Think the closest you’ll get to a European vacation this summer is “international land” at a mega-theme park? Consider this. Long-overlooked by tourists, former Socialist cities in Eastern and Central Europe have become some of the trendiest – and most affordable – international destinations.
Booking.com, the international business unit of priceline.com® (Nasdaq: PCLN), offers hotel reservation services in 54 countries, in 15 languages, with approximately 34,000 participating hotel partners. Priceline.com recently asked its on-the-ground staff in Europe to recommend cities where U.S. visitors can enjoy a truly international experience without breaking the bank. The European experts offered up their personal favorites that included five Eastern and Central European cities – Prague, Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary; Krakow, Poland; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Tallinn, Estonia.
Priceline.com (www.priceline.com) offers a range of airline tickets, hotel rooms, air/hotel packages and rental cars for its customers travelling to Europe. In addition to Priceline.com, customers can find even more European hotels by visiting Priceline.com’s sister web sites, www.booking.com and www.priceline.co.uk. All prices on Booking.com and priceline.co.uk are shown in euros or pound sterling. Hotel prices quoted below were available on July 24, 2007 and were converted into U.S. dollars based on that day’s exchange rates.
Here are some tips, recommendations and personal comments from the Booking.com staff.
PRAGUE – The Czech Republic
Prague is the Czech Republic’s capital and largest city, situated by the Vltava river. Prague has been the political, cultural and economical center of the Czech state for over 1,000 years. It is one of the most visited cities on the European continent and there are many reasons why the city is so popular.
The beautiful medieval city is truly picturesque and still relatively cheap by European standards. Stroll around the old town on cobblestone streets amid spectacular buildings, churches and castles. Enjoy fine meals at the pubs and restaurants accompanied with world famous Czech beer. Visit museums, listen to concerts or dance all night long at one of the many clubs and bars. After shopping and sightseeing, relax in the peaceful, leafy grounds of Vysehrad or Stromovka Park.
Getting There
Sample priceline.com airfares to Prague*. Sample fares were available as of July 13, 2007. To research or book flights to Prague, visit http://www.priceline.com/flights/
From New York (Aug. 6-13) $772 From Chicago (Aug. 13-21) $891 From Los Angeles (Aug. 6-13) $1,486 * Fares above are round-trip based on required round-trip purchase for economy class travel. Tickets must be purchased no later than August 23, 2007 and advance purchase of up to 14 days may be required. Fares shown above are valid for travel Monday through Thursday, from 7/23/07 through 9/6/07. Fares for other days of the week are higher. Fares require a Saturday-night minimum stay, and a maximum stay of 30 days is permitted. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares do not include fees, taxes and airport charges up to $125, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Fares do include an airline-imposed fuel surcharge of $ 120-$ 170 per round trip itinerary, varying by destination. Fares are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable. Change fees apply. Space is limited and subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
Where to stay
Hotel Jalta ***** - from $136
Hotel Jalta is a luxury 5-star hotel in an exceptional central location on Wenceslas Square in Prague. The hotel is modern and trendy with a chic and elegant restaurant, which serves delicious meals and breakfasts. There’s also a Café-Bar with summer terrace and a casino.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/jalta.html?sid=33e19cf4051034d2e23 31c007f369d5e (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
987 Prague Hotel **** - from $136
The new stylish 4-star Prague Hotel opened in 2006 and combines the best in contemporary design and modern technology with a superb location in the heart of Prague. The hotel is a dramatic and daring reinvention of urban design that brings energy, vitality and magic to the atmosphere. The hotel is well-located for exploring the historic beauty of magnificent Prague.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/987praguehotel.html?sid=33e19cf405 1034d2e2331c007f369d5e (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Hotel Athena Palace *** - from $96
Three-star Hotel Athena Palace is located in the heart of Prague near the Charles Square in a 14th century gothic building. The hotel has friendly staff and a romantic and historic atmosphere with antique furniture.
