Welcome in Cloister Inn Hotel

The Cloister Inn Hotel is located  in the heart of the Old Town, in a side lane almost free of traffic only an inch to the major tourist attractions.

3-min walk            National Theatre

7-min walk            Charles Bridge

5-min walk            Old Town Square

10-min walk          Jewish Quarter with Cemetery

5-min walk            Wenceslas Square

15-min by tram     Prague Castle

The building lies on the premises of a medieval convent and offers good-quality services and family atmosphere in a quiet location in Prague´s oldest historical quarter.

After a whole day of walking you definitely appreciate the immediacy of the Cloister Inn location and complimentary refreshing cup of coffee or tea in the lobby.

Tripadvisor

How to spot a real vs. fake tram ticket in Prague

Navigating the vibrant streets of Prague's Old Town is a delightful adventure, made even more accessible by the city's efficient tram network. However, as a traveler staying at Cloister Inn Hotel, you must be vigilant against fraudulent tickets that can lead to unnecessary fines and a ruined day. This guide serves as your essential companion for ensuring you only purchase and validate genuine Prague tram tickets, keeping your journey smooth and your wallet safe.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Prague Transport

Before diving into the visual details of a ticket, it is crucial to understand the distinct types of passes available. Prague offers a variety of options ranging from single rides to all-day passes, and recognizing their unique features is the first step in verification. Most tourists will utilize the standard daily pass, which grants unlimited travel on trams, buses, and trolleybuses throughout the day. These tickets are widely available at ticket kiosks, automated machines located at tram stops, and official vendor counters. Always ensure you are at an authorized location before purchasing; buying from unofficial street vendors or individuals approaching your vehicle can be a red flag for counterfeit goods.

The Visual Markings of Authenticity

Once you have acquired a ticket, inspecting it closely is vital. Real Prague tickets are printed on high-quality, textured paper that feels smooth yet durable to the touch. Unlike cheap copies, genuine tickets feature crisp, sharp typography with no smudging or bleeding ink. Look specifically for the official logo of the Prague City Transport Authority, which is printed clearly in the center or top portion of the ticket. On the back of the ticket, there should be a perforated strip or a specific area designed for validation. The text on a real ticket is legible down to the smallest characters, whereas fakes often have blurry lettering or misspellings of Czech and English terms like "Denní jízdenka" or "Daily Ticket."

The Validation Process and Security Features

A critical aspect of using a tram ticket correctly involves the validation process, which acts as a primary security check for both the system and the traveler. Upon entering a tram, you must use the yellow oval-shaped ticket validators found on every vehicle. You insert the ticket into the slot, and a small green light will illuminate to confirm acceptance. If you attempt to insert a fake ticket, the machine will often fail to accept it or display an error message, preventing you from boarding. Furthermore, legitimate tickets contain micro-printing and holographic elements that are difficult to replicate. Under normal lighting, these security features should be visible, adding a layer of complexity that counterfeiters struggle to match perfectly.

Identifying Common Forgery Indicators

To further assist you, here are the most common signs that a ticket might be a forgery. Keep these points in mind as you navigate the busy streets of the historic center near our hotel:

  • Missing Validation: A ticket that has never been validated in a machine is invalid for travel, regardless of its printed authenticity.
  • Incorrect Dates: Real tickets display the specific date of purchase and the day of the week in the top right corner. Fakes often have generic dates or incorrect day-of-week alignments.
  • Poor Paper Quality: Hold the ticket up to the light; genuine tickets have a specific thickness and texture that cheap plastic or thin paper replicas cannot mimic.
  • Inconsistent Fonts: Compare the price and text fonts on the ticket with samples seen at official kiosks; any deviation in font style or spacing indicates a fake.
  • No Barcode or QR Code: Modern tickets include a scannable barcode or QR code that the tram system reads. Tickets lacking these scanning elements are likely invalid.

Staying Safe in the Old Town

As guests of Cloister Inn Hotel, you are in the heart of the action, where tourists from all over the world gather. While the tram network is generally reliable, scams can occur, particularly near major attractions or in areas with high foot traffic. Always prioritize purchasing tickets from official machines or counters rather than trusting strangers offering "discounted" or "guaranteed" tickets outside designated zones. If you suspect a ticket is fake before validation, do not board; simply ask a staff member at the next stop or a local resident for assistance. By staying informed and observant, you ensure that your exploration of Prague remains a positive and stress-free experience, allowing you to enjoy the architecture and history without the worry of being ticketed for a non-existent fare.

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