I live in the Czech Republic, so often visit Prague on business or pleasure. Finding reasonably priced accommodation in the center of Prague is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack!

It is for this reason that the Hotel Extol Inn, located in Pristavni Street in Prague 7, came as such a pleasant surprise to me on my last trip to Prague! The hotel is 100 meters from the streetcar stop “Delnicka” from which there is a frequent, 24-hour service, taking a mere 10 minutes right into the city center. It is the norm that accommodation so centrally located in the Czech capital is exorbitantly priced - or very bad! Extol Inn is neither.

Having been completely reconstructed and refurbished in 2003, both the facade and interior of the Hotel are modern and pleasing to the eye. There is adequate parking at the Hotel, either in the street or in their secure car park at an additional charge.

The Hotel has 3 categories of accommodation. The Economy rate has 132 beds in apartments which share bathroom facilities between 2 or 3 rooms. Each room is either single, double or triple. The room I chose was in the Economy category - a basic single – and was spotlessly clean, newly furnished and decorated. The mattress was firm and comfortable and the carpet and other furniture appeared brand new.

The room contained no frills, such as TV, mini bar etc. but as I was merely overnighting en route to the Airport the next morning, all I required was clean, secure and comfortable accommodation near the center of Prague, without breaking the bank! Hotel Extol Inn met all these requirements more than adequately.

The modern bathroom, shared with 2 other rooms, contained a shower, wash basin and toilet and was a few meters from my door. It too was kept in a pristine condition.

The second category of accommodation is Standard, comprising 53 beds in singles, doubles or triples, also with shared bathroom facilities, but with TV and a few other extra touches. The third Luxury category comprises 108 beds in singles, doubles or triples with en suite bathrooms.

There is a pleasant bar and restaurant, serving an excellent buffet breakfast which is included in the extremely reasonable overnight rate. The a la Carte restaurant also offers excellent traditional Czech and international fare at all hours.

A Sauna and Whirlpool bath are available at a small cost to guests who wish to wind down after a hectic day of sightseeing in Prague. The hotel is fully accessible to wheelchairs. I found the free Internet access an added convenience, as I could send off last-minute E-mails to my family before departing on my flight.

Security is excellent, with guests being provided with security cards to the main entrance and rooms. The Hotel is situated in a quiet street, so traffic noise is minimal.

The Hotel receptionists are all most helpful and friendly. All my queries were answered and transport to the Airport was ordered promptly for me on the morning of my departure.

There is a special discount rate for Hostelling International members and large groups travelling together.

For anyone who is desperately searching for pleasant, secure, economical accommodation with every basic need taken care of, right in the heart of Prague, I could not recommend Hotel Extol Inn more highly.