The hotel is near all the sights of Prague such as the Old Town square, the National Museum and the city’s many boutiques, restaurants, pubs, clubs and casinos.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/athena-palace.html?sid=33e19cf4051 034d2e2331c007f369d5e (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Inclusive Air & Hotel Packages
All packages include round-trip airfare to Prague, hotel accommodations, plus all taxes and fees. Quoted packages were available on July 13, 2007. Prices and available are not guaranteed and can change at any time.
From New York (August 6-13), $1,138 per person. Includes round-trip airfare and 6 nights accommodations at the 4-star Corinthia Panorama Hotel.
From Chicago (August 20-27), $1,300 per person. Includes round-trip airfare and 6 nights accommodations at the 3-star Hotel Barcelo Praha.
From Washington, DC (Aug. 3-10), $1,608 per person. Includes round-trip airfare and 6 nights accommodations at the 5-star Intercontinental Praha Hotel.
To research or book a vacation package to Prague, visit http://www.priceline.com/vacationpackages/
BUDAPEST - Hungary
With all of its history, architecture and culture, Hungary's capital Budapest deserves its reputation as the “Paris of Central Europe.” After centuries of destructive wars, followed by dramatic rebuilds, the city offers an eclectic collection of architectural styles ranging from Roman ruins to Turkish, neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau and Stalinist block house chic. Budapest has a complex identity, somewhere between Western luxury and simple traditions.
The city averages 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, among the highest in Europe, providing many opportunities to visit Budapest in fine weather. The city straddles a gentle curve in the river Danube. It has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses. Musical entertainment is varied from opera concerts to garage and salsa, and all at bargain prices. The city's restaurants and bars offers everything from goulash to sushi and premium lagers to exotic cocktails.
Getting There
Sample priceline.com airfares to Budapest.* Sample fares were available as of July 13, 2007. To research or book flights to Budapest, visit http://www.priceline.com/flights/
From New York (Aug. 13-20) $1,004 From Washington, DC (Aug. 7-22) $1,063 From Chicago (Aug. 23-29) $1,030 * Fares above are round-trip based on required round-trip purchase for economy class travel. Tickets must be purchased no later than August 23, 2007 and advance purchase of up to 14 days may be required. Fares shown above are valid for travel Monday through Thursday, from 7/23/07 through 9/6/07. Fares for other days of the week are higher. Fares require a Saturday-night minimum stay, and a maximum stay of 30 days is permitted. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares do not include fees, taxes and airport charges up to $125, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Fares do include an airline-imposed fuel surcharge of $ 120-$ 170 per round trip itinerary, varying by destination. Fares are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable. Change fees apply. Space is limited and subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
Where to stay
Atrium Hotel **** - from $129
The Atrium Hotel is a sensational new hotel in downtown Budapest, combining cutting edge design with 4-star luxury. This brand new hotel is located on a quiet side street in the city center of Budapest. The hotel provides excellent service in a radiating atmosphere. Enjoy the delicious buffet breakfast, the Cafe & Bar and wireless Internet access.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/atrium.html?sid=e13d1d32adab57954d 84a4581eee9f53 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Boutique Hotel Zara **** - from $140
In the center of Budapest, on the famous Váci Street, Boutique Hotel Zara represents the very best in modern and relaxing urban design. This four-star hotel is a great choice for everyone who wants a unique and exclusive stay in Budapest. The hotel is surrounded by hundreds of boutiques, shops, cafés, restaurants and many of the cities most famous sights.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/boutique-zara.html?sid=4x39d1ababb 5479f3ebf583de9026b05 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Hotel Central Basilica *** - from $108
Hotel Central Basilica is a new three-star hotel in the heart of the Hungarian capital. The hotel was built in 1840 and is situated very centrally in historical surroundings. Central Basilica offers a restful stay to both leisure and business travellers who want to explore Budapest from downtown. The hotel is known for its friendly and helpful staff.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/central-basilica.html?sid=4c39d1ab abb5479f3ebf583de9026b05 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Inclusive Air & Hotel Packages
All packages include round-trip airfare to Budapest, hotel accommodations, plus all taxes and fees. Quoted packages were available on July 13, 2007. Prices and available are not guaranteed and can change at any time.
From New York (August 6-13), $1,443 per person. Includes round-trip airfare and 6 nights accommodations at the 4-star Intercontinental Budapest Hotel.
From Chicago (August 20-27), $1,415 per person. Includes round-trip airfare and 6 nights accommodations at the 3-star Ramada Budapest Hotel.
From Washington, DC (Aug. 3-10), $1,809 per person. Includes round-trip airfare and 6 nights accommodations at the 3-star Novotel Budapest Congress Hotel.
To research or book a vacation package to Budapest, visit http://www.priceline.com/vacationpackages/
KRAKOW - Poland
Krakow has for centuries been the capital of the Polish kingdom. Today, it is southern Poland’s metropolis and the premier tourist destination in the country. This vibrant city is proud of its long and glorious history, rich heritage, and architectural beauty.
Krakow represents a synthesis of all things Polish, connecting tradition with modernity. In the special atmosphere of the beautiful and mysterious streets of the Old Town and Kazimierz, visitors will find everything they need for a relaxing getaway. Galleries full of exhibitions, cafes, pubs and restaurants: all of this is an integral part of any visit to Krakow. The city is also a crucial centre for business and education.
Getting There
Sample priceline.com airfares to Krakow.* Sample fares were available as of July 13, 2007. To research or book flights to Krakow, visit http://www.priceline.com/flights/
From New York (Aug. 8-15) $1,004 From Washington, DC (Aug. 4-26) $1,050 From Chicago (Aug. 15-29) $1,009 From Los Angeles (Aug. 6-13) $1,222 * Fares above are round-trip based on required round-trip purchase for economy class travel. Tickets must be purchased no later than August 23, 2007 and advance purchase of up to 14 days may be required. Fares shown above are valid for travel Monday through Thursday, from 7/23/07 through 9/6/07. Fares for other days of the week are higher. Fares require a Saturday-night minimum stay, and a maximum stay of 30 days is permitted. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares do not include fees, taxes and airport charges up to $125, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Fares do include an airline-imposed fuel surcharge of $ 120-$ 170 per round trip itinerary, varying by destination. Fares are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable. Change fees apply. Space is limited and subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
Where to stay
Grand Hotel ***** - from $151
In the heart of Old Krakow, close by the Main Square, stands the Grand Hotel, a luxury five-star property. The hotel has a unique feel with its restored fireplaces, paintings and antique furniture. The interior is elegant and luxurious and the staff is friendly and helpful,
http://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/grand.html?sid=e13d1d32adab57954d8 4a4581eee9f53 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Andel's Hotel **** - from $170
Four-star Andel’s Hotel opened in May 2007 and offers the latest in contemporary comfort and modern convenience in the heart of beautiful Krakow. The hotel’s modernity contrasts vividly with the historic beauty of its surroundings in Kracow’s old town. Andel’s Hotel is conveniently situated close to many museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants and Krakow’s historic market square.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/andelscracow.html?sid=16f20c959082 f396efde73c6457278da (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Hotel Batory *** – from $122
The three-star Hotel Batory is a cozy family-run hotel situated in the city center of Krakow, near the Old Town, the Jewish District-Kazimierz and the bus and railway station. The hotel offers a nice, warm and homely atmosphere with friendly staff, delicious breakfast and comfortable rooms.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/krakow_batory.html?sid=16f20c95908 2f396efde73c6457278da (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
TALLINN - Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia's lively and growing capital city, is a hot new destination in Eastern Europe. With a rich culture and history, you'll be surprised when you arrive that it wasn't “discovered” by tourists long ago. The nightlife is huge and a range of bars, clubs and restaurants are available to make the evenings memorable.
