“Best hotel” is always a question of the trip. Someone who wants classical Vienna sleeps differently than someone looking for a three-night apartment. Here’s our attempt at sorting it.
If you want iconic Vienna
Hotel Sacher Wien is the address for everyone visiting Vienna once. Behind the State Opera, since 1832, the original Sacher-Torte made in-house. Price: north of 500 euros a night. Worth it for special occasions.
Hotel Imperial on the Ringstraße is the alternative, originally built as a city palace for Prince Philipp of Württemberg, converted into a hotel in 1873. State guests stay here.
Park Hyatt in the former bank palace on Am Hof. Pool in the historic vault, younger than the first two but with the same ambition.
If you want boutique
Altstadt Vienna in Spittelberg. Every room designed by a different architect. No buffet breakfast but café tables and attention to detail.
Hotel Motto Vienna on Mariahilfer Straße. Parisian brasserie aesthetic, rooftop bar, one of the newer addresses with character.
Hotel das Tyrol for art lovers. Contemporary art in every room, at the start of Mariahilfer Straße.
If it’s business or train travel
Hotel Schani at the main station. Self check-in, co-working lobby, fast Wi-Fi. For everyone who arrives by train and leaves the next day.
Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere right next door. Lifestyle option, skybar with Belvedere views.
If you’re with family
Hotel Stephanie on the Danube Canal. Family rooms, playspace, bike paths at the door.
Gartenhotel Gabriel City in the 3rd district. Its own small garden, quiet, subway five minutes away.
Stanys Apartmenthotel on Mariahilfer Straße. Large apartments with kitchens, usually cheaper than hotel rooms from three nights up.
If the budget is tight
Pension Stadthalle was Vienna’s first zero-energy hotel. Dog-friendly, very personal, fair value. Multiple awards for sustainability.
Hotel Pension Wild in Josefstadt. Classic pension, well kept, from around 70 euros.
Kolping Wien Central at Karlsplatz. Simple, but unbeatably central. Popular with pilgrim groups and budget travellers.
A&O Wien Stadthalle for backpackers, groups, hostel-style.
A few other things to know
The district question is as important as the hotel name. You save an hour of sightseeing every day by sleeping in the 1st, 4th, 6th or 7th district. Hietzing (13th) is greener but you’ll need the subway every day. Detailed comparisons in our district overviews.
On pricing: Vienna isn’t cheap, but below Paris and London. High season is May through September plus Advent. February to March is the cheapest, often half the peak rates.