Watch out for "robber" porters, if your taxi drops you in the underground carpark. They take your bags out of the boot and then try to extort a large sum from you to carry them up a short flight of stairs. I guess it's a matter of either avoiding this carpark, or being brave by outfacing the porters, or grabbing your bag first and running!

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We loved this hotel though not everyone does, because of problems with plumbing etc, although ours worked fine. Faded glory it may be, but it’s a hotel full of character, with large bedrooms, right on the Bund, and has terrific views from the rooftop bar.

20 Nanjing Road(E);
tel: (8621) 63216888;
www.shanghaipeacehotel.com, although we booked through www.asiarooms.com

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A rather charming boutique hotel opposite the Betlem Chapel, bang in the centre of the Old Town, a few minutes stroll to the Old Town Square or to the King Charles Bridge. Not particularly cheap - I think we paid around £100 B&B, but ideal if you're splashing out and want to stay somewhere full of character and in the Old Town itself.

As you come out of the hotel facing the chapel, turn left and two minutes' walk brings you to a (student) bar, warm and friendly, with food (and comfortable sofa seating) available. Brill for a drop of strong liquor, beer, mulled wine, or all three.

About 300 metres across the other side of the King Charles Bridge, in Mala Strana, at "At the Black Eagle" bistro, we had a three course evening meal, which included pork and dumplings or fried carp, plus a bottle of Moravian wine... £20 for the two of us. Brill again!

A man in a yellow anorak persuaded us to take a 2 hour lunchtime boat ride on the Vltava with as-much-as you-can-eat buffet and free(ish) drinks. It was raining. It was great.

The Sex Machines Museum (including naughty film) just off the Old Town Square is worth visiting especially if there's a group of senior citizens from Liverpool there as well. Said one, "I'd rather go to the dentist"! Thrice brill!

Betlemske namesti 9, Stare Mesto;
tel 222 221 574;
www.a-prague.com/hotel-betlem-club

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