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The barebones Hostel Sokol offers 10 austere dorm rooms and three simple double rooms in the Michna Palace, a building known these days as the Trys Sport & Physical Training Museum. Now don't get visions of Bohemian grandeur dancing in your head: Those days are long gone. The building is more post-Communist than post-Wencelas and primarily serves as a gym.
However, the Sokol offers a brilliant exception to the Mala Strana room rate rules, in other words, it's cheap! Plus, it has a stellar location, and hostel guests can use the gym pool during the non-training months (basically the entire year minus August and the first half of September).
The entrance to the Sokol is off to the side of the building and up a flight of stairs. Sylwester, a friendly Polish dude who has been manning the Sokol's desk for five years, took us on our most recent tour. Things are much the same as they were on our last visit.
Furnishings consist of twin beds with corresponding plywood lockers—that's it, zero décor. Dorms sleep up to 13 people; two are reserved for females only. Double rooms are plain, though they have tiny writing desks and chairs. Reception is open around the clock and sheets, blankets, and kitchen access (bring your own towel), are all part of the bargain.
The Sokol's rooftop deck offers some stellar views of the city. But best of all, this hostel sits just across a stream from Kampa Park, a stretch of green grass on the edge of the Vlatva River that's the perfect place to get Bohemian with a book and a blanket.
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