"Guests feel like they’re staying under the big top in the quirky, colorful, circus-themed Vienna location of 25hours Hotel. Opened in 2011, this adventure in fun, affordable luxury is found at the edge of Vienna’s Museum Quarter in one of the city’s more fashionable districts. Each room has its own flavor and features wall art by Berlin illustrator Olaf Hajek, including drawings of ringmasters, clowns, trapeze artists, and the occasional risqué character. 25hours doesn’t attract only visitors. Guests can mingle with the hip Viennese crowd while enjoying drinks at the Dachboden, the hotel’s rooftop bar. The staff will even help guests explore the city with a free bike or MINI rental—a nice choice for reaching the famous Heuriger (wine taverns) outside the city."

"During the 18th century, Das Triest was a stable on the horse-drawn postal service line between Vienna and Trieste. In 1996, British designer Sir Terence Conran applied his aesthetic of simple elegance to the then decrepit Vienna building to create a clean, contemporary design that meshes well with a few traditional elements, such as the vaulted ceilings left from the original stables. Today this five-star hotel provides spacious rooms, large beds, attentive staff, and an excellent restaurant. Its close proximity to the Naschmarkt, Opera House, MuseumsQuartier, and Belvedere Palace means these top-notch sights are within easy walking distance. Keep an eye out for celebrities who are drawn to its fashionable style and impeccable service."

"It would be difficult to find a hotel located any closer to the heart of Vienna and its major attractions than Do & Co. In fact, the reflection of the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral engulfs the glass and steel of the landmark Haas Haus building, renovated by renowned architect Hans Hollein. Turkish-born Attila Doğudan opened Do & Co as a catering business in 1981 and has since followed with restaurants across Vienna and as far away as New York, making his hotel a gastronomic destination as well. A nod to his Turkish heritage can be seen in the colorful bedspreads that cover the incredibly comfortable beds. Rooms have a contemporary design and include travertine stone and teakwood floors. The sleek, all-glass showers in the city view rooms may at first seem to lack privacy, though there are shades that fold out. But, who needs privacy? You’re in Vienna!"

"Hotel Bristol Located just across from the famous Vienna State Opera, Hotel Bristol exemplifies classic Viennese charm and grandeur. A part of the Luxury Collection, Hotel Bristoloffers the chance to stay in elegant art deco style or more classic Viennese period rooms with a noble ambience. Arestoration by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has revived some of the original art deco style and underlines the elegance the hotel has been known for since its opening in 1892. Five new spacious Bristol Suites, designed by Pierre Yves Rochon, offer floor-to-ceiling windows and apanoramic view of the Opera and bustling Ringstraße. While all the rooms are stunning, guests will want to explore. Open spaces—the foyer, salons, and stairways—reflect beautiful design details, marble floors, and artwork. Take time to savor a meal in the Bristol Lounge, or gather for drinks after the opera in the intimate and plush Bristol Bar."

"Hotel Imperial Originally built as a residence for Prince Philip of Württemberg in 1863, this grand structure was opened as the Hotel Imperial in 1873. It indeed still resembles a palace, with Greek statues, chandeliers, and high, intricately designed stucco ceilings. The rooms bring imperial Vienna back to life, particularly in the suites. Visitors here feel like royalty, and sometimes they are. Guests have included a who’s who of celebrities and dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, Indira Gandhi, and Michael Jackson. It's rumored that an apprentice chef at the hotel invented the well-known Imperial Torte in honor of Emperor Franz Josef I, a must-have for any sweet tooth. For some sweet sounds, be sure to check for Bösendorfer piano concerts in the 1873 HalleNSalon."

"Sacher is synonymous with luxury in Vienna . It’s the name of not just the hotel, but also Austria ’s most famous cake, the delectable Sacher-Torte. Eduard, son of Sacher-Torte creator Franz Sacher, opened the hotel in 1876, though it was his young widow Anna who really established the property after he died. In 1934, a few years after her death, the Gürtler family took over the hotel—and continues to maintain it to this day. Notable personalities like John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II have walked the halls of this Vienna institution. It was also here that John Lennon and Yoko Ono introduced “Bagism” to the press while inside a giant bag, an event chronicled in the Beatles’ Ballad of John and Yoko . The Belle Epoque–influenced rooms are a symbol of elegance and comfort, while the two restaurants, two bars, and illustrious Café Sacher make it possible to enjoy the hotel’s timeless charm without even being a guest. Be sure to try the famous torte—it’s an essential Vienna treat."

