The Hofburg & Around

PENSION A UND A BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$

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( 8905 128; www.aunda.at; 01, Habsburgergasse 3; r €139-159, ste €259-269; ; Herrengasse, Stephansplatz) This small and elegant hotel offers excellent value close to Hofburg in rooms with parquet floors and large suites sleeping up to four people.

PENSION NOSSEK PENSION $$

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( 533 70 41-0; www.pension-nossek.at; 01, Graben 17; s €80-100, d €125; ; Herrengasse, Stephansplatz) This Pension offers a prime location close to the Innere Stadt sights, coupled with typical Viennese service (professional and polite, if a little stiff); rooms are spotless, generally spacious and enhanced with baroque-style furnishings. The hotel does not accept credit cards. WLAN costs €5 per stay.

PENSION PERTSCHY PENSION $$

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( 534 49-0; www.pertschy.com; 01, Habsburgergasse 5; s €83-119, d €91-228; ; Herrengasse, Stephansplatz) It’s hard to find fault with Pension Pertschy. Its quiet yet central location, just off the Graben, is hard to beat, staff are exceedingly able, willing and friendly, and children are welcomed with gusto (toys for toddlers and high chairs for tots are available). Rooms are not only spacious but filled with a potpourri of period pieces and a rainbow of colours.

AVIANO PENSION $$

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( 512 83 30; www.secrethomes.at; 01, Marco-d’Aviano-Gasse 1; s €87-112, d €127-187; ; Stephansplatz) Aviano offers a supremely central position, high standards and all-round value for money. Rooms are small (there are no bath-tubs) without being claustrophobic and feature high ceilings, decorative moulding and whitewashed antique furnishings; corner rooms have a charming alcove and bay window. The breakfast room is sunny and bright, and in summer utilises a small balcony on the courtyard.

STEIGENBERGER HOTEL HERRENHOF HOTEL $$$

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( 534 040; www.steigenberger.com/en/wien; 01, Herrengasse 10; r €189-209, ste €600-700, without breakfast; ; Herrengasse) Decorated throughout in subtle and subdued aubergine colours, Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof offers style and great value in 24- to 28-sq-metre superior rooms and 35-sq-metre deluxe rooms, complemented by free use of the spacious wellness area extending over two floors with sauna, steam bath and fully equipped gym. Corner deluxe rooms have extra large windows.

RADISSON BLU STYLE HOTEL DESIGN HOTEL $$$

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( 22 780 0; www.radissonblu.com/stylehotel-vienna; 01, Herrengasse 12; r €185-255, ste €310; ; Herrengasse) This elegant hotel is a contender for the title of ‘most fashionable hotel address’ in Vienna; it has overtones of art nouveau and art deco and is decorated throughout in demure grey shades. The least expensive rooms don’t include breakfast (€23 per person). Rates can be lower, depending on demand.

HOTEL SACHER LUXURY HOTEL $$$

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( 514 560; www.sacher.com; 01, Philharmonikerstrasse 4; r €480-1350, ste €1600-2900; ; Karlsplatz, D, 1, 2, 71 Kärntner Ring/Oper) Walking into the Sacher is like turning back the clocks 100 years. The reception, with its dark-wood panelling, deep red shades and heavy gold chandelier, is reminiscent of an expensive fin de siècle bordello. The smallest rooms are surprisingly large and suites are truly palatial. Junior suites/doubles cost from €480 to €1350.

As well as extras such as original oil paintings throughout and a tiny cube of the hotel’s famous Sacher Torte on arrival, there’s a hi-tech spa complex, with herbal sauna, ice fountain and fitness room.

Stephansdom & the Historic Centre

SCHWEIZER PENSION PENSION $

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( 533 81 56; www.schweizerpension.com; 01, Heinrichsgasse 2; s €56-75, d €75-98; Schottentor, 1 Salztorbrücke) S Rooms at this pleasant little Pension are super clean, and while they’re not flush with the most up-to-date amenities, everything you find inside – from big, comfy beds to ornamental ceramic stoves – has a cosy, homely feel to it. The feeling of well-being extends to low-allergy rooms and bio-breakfasts. The 11 rooms fill up quickly, so book ahead.

HOLLMANN BELETAGE PENSION $$

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( 961 19 60; www.hollmann-beletage.at; 01, Köllnerhofgasse 6; d €159-230, tr €179-279, q €199-300, ste from €390; ; Schwedenplatz, 1, 2 Schwedenplatz) This minimalist establishment offers style and clean lines throughout. Rooms are slick units, with natural wood floors, bare walls, simple, classic furniture and designer lamps and door handles. A terrace and lounge where you can enjoy free snacks at 2.30pm and 6pm are bonuses, as are the small hotel cinema and free use of an iPad.

OPERA SUITES PENSION $$

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( 512 93 10; www.operasuites.at; 01, Kärntner Strasse 47; r without breakfast €149-165, apt €168; ; Karlsplatz, D, 1, 2 Kärntner Ring/Oper) Located directly across from the famous Hotel Sacher and close to the major sights, Opera Suites offers well-priced and comfortable standard and superior rooms, some of which have cooking facilities and are more like apartments or holiday flats. Book well ahead, and expect to pay from €4.80 to €9.80 for breakfast if you want it.

PENSION RIEDL PENSION $$

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( 512 7919; www.pensionriedl.at; 01, Georg-Coch-Platz 3; s/d without breakfast from €69/85; ; Stubentor, 1, 2 Julius-Raab-Platz) Rooms are generally large and bedecked with mismatched furniture (bathrooms are on the small side) in this traditional Pension . Rooms 6 and 7 have tiny balconies overlooking Georg-Coch-Platz, while the balcony in room 8 enjoys views of the inner courtyard. Reception hours are 7.30am to 11.15am and 4pm to 8pm.

HOTEL KÄRNTNERHOF HOTEL $$

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( 512 19 23; www.karntnerhof.com; 01, Grashofgasse 4; s €99-129, d €135-195, tr €199-235, ste €279-299; ; Stephansplatz) This tall treasure fuses old Vienna charm with cosy ambience, from the period paintings lining the walls to the wood- and frosted-glass–panelled lift to the surprising roof terrace.

HOTEL AUSTRIA HOTEL $$

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( 515 23; www.hotelaustria-wien.at; 01, Fleischmarkt 20; s €79-144, d €110-190, tr €225; ; Stephansplatz, Schwedenplatz, 1, 2 Schwedenplatz) This popular hotel with a tasteful interior offers some of the best value in the Innere Stadt during the low and shoulder seasons. Well-sized, cosy rooms have kettles for tea and coffee. Book well ahead.

RADISSON BLU PALAIS HOTEL LUXURY HOTEL $$$

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( 515 17-0; www.radissonblu.com; 01, Parkring 16; s from €109, r from €139, without breakfast; ; Stubentor, Stadtpark, 2 Weihburggasse) Spread across two historic palace buildings, this is one of the top addresses in town and a preferred option among visiting state dignitaries. Single and doubles as well as suites and maisonettes are tastefully furnished with hints of the fin de siècle epoch, with maisonettes that are vast and span two levels (from about €239). Prices vary considerably according to demand, so check the internet.

DO & CO LUXURY HOTEL $$$

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( 241 88; www.doco.com; 01, Stephansplatz 12; r without breakfast €350-370; ; Stephansplatz) This swanky and sexy hotel in the heart of the historic centre offers superb views of Stephansdom in a selection of exquisite rooms with quality sound and entertainment systems. Several rooms have their own jacuzzi, but guests should be aware that bathrooms (but not the toilets) have transparent glass walls.

TOPAZZ VIENNA DESIGN HOTEL $$$

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( 1532 22 50; www.hoteltopazz.com; 01, Lichtensteg 3; r €228-258; ; Stephansplatz) Added to Vienna’s hotel scene in late 2012, this design hotel has decorations and furnishings inspired by the Wiener Werkstätte period around the turn of the 20th century. Gentle browns permeate the rooms and foyer, and almost all rooms have large, padded porthole windows that you can repose in. Prices vary according to size of the rooms (superior, deluxe and prestige).

Directly across the road is the sister hotel, Lamée Vienna OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (www.hotellamee.at; Rotenturmstrasse 15, 01; r €238-308, ste €408; ; Stephansplatz), which is €10 more expensive in all categories and decorated in the 1930s art deco style. This place also has suites, and in both hotels the minibar is restocked daily for free in the higher categories.