The medieval city is famous for its beautiful old parts and it’s easy to get around on foot. The Old Town is a compact maze of cobblestone streets, historical buildings, great views and has a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Tallinn is full of museums, covering history, nature, art and architecture. For art lovers, museums show a range of established artists, and the city's art scene also offers constantly changing exhibits in galleries and halls.
Getting There
Sample priceline.com airfares to Tallinn.* Sample fares were available as of July 13, 2007. To research or book flights to Tallinn, visit http://www.priceline.com/flights/
From New York (Aug. 6-14) $1,004 From Washington, DC (Aug. 7-14) $1,121 From Chicago (Aug. 14-31) $1,065 From Los Angeles (Aug. 21-29) $1,422 * Fares above are round-trip based on required round-trip purchase for economy class travel. Tickets must be purchased no later than August 23, 2007 and advance purchase of up to 14 days may be required. Fares shown above are valid for travel Monday through Thursday, from 7/23/07 through 9/6/07. Fares for other days of the week are higher. Fares require a Saturday-night minimum stay, and a maximum stay of 30 days is permitted. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares do not include fees, taxes and airport charges up to $125, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Fares do include an airline-imposed fuel surcharge of $ 120-$ 170 per round trip itinerary, varying by destination. Fares are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable. Change fees apply. Space is limited and subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
Where to stay
Savoy Boutique Hotel ***** - from $181
The five-star Savoy Boutique Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Tallinn. The hotel is exclusive and private with stylish and comfortable rooms equipped with luxuries including slippers, bathrobes, aromatic massage oils and body lotions.
The hotel is just a few steps away from Tallinn’s wide range of cafes, restaurants, wine cellars, theatres, nightclubs, galleries and boutiques.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/ee/savoy-boutique.html?sid=4c39d1abab b5479f3ebf583de9026b05 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Merchant’s House Hotel **** - from $185
Steeped in local history, the four-star Merchant’s House Hotel stands on a charming cobbled street in the heart of Tallinn’s beautiful Old Town area. The hotel has charming rooms which all vary in shape and design due to the flexibility and character provided by the historical building. The hotel offers an exciting combination of medieval architecture and state-of-the art fixtures and fittings.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/ee/merchantshousehotel.html?sid=20dc5 a03292f0dd0bc0fd73437d1e81f (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark *** - from $99
The new three-star Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark offers an oasis in Tallinn’s Old Town. This is a great place to rest after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel offers a comprehensive choice of massage therapies and packages, facial, body and beauty treatments. The price of the hotel room includes use of the Water Park, gym and saunas.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/ee/kalev-spa.html?sid=20dc5a03292f0dd 0bc0fd73437d1e81f (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
VILNIUS - Lithuania
Lithuania is a strong newcomer as a favored tourist destination in Eastern Europe. The capital Vilnius is gorgeously picturesque and boasts a Baroque Old Town that has been praised as the “New Prague.” Amid the winding cobblestone streets of the old city, you can still feel you've been transported back to the 12th or 18th century.
There are plenty of historical and architectural masterpieces not to be missed in this city, including churches, cathedrals and castles. At the same time, modernity mingles in the form of a bustling new business center with skyscrapers, fashionable shopping centres and stylish café’s. The nightlife offers a wide range of bars and clubs. Lithuanian beer is considered to be the national drink and should be enjoyed together with one of the distinctive local dishes.
