The GOOD (Anatolity) and the BAD (stolen bikes and the neighbourhood).
So, the GOOD first. Anatoliy is wonderful, diligent and hard-working host. He spent a long time with us on our arrival, making sure that we had good sense of the city and introduced us to some of his favourite restaurants and sights. The shared apartment, although it is in the basement is very comfortable, clean and roomy. Anatoliy has worked hard at the small details, such as providing washing soap for the washing machine and coffee in the cupboard. The appliances are new and spotless. Our room was somewhat noisy on Friday and Saturday nights, but it is probably much better during the week.
Now the BAD, and I should say that most of the negative aspects are beyond Anatoliy"s control. We arrive in Prague with our bikes, having biked the Danube from its source to Vienna. We locked the bikes to a radiator in the basement, thinking that they were safe there behind two locked doors. They were out of sight, and we can only presume that someone in the building saw them, smashed out the locks from the doors and brought a bolt cutter to free the bikes from the radiator. Anatoliy was distraught when he heard of our loss as he had assured us they would be safe, but he was very helpful in summoning the police and assisting us with translation. At the police station we learned that Anatoliy's apartment is in a very hight crime area, especially on the weekend. The neighbourhood has a number of cheap bars that attract less than pleasant individuals on the weekend. Thefts, assaults, vandalism and even more serious crimes are common. Our police translator, a very tough and no nonsense woman said that she would not venture into the area at night and especially not on the weekend.
So, how can I rate Anatoliy's rooms? Despite Anatoliy's warm welcome and diligence, I don't think that I would recommend the rooms to friends. If you want a comfortable, affordable room in a seedy, gritty part of Prague and cheep bars, this is the place for you. If you value your safety and possessions, look elsewhere.