay.com is Prague's leading housing and accommodation portal featuring over 300 properties in Prague's prime locations for short, medium and long term stays. We offer a large selection of homes, hotels, serviced apartments in Prague that meet western expectations. Most properties are displayed with photos, location maps and floor plans.

Contact Information

Prague-Stay.com
Address: Benediktská 3, 110 00 Praha 1
Daytime Phone +420 257 325 559
Evenings and Weekends +420 602 774 522
E-mail: info@prague-stay.com

A Full Range of Hotels and Serviced Apartments.

Prague-Stay.com offers a wide-ranging selection of hotels and serviced apartments to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Prague is a romantic storybook city with antique buildings, narrow cobble stone streets, and little shops and cafes. In recent years, Prague has developed a lovely selection of small boutique hotels, with Italian or French decor and very personalized service. These hotels are designed by Prague's top designers and retrofitted with modern conveniences while preserving Prague's historic charm. The boutique hotels are for people who are seeking something quite cozy and special.

To make your business trip as comfortable and efficient as possible, a stay in the city center at one of Prague's business hotels will provide you with easy access to all your business meetings and, at the same time, convenient access to the airport. With no transportation worries, in-house business facilities, fitness centers and the services of a first class hotel, you might want to choose one of our best business hotels.

Our serviced apartments offer the convenience and service of a hotel with the added benefits of an apartment. Most of our serviced apartments are located in prime residential areas in the historic center of Prague in fully renovated buildings, usually with a reception desk/service, some with fitness, swimming pool, or DVD library. Services such as regular cleaning and changing of linen are standard, and dry cleaning and laundry service can be provided upon request. Many of our luxury serviced apartments also offer such hospitality services as concierge, room service, or valet parking. You might want to choose a serviced apartment for the versatility and comfort of an equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge for your stay in Prague.

Full Range of Rental Flats and Houses. Check one of the most extensive on-line databases of Prague flats, apartments, houses, and villas for rent on Prague-Stay.com. Most properties are displayed with photos, location maps and floor plans.

Locating the right home whether it's a house or a flat in Prague, facilitating the signing of a lease and efficiently handling the relocation requirements of our international clients are the primary services that Prague-Stay provides for its clients intending to stay longer than 6 months. (See more details about Relocation and Long Stay Leasing below.)

Fees - There are no fees for short-term rentals - see section "Hotels" and "Serviced Apartments" on www.prague-stay.com. There is a fee equal to one month rent for mediation services for long term leasing - longer than 6 months - upon signing a lease contract or taking possession of the property. All fees are subject to 19% VAT. (See more details at "Fees" section under "General Real Estate and Related Information" below.)

Secure on-line bookings - Convenient, confidential and efficient on-line bookings with quick replies to your questions using the latest on-line security standards of VISA and MasterCard International. We use "3D Secure" technology, the most advanced security technology today, so that no one except the bank and the bank's contractors (Pay MUZO, VISA, MasterCard) can obtain your credit card details, not even Prague-Stay, hotel or the accommodation provider.

Booking a hotel room - Confirmation comes directly from the hotel. Booking and payment are direct with the hotel.

Booking of a serviced apartment - The short term serviced apartments can be booked in the same way as a hotel directly with the serviced apartment operator or through our safe 3D Secure on-line booking form. (See more details in the "Simple, Secure On-line Booking" section.)

Customer Service - Prague-Stay.com provides clients with support from 9 AM until 6 PM, weekdays, at info@prague-stay.com or phone +420 257 325 559, and 24 hour emergency contact for off hours +420 602 774 522.

Personalized service - Prague-Stay.com can arrange transfers to and from apartments, breakfests and grocery deliveries, tour guides, customised sightseeing tours and trips, tickets to cultural performances, planning and organizing of conferences, etc.

Booking Procedure - The short term serviced apartments can be booked in the same way as a hotel by booking directly with the serviced apartment operator or through our 3D Secure on-line booking form. Simply complete the on-line booking form and submit it. In order to make a booking, you will be asked on the form to make a deposit using your credit card. In case you do not wish to use your credit card, please follow our bank account instructions. Your personal information is held in strict confidence. Your credit card details are protected by 3D Secure technology.