Getting There
Sample priceline.com airfares to Vilnius.* Sample fares were available as of July 13, 2007. To research or book flights to Vilnius, visit http://www.priceline.com/flights/
From New York (Aug. 6-14) $1,004 From Washington, DC (Aug. 6-16) $1,121 From Chicago (Aug. 9-29) $1,034 From Los Angeles (Aug. 27 - Sept. 3) $1,422 * Fares above are round-trip based on required round-trip purchase for economy class travel. Tickets must be purchased no later than August 23, 2007 and advance purchase of up to 14 days may be required. Fares shown above are valid for travel Monday through Thursday, from 7/23/07 through 9/6/07. Fares for other days of the week are higher. Fares require a Saturday-night minimum stay, and a maximum stay of 30 days is permitted. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares do not include fees, taxes and airport charges up to $125, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Fares do include an airline-imposed fuel surcharge of $ 120-$ 170 per round trip itinerary, varying by destination. Fares are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable. Change fees apply. Space is limited and subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
Where to stay
The Narutis Hotel ***** - from $143
Explore the Old Town of Lithuania's lively capital and discover winding streets, hidden courtyards and ancient church spires. In a prime position on the main artery of the Old Town, The five-star Narutis Hotel is a historical and luxurious place to stay. The hotel has many charming features, including an inner courtyard filled with flowers and unique rooms, all with varied design.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/lt/the-narutis.html?sid=46c2015bd2530 1d301712bc97d3efbd7 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Ramada Vilnius **** - from $128
The 4-star hotel Ramada Vilnius is placed in the center of the beautiful Old Town just in front of the famous Lithuanian National Philharmonic, with two theatres around the corner. The Vilnius Town Hall is nearby and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and museums in the area. Ramada Vilnius is a beautiful hotel with friendly staff and well decorated sparkling clean rooms.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/lt/ramadavilnius.html?sid=46c2015bd25 301d301712bc97d3efbd7 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
Hotel Europa City Vilnius *** - from $95
The three-star Europa City Hotel, which opened its doors in April 2003, is located in a new business area in the center of Vilnius near the Parliament buildings. The location is ideal for any visitor to Vilnius; The Old City is just a few minutes away, so are the main shopping districts and other main sights. This is a good value hotel in a great location.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/lt/europacity.html?sid=ef4313ed5fb0dd 6780be5c1fc1c94f7f (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
About Priceline.com® Incorporated
Priceline.com Incorporated (Nasdaq: PCLN) operates priceline.com, a leading U.S. online travel service for value-conscious leisure travelers, and Booking.com, a leading European online hotel reservation service.
In the U.S., priceline.com gives customers more ways to save on their airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, vacation packages and cruises than any other Internet travel service. In addition to getting the best published prices, leisure travelers can narrow their searches using priceline.com’s TripFilter™ advanced search technology, create packages to save even more money, and take advantage of priceline.com’s famous Name Your Own Price® service, which can deliver the lowest prices available.
Booking.com operates one of Europe’s fastest growing hotel reservation services through its Booking.com network of hotel reservation services, Activehotels.com and priceline.co.uk. Booking.com operates in 54 countries in 15 languages and offers its customers in Europe and the U.S. access to approximately 34,000 participating European hotels.
Priceline.com also operates the following travel websites: Travelweb.com, Lowestfare.com, RentalCars.com and BreezeNet.com. Priceline.com also has a personal finance service that offers home mortgages, refinancing and home equity loans through an independent licensee. Priceline.com licenses its business model to independent licensees, including priceline mortgage and certain international licensees.
For more information about priceline.com:
To book flights: http://www.priceline.com/flights/
To book hotels: http://www.priceline.com/hotels/
To book rental cars: http://www.priceline.com/rentalcars/
To book a vacation package: http://www.priceline.com/vacationpackages/
To book a cruise: http://www.pricelinecruiseoutlet.com
To see our PriceBreakers deals: http://www.priceline.com/pricebreakers
To check our travel guides: http://travela.priceline.com/travelguides/
To watch our TV ads: http://www.priceline.com/promo/shatner_pcln_negotiator.asp
Other priceline.com affiliated sites include:
General travel information and trip planning: http://www.mytravelguide.com
Travel reservations: http://www.lowestfare.com
Rental cars: http://www.RentalCars.com
European hotels: http://www.booking.com
Contacts:
Priceline.com
Brian Ek, 203-299-8167
brian.ek@priceline.com