Karlsplatz & Around Naschmarkt

PENSION KRAML PENSION $

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( 587 85 88; www.pensionkraml.at; 06, Brauergasse 5; s €35, d €56-76, tr €78-87, q €120; ; Zieglergasse) Tucked peacefully down a backstreet five minutes’ walk south of Mariahilfer Strasse, this family-run Pension looks back on 150 years of history and prides itself on old-school hospitality and comfort. Rooms are surprisingly large, accommodating twin beds, bedside tables and a solid wardrobe, while leaving plenty of room for a close waltz. Internet is only available in the common areas.

DAS TYROL HOTEL $$

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( 587 54 15; www.das-tyrol.at; 06, Mariahilfer Strasse 15; s €109-229, d €149-259; ; Museumsquartier) Design is the word at Das Tyrol. Done out in zesty yellow and green hues, the spacious rooms feature original artworks, such as Dieter Koch’s playful Donald and Daisy Duck paintings, and Nespresso machines. Corner rooms have small balconies overlooking Mariahilfer Strasse. Breakfast, with eggs cooked to order and prosecco, will keep you going all morning.

The gold-tiled spa has a sauna and a ‘light therapy’ shower where you can watch fish blub in the aquarium.

HOTEL DREI KRONEN PENSION $$

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( 587 32 89; www.hotel3kronen.at; 04, Schleifmühlegasse 25; s/d €79/109; ; Kettenbrückengasse) Within stumbling distance of the Naschmarkt (some rooms overlook it), this family-owned abode is one of Vienna’s best-kept secrets. Tiny palatial touches (shiny marble, polished brass, white-and-gold wallpaper) are distinctly Viennese, but nonetheless a casual feel prevails. Rooms are fitted with Jugendstil (art nouveau) furniture and art (including many prints by Klimt).

The breakfast buffet is huge, with pastries, cereals, bacon and free-range eggs, as well as Sekt (sparkling wine), an unheard-of luxury in a three-star Pension .

HOTEL IMPERIAL HOTEL $$$

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( 501 100; www.luxurycollection.com/imperial; 01, Kärntner Ring 16; r from €350; ; Karlsplatz, D, 2 Karlsplatz) The merest whisper of the Imperial makes most Viennese nod in awe. This former palace, with all the marble and majesty of the Habsburg era, has service as polished as its crystal. The Fürsten Stiege, with rich red carpet, is a flamboyant opening, leading from the reception to the Royal suite.

Suites are filled with 19th-century paintings and genuine antique furniture (and come with butler service), while 4th- and 5th-floor rooms in Biedermeier style are far cosier and may come with a balcony.

DAS TRIEST HOTEL $$$

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( 589 18; www.dastriest.at; 04, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 12; s/d €229/296; ; Karlsplatz, Kettenbrückengasse) This Sir Terence Conran creation is a symbiosis of history and modern design. The 300-year-old former stables is now a cutting-edge hotel, with an overall nautical theme; portholes replace spy holes and windows, and stairwell railings would be at home on the Queen Mary 2 . Rooms reveal a clean aesthetic and muted tones, with little touches like fresh flowers polishing the scene off.

On the ground floor is Restaurant Collio (Click here), serving Italian food and centered on a pretty inner courtyard.

The Museum District & Neubau

MY MOJO VIE HOSTEL $

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( 0676-551 11 55; http://mymojovie.at; 07, Kaiserstrasse 77; dm/d/tr/q €26/58/84/108; ; Burggasse Stadthalle) An old-fashioned cage lift rattles up to these incredible backpacker digs. Everything you could wish for is here: design-focused dorms complete with dressing tables and snug-as-a-bug rugs, a kitchen with free supplies, netbooks for surfing, guidebooks for browsing and even musical instruments for your own jam session.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT HOSTEL $

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( 0676-550 00 55; www.believe-it-or-not-vienna.at; 07, Myrthengasse 10; dm €25-30; ; Volkstheater) It may seem nondescript on the face of things, but you really won’t believe what a cosy, homely hostel this is. We love the dorms with mezzanine-style beds, laid-back lounge, kitchen with free basics and laptops for guest use. Lily, your South African host, puts on a great spread at breakfast.

KAISER 23 HOSTEL, GUESTHOUSE $

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( 523 41 81; www.kaiser23.at; Kaiserstrasse 23, 07; s €37, d €47-52, tr €60; ; Westbahnhof) Though it’s just a two-minute walk from Mariahilfer Strasse, the vibe is delightfully mellow at this hostel-guesthouse, part of a 19th-century convent. You might well bump into a friendly nun on your way to one of the bright, parquet-floored rooms, with pared-down furniture and splashes of lime adding a contemporary touch. Breakfast costs an extra €8.

PENSION WILD PENSION $

( 406 51 74; www.pension-wild.com; 08, Lange Gasse 10; s €41-69, d €53-90, tr €114; Rathaus, Volkstheater) Wild is one of the few openly gay-friendly Pensionen in Vienna, but the warm welcome extends to all walks of life. The top-floor ‘luxury’ rooms are simple yet appealing, with light-wood furniture and private bathrooms, and are a big advantage over Wild’s other two categories. All, however, are spotlessly clean and kitchens are there for guests to use.

ALTSTADT PENSION $$

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( 522 66 66; www.altstadt.at; 07, Kirchengasse 41; s €125-175, d €145-215, ste €195-350; ; Volkstheater) Otto Ernst Wiesenthal has poured his passion and impeccable taste into creating one of Vienna’s most outstanding guesthouses in Spittelberg. Design elements by Vitra and Philippe Starck merge seamlessly with original art from the likes of Andy Warhol and Prachensky. The individually decorated rooms are charming and quirky (without being overcooked), with high ceilings, plenty of space and natural light.

The devil is in the detail here: from the free afternoon tea with homemade cakes to the lavish breakfast with salmon, antipasti and Sekt, and an open fire where you can nurse a glass of red. Staff bend over backwards to please – whatever you need, just say the word.

25HOURS HOTEL DESIGN HOTEL $$

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( 521 51; www.25hours-hotels.com; 07, Lerchenfelder Strasse 1-3; r €100-130, ste €150-190; ; Volkstheater) Roll up, roll up… OK, you’re not going to find any performing elephants or trapeze artists at this circus-themed high-rise hotel, but staff do jump through hoops to please. The groovy Dreimeta-designed rooms are decked out in bold colours, with big-top-style murals, pod-shaped rugs and welcome touches such as iPod docking systems.

Top whack suites come with terraces commanding grandstand views of the Hofburg. The Dachboden rooftop bar, Mermaid’s Cave sauna area and free use of electro-bikes for whizzing about town make this all in all a class act.

HOTEL RATHAUS WEIN & DESIGN BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$

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( 400 11 22; www.hotel-rathaus-wien.at; 08, Lange Gasse 13; s/d/tr €150/210/240; ; Rathaus, Volkstheater) Each stylish room in this boutique hotel is dedicated to an Austrian winemaker and the minibar is stocked with premium wines from the growers themselves. The open-plan, minimalist-chic rooms reveal a razor-sharp eye for design and clever backlighting, especially the opalescent ones with hybrid beds and bath-tubs. Some rooms peer out onto the inner courtyard space.

The hotel offers wine tastings in its chandelier-lit bar, and excursions to Austria’s nearby winegrowing regions. Wine is also a theme at breakfast (€17), with wine-based cheese, preserves and cakes alongside a tempting array of mueslis, fruit, fish and cold cuts.

BOUTIQUEHOTEL STADTHALLE HOTEL $$

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( 982 42 72; www.hotelstadthalle.at; 15, Hackengasse 20; s €78-138, d €118-198; ; Schweglerstrasse) S Welcome to Vienna’s most eco-aware hotel, which makes the most of solar power, rainwater collection and LED lighting, and has a roof fragrantly planted with lavender. Bursts of purple, pink and peach enliven rooms that are a blend of the modern with polished antiques. An organic breakfast is served in the ivy-draped courtyard garden.

HOTEL FÜRSTENHOF HOTEL $$

( 523 32 67; www.hotel-fuerstenhof.com; 07, Neubaugürtel 4; s €79-89, d €89-170, tr €148-185, q €159-200; ; Westbahnhof) This family-run affair overflowing with personality has been the choice of touring alternative bands for years – see the reception for proof. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a burgeoning rock star in the reception lounge, which doubles as a library. Rooms are basic, with blood-red carpets, full-length curtains and deep colours creating a warm feel.

The house dates from 1906, so ceilings are higher than normal and the lift is a museum piece (thankfully, the motor isn’t).

Alsergrund & the University District

BENEDIKTUSHAUS GUESTHOUSE $$

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( 534 98 90 0; www.benediktushaus.at; 01, Freyung 6a; s €70, d €99-115, tr €119-135, q €139-155; ; Schottentor) Rest your weary head in a Benedictine monastery – you’d never guess you’re in the heart of the action when you peer out your window into the tranquil, tree-filled courtyard. It’s run by the Scottish Abbey next door and the tidy rooms are solid and frill-free, though a few period antiques line the halls. There are no TVs in the rooms.

Schloss Belvedere to the Canal

SPIESS & SPIESS PENSION $$

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( 714 85 05; www.spiess-vienna.at; 03, Hainburger Strasse 19; s €105-145, d €140-180, ste €205-255; ; Rochusgasse) The Spiess family goes out of its way to make you welcome at this elegant, well-positioned Pension . The spacious, crisp white rooms have been designed with care and utmost taste; the pricier ones come with fireplaces and balconies. Breakfast is a tempting smorgasbord of fresh fruit salad, bacon and eggs, cereals and pastries.

HOTEL PRINZ EUGEN HOTEL $$

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( 505 17 41; www.austria-hotels.at; 04, Wiedner Gürtel 14; s €69-100, d €69-120; ; Südtiroler Platz) Though not as flash as the chandelier-lit marble lobby might suggest, this is nevertheless a sound pick, bang opposite the Hauptbahnhof and five minutes’ walk from Belvedere. Rooms are dressed in plush fabrics, wood furnishings and muted tones, and those on higher floors look out across Vienna’s rooftops. The huge buffet breakfast will keep you going most of the day.

Prater & East of the Danube

GAL APARTMENTS APARTMENT $

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( 0650-561 19 42; www.apartmentsvienna.net; 02, Grosse Mohrengasse 29; d/tr/q apt €89/99/119; ; Nestroyplatz, Taborstrasse) For a superb home away from home, check into these roomy apartments smack in the action of up-and-coming Leopoldstadt. Occupying a renovated Biedermeier house, the apartments are dressed in modern furniture and Jugendstil -inspired paintings. It’s a short walk to the Karmelitermarkt, the Prater and the Augarten, and the subway whips you to the centre of town in less than 10 minutes.

HOTEL CAPRI HOTEL $$

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( 214 84 04; www.hotelcapri.at; 02, Praterstrasse 44-46; s €75-105, d €109-149, tr €119-168, q €139-199; ; Nestroyplatz) This midranger looks nondescript on the face of things, but its merits are many: it’s five minutes’ walk from Prater, two U-Bahn stops from Stephansplatz, and staff bend over backwards to please. Done up in pastel colours, rooms are streamlined and immaculate, all with flat-screen TVs and kettles. Breakfast is a wholesome spread of fruit, cereals, cold cuts and eggs.

Schloss Schönbrunn & Around

ANGEL’S PLACE GUESTHOUSE $

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( 0650-512 1 646; www.angelsplace-vienna.eu; 15, Weiglgasse 1; d €56-78, ste €100; ; Schönbrunn) A wine cellar has been converted into this cute guesthouse, a 10-minute stroll from Schloss Schönbrunn’s gates. The warm-hued basement rooms are incredibly homely, with wood floors and eye-catching original touches like brick vaulting. There’s a shared kitchen if you want to rustle up a snack, and continental breakfast costs an extra €6.

WOMBAT’S HOSTEL $

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( 897 23 36; www.wombats-hostels.com; 15, Mariahilfer Strasse 137; dm €22-25, d €72-76; ; Westbahnhof) For a dash of Aussie charm in Vienna, Wombat’s is where savvy backpackers gravitate. The interior is a rainbow of colours, common areas include a bar, pool tables, music and comfy leather sofas, and the modern dorms have en suites. The relaxed staff hand you a drink and a useful city map on arrival, and bike hire can be arranged.

ALTWIENERHOF HOTEL $$

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( 892 60 00; www.altwienerhof.at; 15, Herklotzgasse 6; s €50-65, d €89-99, q €125; ; Gumpendorfer Strasse) This pseudo-plush family-run hotel, just outside the Gürtel ring, offers ridiculously romantic abodes that hark back to a bygone era. Miniature chandeliers, antique pieces, floral bed covers and couches, and lace tablecloths do a fine job of adding a touch of old-fashioned romance. Breakfast is taken either in the conservatory or in the large inner courtyard on summer days.