Booking on-line acknowledges your acceptance of these terms:

• Down payment
• Full payment by credit card, bank transfer or in cash
• Rates are in EURO currency and are inclusive of all taxes
• Cancellation policy
• Times
• Maid service
• Minimum stay
• Transfers to and from apartments
• Telephone
• Internet & Satellite TV
• Building Rules
• Help

Down payment - To secure the booking, your credit card will be charged a deposit equal to 1 night’s stay (for stays up to 5 nights), 2 night’s stay (for stays for 6 -10 nights), 3 night’s stay (for stays for 11 to 15 nights), and 7 night’s stay ( for stays up to 1 month) unless agreed otherwise. If you fail to cancel prior to your arrival date (see cancellation policy below) your deposit will be retained as a cancellation penalty. If you do not wish to use your credit card you can make the deposit by bank transfer no later than 3 days after booking, in an amount equal to three night's stay - see the banking information below.

Full payment - You agree that you will make the full payment upon your arrival and taking possession of the apartment (unless agreed otherwise).

a) Credit Cards / Debit Cards Prague-Stay accepts VISA and Master Card International. Other types of credit cards are to be confirmed with Prague-Stay. We use "3D Secure" technology, the most advanced security technology today, so that no one except the bank and the bank's contractors (Pay MUZO, VISA, MasterCard) can obtain your credit card details, not even Prague-Stay, hotel or the accommodation provider.

b) Bank Transfer - To the account of Svoboda & Williams s.r.o., Benediktska 3, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic. Account no. (IBAN): CZ62 0300 0000 0001 9331 7935 at CSOB a.s. (bank), Nam. Republiky 7, Praha 1, Czech Republic, SWIFT code: RZBCCZPP

c) Cash -You may pay in cash in EURO, USD or CZK currency and will be given a receipt for your payment.

d) Rates - Apartment prices shown are in EURO per night. In some apartments the price can be affected by the number of persons staying in the apartment, but apartments have a maximum capacity as shown on the website and may not be booked or used for greater numbers without our consent. There are no further costs or hidden costs to consider. Please be aware that when you use a credit card for payment, the payment is processed in Czech currency (CZK). The CZK rate that we display is the rate of the Czech National bank. The final price in EURO or your local currency can be slightly different due to the currency rates used by your bank. (Our system uses the Czech National Bank currency rate for calculations). We apologize for any inconveniences caused by differences in the currency rates.

Cancellation Policy - Notice of Cancellation is required 30 days prior to the arrival date to avoid a cancellation penalty. If you cancel at least 30 days prior to the arrival date your deposit will be returned in full. If you cancel within 30 days of the arrival date you will forfeit your deposit. If payments are not made within the required time, Prague-Stay reserves the right to cancel the reservation.

Times - Check in from 14:00 or earlier if available, and check out by 10:00 (unless agreed otherwise). The keys are given to you on arrival at the apartment and upon signing an acceptance protocol of the apartment.

Maid Service - Bed linen and towels are provided in all of our apartments. There is maid service once a week for cleaning and changing linen and towels.

Minimum stay - We require a minimum stay of three nights.

Pick-up at the airport - Prague-Stay can arrange transfers (airport/train station pick-up) one way for additional EUR 25-35 (up to 3 persons EUR 25, 4 persons EUR 30, 5-6 persons EUR 35).

Telephone - There are no telephones in the apartments. However Prague-Stay can lend you a cell phone during your visit. You will pay only for your calls. Our agent will organize for a pre-paid phone card based on your requirements.

Internet - Our serviced apartments are equipped with ADSL or cable WIFI routers. For security reasons our WIFI signal is password protected. You will be given the password upon your arrival. If you have problems accessing our WIFI network, we will be able to help you only if your WIFI adapter is directly supported by WindowsXP, Vista or Mac OS X. However we are not responsible for lower quality Internet connections or reliability problems caused by the Internet provider. In case of Internet connection failure we will take all reasonable steps to secure the connection.

Building Rules - Parties are not allowed. In the interest of security, safety and fire regulations, no more than six visitors will be allowed in an apartment at any one time. Visitors shall behave appropriately in the common areas of the building, and avoid loud noise and loud music after 10PM. This is in line with the Prague civil code governing Residential property.

Help - If you require clarification of the above terms and conditions or any other aspect of these accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact us:

• by email info@prague-stay.com
• by phone +420 257 328 281.
• 24 hour emergency help-line: +420 602 774 522.

Locating the right home whether it's a house, or an apartment in Prague, facilitating the signing of a lease and efficiently handling the relocation requirements of our international clients are the primary services that Prague-Stay provides for its clients intending to stay longer than 6 months. In doing so, we offer:

Extended Hours - Professional agents are available days, evenings and weekends.

Cross-listing Searches - Agents of Prague-Stay check all property, homes, houses, and flats or apartments listed by Prague-Stay.com, as well as Prague property listed by other reputable Prague real estate agencies, promptly and meticulously to find everything that matches your required specifications and quality.

Rental/Lease - Prague-Stay provides and negotiates rental/lease contracts in both English and Czech.

Follow up Assistance - Throughout your tenancy in Prague, Prague-Stay will provide assistance with questions, landlord/tenant meetings, problems with payments and all other housing and relocation related problems.

Assistance concluding your stay - At the end of the rental/lease term, Prague-Stay offers assistance with extending or concluding your tenancy, recouping of security deposits, and tying up any loose ends as necessary.

Real Estate Advice - Prague-Stay can offer advice concerning issues and common practices associated with residing in Prague.

Introductions to Prague - We can help familiarize newcomers with the city, its resources, schools, and with the neighborhoods suitable for their needs and lifestyles.

Permits, visas and customs clearance - We can file and secure all needed permits, and customs clearance.

On-Line property search - Use our web site to search for your ideal home, apartment, house, villa or apartment building for rent

Please find here comprehensive information about relocations and long term rents in Prague:

• Choosing where to live
• Areas of particular interest
• Rents
• Service and utility charges
• Security deposits
• Other Questions
• General Real Estate Practices and Useful Information
  • Real Estate Agency Services
  • Fees
  • Agent
  • Internet connections
  • International Schools
  • Useful links
• Relocation Services

Choosing Where to Live

Prague is divided into numbered districts, Prague 1-15, consisting of many smaller neighborhoods that in some cases overlap the district boundaries. (Note: Prague districts 4, 5, 8, 9, and 10 were recently divided, creating districts 11-15. However, the older district numbers are still more commonly used and are used on our website, i.e. Prague 1-10).

The center of Prague includes Prague 1, 2, areas of Prague 7, and the Smichov/riverbank area in Prague 5. Besides being the historical and commercial center, for many this is the most romantic part of the city offering charming old world architecture, cafes, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and excellent public transportation connections. The Center can be loosely described as everything within walking distance of The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. We recommend these areas particularly for singles and couples without children.

Families often prefer to live in more residential areas close to the international schools in Prague 4, 5, and 6.

The Prague Experience: Prague is relatively small with charming neighborhoods throughout and an excellent public transportation system. Depending on your life style and family needs, you can expect to find a suitable home wherever you choose to live. Prague 8 and 9 are a bit less convenient, and less popular among expatriates, but may have lower prices. However, good values can be found anywhere.

Areas of Particular Interest

Prague 1 is the oldest and most central part of Prague. Spanning both sides of the river, it includes Mala Strana and Old Town. Prague Castle, The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are all in Prague 1.

Old Town (Stare Mesto) is the center of historic Prague 1. The architecture of centuries as far back as the 11th century has been almost completely preserved giving Old Town a magical atmosphere. It is very lively with many restaurants, sidewalk cafes, shops, businesses and nightlife.

