In our travels in Europe, we always think of Paris as the city for lovers, London for proud traditions and Vienna for those who love old-fashioned charm and comfort. These are our choices of the most charming and comfortable Viennese hotels in three cost categories.
Luxury: Hotel Imperial
If you want to live like a member of royalty, check in at this former grand palace built in 1863 for the Prince of Württemberg. The Imperial is Vienna’s grandest hotel, located on the magnificent Ring Boulevard in the heart of Vienna and next to the famous Wiener Musikverein, the Carnegie Hall of Austria. During your Vienna stay, you can attend music events featuring Strauss, Mozart, Wagner, Verdi and Gershwin.
The hotel’s Restaurant Imperial was designed as a wood-panelled royal hall, complete with portraits of Emperor Franz Joseph and other historic figures staring down benevolently at diners. Candlelight provides the room with just the right mood for good traditional Austrian and Continental food and fine wines. Room rates start at about $450 per night.
Hotel Imperial
Kaerntner Ring 16
Vienna, 1015, Austria
luxurycollection.com
Casual: The Ring Hotel
While upper class in attitude and accommodations, The Ring is a good, no-nonsense hotel for those who must come to Vienna for overnight stops and short business visits. We stayed there several years ago for a business conference, and found the hotel convenient in every way. The staff is always ready to accommodate your needs, and to provide information about the best restaurants in the city.
The Ring Hotel is located within walking distance of the Karlsplatz, Vienna State Opera, the Austrian National Library and Michaelerplatz. At the nearby Michaelerkirche, Mozart’s Requiem was first performed in 1791. Underneath the church is a creepy crypt where visitors can see 150-year-old mummified wealthy locals still dressed in their best funereal finery. Room rates start at about $240 per night.
The Ring
Kaerntner Ring 8
Vienna, Vienna A-1010 Austria
theringhotel.com
Budget: Hotel Austria
We spent the last three nights of our most recent Vienna trip at the very pleasant Hotel Austria. It’s a short stroll to St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and the internationally-famous Spanish Riding School. We went to a performance at the school, and admired the beautiful white prancing horses and their intricate marching routines.
Considering today’s prices charged by many hotels in big cities, our comfortable double room and huge bathroom were a bargain at $95 a night. We were delighted to find out that the tasty breakfast buffet was also included in the price. Room rates start at about $75 per night.
Hotel Austria
Am Fleischmarkt 20
Vienna A-1010, Austria
hotelaustria-wien.at
Conclusion
We certainly recommend a visit to beautiful, classic Vienna, Austria. You’ll find the city will welcome you with the best of hotel and restaurant services.
Follow world traveler and travel writer Ted Sherman on twitter, @travel4seniors and check out his blog, travel4seniors.com
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