FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT SOPHIE’S HOSTEL
Is reception open 24 hours?
Yes, we have a friendly, informative receptionist on duty 24 hours every day of the year to ensure you have the best possible stay.
When can I check in?
Generally speaking, check-in is at 3pm. However, we know your travelling boots will be tired so we’ll let you check in as soon as your room or bed is ready. You are welcome to store your bags in the luggage room or use the common facilities while you wait.
When do I have to leave?
It’s hard to see you go but since you’ll be traveling on, we ask that you check out by 11am to make room for incoming guests. The lockers and lounge will still be at your disposal, of course.
What does the price include?
Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there – taxes! In addition to regular taxes there is also a per head “tourist tax” in Prague. But you don’t need to worry about them because they’re already included. Likewise, we don’t think our beds would be very comfortable if we didn’t put linens on them so the price includes:
•private rooms and apartments: taxes, towels, linens, daily housekeeping
•shared rooms: taxes, linens, daily housekeeping
Where are the bathrooms?
All private rooms and apartments have a stylish private bathroom with towels, hair dryer, designer toiletries…and our famous rain-dance shower heads!
Most shared rooms have private bathrooms also but in rare cases you might share 1 bathroom between 2 shared rooms.
How can I pay?
The mighty Czech Koruna (or “crown”) or the even mightier Euro (at our current in-house exchange rate) are both accepted, as are credit cards.
I don’t have a credit card. Can I still make a reservation?
Sure, but only during non-peak season. If you do not have a credit card, we also accept advance payment through a bank transfer to secure your reservation.
You might also be able to make a non-confirmed reservation, whereby you must call or email to confirm two days before your arrival. This also requires that you arrive by 3pm or call again to reconfirm on the day of your arrival. This option is not always available so email us and we’ll see what we can work out for you: info@sophieshostel.com.
Is there a minimum or maximum stay requirement?
For most of the year we have no minimum stay requirements, although on peak holidays – Easter and New Years Eve – there is usually a 3-4 night minimum stay.
Extended stays for more than 7 nights are only accepted with prior discussion. Please email us with your requirements.
I need a visa for the Czech Republic. Can Sophie’s Hostel send me a reservation confirmation so I can apply?
Yes. If you require a letter of confirmation of your reservation with our official stamp and signature in order to apply for a visa, please allow up to 3 days for us to prepare this document. There is a non-refundable processing fee of 300 CZK and we require full non-refundable prepayment of your reservation. These payments are non-refundable in all circumstances. Please also note that we can only send these letters as a .pdf attachment via email.
To find out whether you need a visa to visit the Czech Republic you can visit this website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Are the shared dorm rooms mixed-gender?
While most of our shared dorm rooms are mixed gender, we do offer one female-only and one male-only dormitory.
We’re traveling as a small group – can we stay in the same room?
Yes, booking a private room is the best way to ensure that you will be together. If that’s not possible, booking under one reservation will increase your chances of being in the same room. If you’ve booked separately, you can still try emailing us to let us know your preference. We will do our best to accommodate you but can’t make any guarantees.
Can I have breakfast at Sophie’s Hostel?
Yes! Our chefs proudly prepare breakfast fresh every morning between 8am and 12 noon. You can choose the lighter, all-you-can-eat buffet for 150 CZK which includes breads, ham, cheese, jams, yoghurt, granola, fruits, juice, tea and coffee. Or upgrade to the hot brunch option for 200 CZK to enjoy freshly prepared hot items, such as eggs, bacon, pancakes and more!
Will my things be safe at Sophie’s Hostel?
For the safety of our guests and their belongings, we offer:
• keycard entry for all rooms
• secure luggage room*
• lockable storage boxes under dorm-room beds*
• code-locked safes in all the private rooms and apartments
• 24-hour reception
*Lockers require a separate lock. If you do not have one of your own you can borrow a padlock from the reception free of charge.
Do you provide a map of Prague?
Yes! We provide guests with a free customized map of Prague full of great helpful information and recommendations for our favorite places to eat, shop, sight-see, and more!
Is there anything interesting going on while I’m Prague?
Prague is a city with lots of things going on no matter the season! Find cultural and art exhibitions, live music and concerts, outdoor markets, sporting events and more in addition to Prague’s must sees.
For specific events in and around Prague, we recommend visiting the following sites:
Goout.cz
Prague TV
Expats.cz
Prague Events Calendar
Prague Monitor
Ticketpro Agency
Facebook Group
Eventful.com
As always, if you have any questions about upcoming events or things to do and see in Prague, feel free to ask our friendly receptionists.
How can I stay connected with Sophie’s Hostel?
There are heaps of ways! Follow us on Twitter, ‘like’ us on Facebook, find us on Flickr, leave a review on Tripadvisor…and our favourite way: come back to visit!
Does Sophie’s Hostel offer a discount for ISIC cardholders?
Yes, ISIC, ITIC and IYTC card holders receive a 5% discount for bookings made via our booking engine or by email. To make a booking or check our rates, use the booking widget at the top of this page. Use the promo code ISIC when booking and your total will be automatically reduced by 5%. You must show your card at check in, in order to receive the discounted rate. ISIC discount not applicable for December 28th-January 2nd. For more ideas before you arrive, check out ISIC.
Some final but important points to remember!
On occasion, due to the nature of hostels, it can happen that guests need to move rooms during their stay despite our best efforts to limit and avoid such cases.
Sophie’s Hostel is a hotel/hostel for travellers, not for workers. For this reason we have a 7 night maximum stay in any 3 month period.
All bookings must be paid for on arrival or at the time of extension.
We do not allow check out and check in of rooms on the same day, unless there is no other option available. i.e. no bed/room hopping!
We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if we feel they are disturbing the general operation of the hostel, other guests or our staff.
We kindly ask guests for understanding.
How Does Prague’s Public Transportation Operate?
Metros run from 5am to midnight. Depending on the day and time, metros can be 3-9 minutes apart. Day trams also operate from 5am to midnight. From midnight to 5am, you can catch a night tram on most high-traffic tram routes. Night trams (and only night trams) are numbered in the 90’s (i.e., 91, 92, etc.). Tickets can be purchased in the metro station or from our reception:
• 24 CZK (30 minutes, one mode of transportation)
• 32 CZK (75 minutes, multiple modes of transportation)
• 110 CZK (24 hour pass, unlimited use of public transportation)
• Or, ask our receptionist about our discounted rental passes!
The closest metro and tram stop to Sophie’s Hostel is IP Pavlova and you will find directions to Sophie’s here.
Online consumer disputes
Click on this link to the website of the European Commission’s entity for online dispute resolution for consumer disputes.