"Palais Coburg Built between 1840 and 1845 by Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha,an extremelyinfluential royal family in Europe, the Palais Coburg is a bright and spacious bit of luxury. Opened in 2003 after extensive restoration, the palais has suites (and only suites) that are clean and classy, sometimes even grandiose with antique furniture and vibrantly lit chandeliers. Many suites are named in honor of important members of the family such as Queen Victoria and Albert of England, and King Leopold I of Belgium, so guests will get a lesson in the history of Europe’s intermarried royal families. Outside is a quiet garden with a water basin, shade trees, and magnolias. The outdoor café provides sanctuary from the city and is a great place to enjoy breakfast. In addition to two marvelous restaurants, Palais Coburg has an excuisitewine cellar with some 60,000 from four different centuries."

"Park Hyatt Vienna Opened in 2013 in a 100-year-old former bank building, the Park Hyatt has utilized the space well, with a restaurant in the former cashier’s hall and a pool in the former vault. The suites are spacious, and all rooms have more than just the basic requirements for your average traveler, including safes large enough for laptops. While the marvelous Grand Salon is typically used for banquets and business meetings, guests should definitely try and take a peek at this beautifully designed room. The prime location in the historicInnere Stadt, or first district, means most major sights are within walking distance."

"Ritz-Carlton Vienna The Ritz-Carlton conjured true Viennese grandeur by occupying not one, but four former 19th-century palaces along the Ringstraße for its first Austrian location. Upon entering, guests will be suitably impressed by the beautifully ornate ceiling of the Melounge Lobby Lounge, where they can enjoy a light meal, tea, cocktails, and sweets. Rooms face either a courtyard or out to the city, and all offer plush beds and marble baths. All suites have a terrace or balcony from which to look out on this magical city. The extravagance reaches new heights with the incredible views from the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar, where stylish locals and visitors mingle. During the holiday season, it turns into the city’s most elevated and most exclusive Christmas market."

"Spiess & Spiess Appartement-Pension Housed in a 19th-century building in Vienna’s third district, known as Landstraße, Spiess & Spiess is a relatively affordable, family-owned choice in a quiet residential area not far from the Danube. It’s just a 20-minute walk or five-minute subway ride on the U3 to St. Stephan’s Cathedral and other city center attractions. Rooms are large, clean, and simply decorated, with comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. Even rooms facing the street are quiet, so guests should have no trouble sleeping here. Wi-Fi is included in the rate, and there’s an excellent breakfast spread. Travelers rave about the owner’s scrambled eggs."

"The Guesthouse Vienna Since opening in October 2013, the Guesthouse has filled a niche in Innere Stadt, or the first district: a classy boutique hotel that allows guests to live like a temporary and incredibly stylish resident. Architect Arkan Zeytinoglu transformed this former 1950s student hostel into an upscale hotel noted for its pop-out windows. Sir Terence Conran brought a timeless, fuss-free Viennese design to the interior for a home-away-from-home feel. All rooms have exquisitely built Wittmann sofas atop the wood floors, and rooms facing the Albertina feature Friedrich Kiesler’s cantilever chairs designed in the 1930s. The sleek bathroom includes clear glass rainforest showers and bathtubs, as well as amenities like handmade soaps from Viennese maker Wolfgang Lederhaas and other bath products by Molton Brown."

"The Ring Hotel The descriptive tag of “casual luxury” is spot-on for this design hotel. Warm and inviting contemporary rooms are housed behind the historic facade of a 19th-century building with views of the Ringstraße and State Opera House. Modern meets traditional in the Ring Suite, with contemporary furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows. Unlike many of its upscale hotel neighbors, there aren’t any nods to the Habsburgs or Vienna’s imperial past. (Sorry, no gold faucets or garish decor here!) The hotel has already become a favorite spot for members of the music and movie world, with a guestbook boasting visits from the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Axl Rose, Beyoncé, and Morrissey."

"If you're looking for a contemporary counterpoint to the Austrian capital's staid neoclassical aesthetic, you need only wander down the Danube Canal to the 18-story jewel box that is the SO/ Vienna. Formerly the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, the property was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel with all the avant-garde accents you’d expect: a minimalist gray-and-white palette in the 182 rooms (though three all-black suites are also available), cutting-edge art, and a living wall off the lobby. The pièce de résistance, however, has to be Das Loft, a scenic restaurant on the 18th floor, where the panoramic city views are rivaled only by a stunning technicolor ceiling mural by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist."