Vienna Hotels

Built in 1869 as one of the Würtemberg Palaces, was the home of the Prince of Wurttemberg and even today retains its palatial accolades. The Imperial was opened as a hotel in 1873 (for the World's Fair) by Kaiser Franz Joseph I and has been impeccably maintained ever since. It is located next to the Musikverein Concert Hall and maintains most of its original features, including ceiling frescoes, grand chandeliers, reproduction antiques and Old Master paintings. There are 138 rooms and suites and five meeting rooms. The Café Imperial serves a lovely selection of Viennese cuisine, as well as breakfast and afternoon tea. A favourite with state visitors, the Imperial offers the ultimate in discretion and service.

Set on the Robert-Stolz-Platz, a short stroll from the Vienna State Opera and the Hofburg Palace, this modern addition to the city's list of top-end hotels combines history and contemporary style, with 294 "Art +Tech" rooms equipped with all mod cons, an excellent fitness suite with spa, and the ultra-trendy restaurant YOU. Dine on Hawaiian poke bowls, Thai curry and Brazillian Feijoada, in this fun and stylish culinary gem.

Once a royal residence, this glorious palace in the heart of the city has been transformed into a hotel that is the epitome of luxury and modern convenience. Its 35 suites are individually decorated and come with plenty of add-ons, such as a full kitchen, flat-screen TV, and high-speed Internet access. The Coburg also holds ten function rooms of palatial quality, a health spa, an enormous wine cellar, and one of Vienna's finest restaurants.

Family-run for well over a century, the 150-room Hotel Sacher is one of Vienna's great institutions. The art on display in the corridors would rival that in many museums. Besides its famous café, it has two wonderful restaurants, two bars/salons and the legendary Blaue Bar (Blue Bar), where opulent bohemian ambience meets classy, inventive tipples. The cocktail menu is exquisite and champagne options impressive. The Green Bar Restaurant (Restaurant Grüne Bar), is a heady example of Viennese classical interiors. Head to the café, for a taste of one of the best examples of the famous Viennese Sachertorte (Viennese chocolate cake).

The 30-room Nossek Pension is about as central as you can get, opening directly onto the pedestrianised Graben. This is an extremely attractive accommodation for its price and location, with large and elegantly furnished en-suite rooms.

In the heart of town, this 4-star pension was formerly the Palais Cavriani (1734). It boasts 55 spacious grand and well-equipped rooms. Right next to the Vienna Graben, it's close to all the historic sights of the central city. There is a free internet terminal in the hall. Enjoy the start to the day with the extensive Viennese breakfast buffet.

Just a 15-minute walk from Westbahnhof station, Haydn Hotel is an affordable hotel in the heart of Vienna. This family-friendly hotel isn't far from popular tourist sites such as the Naschmarkt and the House of the Sea, as well as shopping centres and a variety of restaurants.

Hotel Das Tyrol is a charming and friendly boutique hotel, on Vienna's longest shopping street and right next to the MuseumsQuartier. Its interiors are fun, colourful and youthful with an excellent array of contemporary art. Enjoy a tasty and healthy start to the day in the attractive dining area decorated with gold curtains, plush red booths and an onyx bar. There is also highly decorative private spa, offering therapy showers, cooling steam baths and a view of a huge salt-water aquarium.