The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is a small section of Old Town, and has all the same character. It was almost entirely rebuilt from the ground up during the 19th Century. The buildings are beautifully ornamented with sculptures and reliefs.

Mala Strana (The Small Side) is across the river from Old Town and Josefov. Nestled just below Prague castle, Mala Strana is a romantic old neighborhood with picturesque buildings crowded along twisting cobblestone lanes. Much of the oldest architecture in Prague can be found in Mala Strana. Though Old Town was the first part of the city to be settled, beginning in about the 15th Century various parts of the area have been reconstructed. Mala Strana might have more of a fairy tale feeling than even Old Town. There are many shops and cafes, but few offices - giving Mala Strana a more relaxed character than the other side of the river.

Hradcany is the quaint neighborhood directly surrounding Prague Castle on the top of the hill. 'Mala Strana' is usually understood to include both Mala Strana below and Hradcany above.

Prague 2 is also considered to be part of the center. It is quieter, greener, and has more of a residential character than Prague 1. Most of the buildings are from the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Vinohrady is a very popular residential neighborhood on the hill in Prague 2, located just above Vaclavske Namesti (Wenceslas Square) and behind the National Museum. Though easily in walking distance of Old Town, it is not a tourist area. The name means 'Vineyards' in Czech, and this entire area was actually the royal vineyard until only 150 years ago. Some vineyards still exist on the southern slope of the hill. Vinohrady is a residential area, having apartments with classic architecture from the turn of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (high ceilings, traditional lines, ornate facades, etc.). Vinohrady has many good restaurants and is convenient to shopping and transportation.

Nove mesto (New Town) is the area that was settled around Old Town as it spread eastward from the Vltava river. Partly in Prague 1 and mostly in Prague 2, Nove Mesto has beautiful architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries but is more urban than Vinohrady. Next to Old Town, but not as exclusive, Nove Mesto is quickly developing a unique character and is often compared with New York's SOHO or San Francisco's SOMA. Many innovative new cafes and restaurants have opened in the area. One particularly stylish part of Nove Mesto is even being called SONA, because it is south of Narodni Trida (Narodni Avenue).

Prague 4 is a large district in the southern part of Prague extending from the lower edge of the center to the city limits. The southern part of Prague 4 includes many small villages and towns with quaint centers, residential neighborhoods and open farmland. There are several major hypermarkets in Prague 4.

Pruhonice is a pleasant village with quite a large expatriate community a few minutes south of Prague 4 (because of its proximity to the Prague 4 schools, for your convenience in your search, we have included Pruhonice in Prague 4). Many new houses have been built in this tranquil area, convenient to the English International School in Libus, and highway links to the ring road, Brno and the center.

Prague 5 extends from the bank of the Vltava River to the western edge of the city. The area has a mix of houses (also referred to as villas) large row houses and apartments. Prague 5 has several newly built shopping centers including a major Carrefour shopping and commercial center at the metro station Andel and several other multi purpose shopping centers and multiplexes in and around Zlicin and Stodulky near Prague's western edge. Warehouse type stores such as Ikea, Tesco Hypermarket, Makro/Metro, Globus, Interspar, etc. are located in the area. Much of Prague 5 is convenient to the British, German, French, and American schools in Prague 5 and 6.

The Riverbank in Prague 1, 2 and 5 is near the center, picturesque, and offers many nice apartments in late 19th century and early 20th buildings with lovely views of the river and Prague settings.

Prague 6 extends from the castle to the northwestern edge of the city. This is a family area offering primarily single-family homes with gardens. Many embassies are located here, and the International School of Prague (an American style school with an American curriculum) is on the edge of Prague 6 in the small but growing village of Nebusice. Prague 6 has a number of classic Bauhaus and Functionalist villas built during the 20's and 30's as well as newly built modern homes. Most of Prague 6 is convenient to the British, German, French, and American schools in Prague 5 and 6.

Rents

Rents in Prague are comparable to those in similar cosmopolitan cities around the world.

The rents listed by Prague real estate agencies are the asking prices given by the property owners. Though not in every case, rents are often negotiable. Keeping in mind that some properties have already had their prices reduced to reflect the current market, you should still shop for properties costing as much as 5 - 10% more than your budget. Your agent will have some idea of how negotiable the rent might be. You might not get your price, but you can always make an offer.

There are many furnished apartments on the market, but the supply of good quality furnished houses is more limited. Some landlords will agree to buy furniture if the terms of the lease are good enough.

It should be noted that much of the housing in the Czech Republic is subject to some form of rent control. Just after the revolution, rents were all but frozen on all occupied residential properties and the existing tenants were given permanent rights to stay in those apartments; however when an original tenant vacates a property the rent can be increased to a free market rent.

Service and Utility Charges

Residential tenants in Prague pay charges for their own gas, electric, telephone and other utilities. Almost all rents are expressed exclusive of utility charges. Except for telephones, most utilities are billed only once or twice per year. Tenants pay regular utility deposits, which are reconciled when the bills with the final meter readings are received. Utility bills typically remain in the name of the landlord. Tenants either reimburse their landlords or pay the suppliers directly.

Service charges or Common charges cover the cost of maintaining the shared parts of a building (electricity and cleaning in the public halls, elevator maintenance, management, etc.) in the case of a multi-family apartment building. Services/common charges are pass through charges which building managers pay directly to the suppliers. In most leases for residential rentals, the part of the rent that covers services is not specified, however, some leases list 'Rent' and 'Services' as two separate charges.

Security Deposits

In the Prague real estate market, at the beginning of a lease for an apartment or a house, a tenant gives their landlord a security deposit equal to 1-3 months' rent. The landlord holds this money for the duration of the lease term and is allowed to use it only if the tenant damages the property or fails to make the agreed payments. The landlord returns the security deposit at the end of the lease as soon as the property is vacated and all of the tenant's bills are paid. The security deposit is often equal to one month rent, but 2 or 3 months is common in more exclusive or furnished properties.

Other questions?

For other questions concerning procedures for purchasing real estate in the Czech Republic, renting your investment, management, taxes, title searches, lawyers and other legal issues, please feel free to contact Prague-Stay at info@prague-stay.com or call +420 257 328 281 or extended hours line at +420 602 774 522

Real Estate Agency Services

The primary services which Prague real estate agencies provide are searching for and presenting appropriate properties, mediating, and facilitating the signing of lease or sale agreements.

Agency fees are due when the lease is signed or, in the case of a sale, when the property is transferred to the name of the buyer.

Fees

Real estate agencies in Prague charge their clients a commission equal to one-month rent for the long term leasing of residential property. Long Term means 6 months or more. Fees are typically due when a lease is signed.

It should be noted that landlords in Prague also pay agency fees when brokers provide them with renters for their residential properties. Many times one agent will represent the tenant, while a second will represent the owner. Each party would then pay their own real estate agent. In some cases one agent will do the mediation for both the tenant and the landlord, and will collect a commission from each side. Prague-Stay, in representing both the owner and the tenant, will offer each side the best information about the market to help them reach an agreement with which they are both happy.

Pointers

Agents: Don't contact every agent in town.Prague agencies share their properties and owners frequently list with several agencies at the same time. In searching for a home for lease, we recommend that you use no more than 2 agencies. A good real estate agent will search other agencies for apartments or houses, evaluate what is available and put together a short list so that their client can find the right property while attending only a few well-organized showings. It's best to start with one or two agents, and then if you don't feel you have found the one who understands your needs and who is doing the work needed for you, call another agency. Leave the work to the agent.

Internet connections: In most locations it is possible to get high speed Internet through one of the service providers. In some buildings Internet connection through cable TV is available and in others it is possible to get ISDN or ADSL through a telecom company, or you can connect anywhere with your mobile phone through GPRS.Although more expensive, there are many other ways to connect; for example, a whole range of high speed microwave connections..

International Schools

Prague offers a number of international schools. The list below is not exhaustive, but includes the schools most commonly asked for.

