Where to Stay

As you might expect, Vienna offers some of the most opulent and historic hotels in Europe, with prices to match. However, reasonably-priced, centrally-located accommodation can be found, especially in the numerous pensions throughout the city. These pensions are not necessarily inferior to hotels in quality; in fact some are a whole lot better. The distinction is only a technical definition; a pension might occupy one or more floors in a building, but to be a hotel the entire block must be occupied.

Hotels and pensions in Vienna tend to adhere to the standards of efficiency, modernity and cleanliness you would expect in Europe. The 1st District, the Innere Stadt (Vienna's old town and commercial center), is where you will find most of the big luxury hotels such as the Imperial, the Bristol, the Sacher, the Grand Hotel, the Vienna Marriott, the InterContinental Wien, the Vienna Hilton, and the Im Palais Schwarzenberg. All of these hotels are situated on the Ringstrasse and are popular with celebrities and presidents, offering all the luxurious amenities you would expect.

Tucked away in the small streets of the Innere Stadt, there is also a large number of charming pensions and hotels. These include Pension Nossek, Graben Hotel, (just off Graben), Pension City, Aviano, Neuer Markt, Pertschy and Christina. Some very popular and beautiful hotels near St. Stephan's Cathedral and Kärntnerstrasse include König von Ungarn, Römischer Kaiser, and K+K Palais Hotel.

If you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter and somewhat cheaper but still within walking distance of the 1st District and its sights, have a look in the districts beyond the Ringstrasse such as Landstrasse, Wieden, Neubau and Josefstadt. Here, you will find the atmospheric Sir Terence Conran-designed Das Triest, the traditional Biedermeier and the stylish Altstadt Vienna as well as some good quality pensions like Lindenhof, Anna, Quisisana and the classic Museum.

Further afield in the hills of Grinzing or the gardens of Hitzing, guests will find comfortable and often peaceful accommodations, mostly a 10- to 20-minute ride by underground or tram from the city center. There are hotels like Gartenhotel Glanzing and Landhaus Furgassl-Huber (close to the vineyards of the 19th district) or the Parkhotel Schönbrunn in Hitzing.

Breakfast is included in the price at most hotels and pensions, although what it actually amounts to can differ enormously. Continental breakfast generally means coffee or tea, rolls, jam and butter. Full continental breakfast means cheese, sausage and cold meats, while buffets equate to the chance of gorging yourself on as much cereal, muesli, eggs, breads, rolls, cheese and meats you can possibly manage.

In general, the high season for accommodation in Vienna is from April to October and for the two weeks between Christmas and New Year (during which there is sometimes a surcharge). If you are arriving during peak season, it is best to plan ahead to guarantee yourself a room. Should you arrive without booking, any of the tourist offices can make a reservation for you.