Reading reviews of this hotel before my stay, there were mixed comments, particulalrly in relation to the breakfasts and location of this hotel but it surpassed my expectations in both respects and in many others, too.

Firstly the location. Yes, it is out of the centre but that is a real plus in my view. Prague is very overcrowded with tourists and to be able to return to this quiet area was a real benefit and it is not that far from the centre of town. Public transport is excellent and easy to use and the nearest tram spot is two or three minutes walk from the hotel and the nearest metro station five to ten minutes walk. Unless you are really infirm you'll have no problem with this. One night I returned to the hotel at 2 am and had no trouble getting back on the night tram, which stopped at the metro station. From here it was an easy and safe walk back to Le Palais.

The breakfasts - an excellent buffet, plus you can order a cooked breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages etc, all included in the B and B price. The service was friendly and prompt - absolutely no complaints here.

My room, a standard double, was spacious and comfortable with high ceilings and a wonderful bathroom. View was nothing to speak of but then you can get all the views you want by going into the City itself. Room amenities were all you would require and I did not require free Internet access. The free mini-bar was replenished daily and was a nice touch.

For me the highlight of this hotel was the Spa and Fitness Centre. I must say I am not usually into such things but this one had a wow factor that would take me back to the hotel again and again. Used the gym, whirlpool and saunas every morning (included in the price) and had the place to myself. On the last day, feeling rather lethargic after lots of sight-seeing, I decided to go for a pre-departure treatment in the Spa. Wish I had done this earlier. I told them just what I needed, i.e. to be envigorated and not relaxed and this is precisely what happened. Having had massage treatments in other centres, I have never been that convinced of their efificacy but by this I was totally won over. It lasted just half and hour but I felt the benefits for days afterwards. If only I could fly to Prague every weekend, I'd be a new man! Not that cheap but worth every Czech crown.

On the subject of money, Prague is not cheap for UK visitors at the moment. The exchange rate is really down so forget cheap Eastern European prices - it is just as expensive as London, in some cases more so. Hoping for cheap music - not a bit of it: one hour choral concert in a Church £25, cheapest seat at the Opera - £45. Also, be very careful about changing your money. First time I did it I was ripped off. Many of the bureaus have boards displaying what seem to be very favourable rates but these rates only apply if you exchange the equivalent of over £1000-£1500. This is written in small letters in Czech and if you don't ask ( and the first time I didn't) you will be caught out. A nasty experience and one which overshadowed my short stay. Next time I will do the exchange here in the UK before I depart.

Reastaurants are also expensive - having had my fill of Czech cusine very quickly, I went somewhere more upmarket and found that a two course lunch with one glass of wine cost £60 per head.

All in all, the hotel is very good - perhaps it does not have that something extra that defines real five star but very good none-the-less and I'd go back for the Spa alone. Prague - very crowded and touristy and on top of that very expensive. Excellent and easily negotiated transport system. I wonder if visiting would be a different experience in the winter?