U.S.A. - The International School of Prague (ISP) is located in Prague 6, Nebusice. The ISP is convenient to all of Prague 6, parts of Prague 5, and the villages of Nebusice, Horomerice, Predni Kopanina and Mala Sarka. Mala Sarka is a subdivision with an American suburban character that directly adjoins the school campus. This neighborhood is home to families having school children from all over the world. ISP offers an educational program for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The curriculum is that of a U.S. private or independent school, with modifications made to meet the needs of students of all nationalities. More information about the International School of Prague is available at www.isp.cz.

U.K. - The British International School of Prague has four sites strategically placed in Prague to serve the residential areas of the city where expatriates tend to live. The Primary Schools in Prague 6, Bubenec and Prague 4, Podoli are family units staffed by experienced teachers trained in the UK. At Prague 4, Branik there is an Early Years Unit for pre-nursery to Year 1 children. The Secondary School is presently situated at the Nove Butovice site in the Jinonice area of Prague 5, and is easily accessible by public transportation. The school has buses from the Prague 4 locations to the Prague 5 site for those families whose children are in both locations. The school follows the British (English) National Curriculum. Families with children attending Prague 4 schools typically live in this part of the city, or in the village of Pruhonice just to the southeast. More information about the British International School of Prague is available at www.bisp.cz.

The English International School, Prague has two sites in Prague 4, the Kunratice campus is for children 2-5 years old and the Libus campus is for children 5-13. Students are prepared for selective entry examinations, including Common Entrance, at 11+ and at 13+. Many pupils then transfer to the English College in Prague whilst others go on to boarding or day schools in the UK and elsewhere. More information is available at www.eisp.cz, and http://www.cobisec.org/eis_prague.htm

U.K. - The English College is located in Prague 9, at Sokolska 320. The school is convenient to public transportation. Families with students attending the English College usually live in other areas of Prague and the students use public transportation. The English College Foundation, London, established the English College in Prague to provide a broad and balanced education in English" for students between 13 and 19. More information is available at www.englishcollege.cz.

U.K. - Riverside School in Roztoky, just at the northern border of Prague 6, is a private school with Christian affiliations, for children aged 3-13 years, staffed by a UK & US qualified team, equipped with British National Curriculum and American Teaching Resources. Prague 6 and the villages of Roztoky, Nebusice and Horomerice are all convenient to the school. More information is available at www.riversideschool.cz.

France - Lycee Francais de Prague is located just southwest of the city center in Smichov, Prague 5. It is convenient to the center, the riverbank and to Prague 5. More information is available at www.lfp.cz or from the school at +420 257317611.

Germany - The German school, for children of all ages from Kindergarten through Gymnasium has just opened their newly built modern campus in Prague 5, Jinonice, Schwarzenberska 1. More information is available at www.dsp-praha.cz or from the school at +420 23111725.

Preschools

Prague 4 - The International Montessori Preschool is the newest Montessori school in Prague. It is taught in English. They enroll toddlers 18 months - 3 years and primary students ages 3-6. The school is located at Blatenska 2145, Prague 4-Roztyly and is convenient by metro and by car. Get more information on their website at www.montessori.cz

Prague 6 - Bumble Bee has preschool children from ages 3-6 and an after school club for children ages 6-10 and summer session for children ages 3-10 weekdays from 8am until 6 pm. More information is available on their website www.bumblebee.cz

Useful Links

Czech Information Center

The Czech Republic

Weather Forecast

International Women's Association of Prague

Grafton - Recruitment Company

American Dental Associates

top

Relocation Services

Prague-Stay can tailor a relocation package to suit the needs of our clients including filing applications for work permits, residence visas and customs clearance. We familiarize newcomers with Prague, its neighborhoods, schools, resources, entertainment spots, restaurants, medical facilities, mobile phones and any other information about living in Prague and getting settled in a new home that a new resident would need. We can make recommendations for housekeeping and babysitting services. We make ourselves available at any time, days, evenings and weekends to be of service to our clients.