The 11 best hotels in Vienna

A converted apartment building in the super-cool seventh district that’s been turned into a characterful boutique hotel. Each of the bedrooms has been designed by a Viennese artist, and everyone gets together for coffee and homemade cake by the fire in the afternoons. Although you’re a short walk from the city’s cultural centre, it feels like a real home from home. From the generous Austrian breakfast to the honesty bar, guests are treated like family.

Where is it? Kirchengasse.

Which room? No two rooms are the same, so pick the one that most suits your personality (we particularly like the New York-inspired Opera Suite).

Time Out tip: Book with them directly to get free bike hire and ten per cent off in the onsite boutique.

One of the city’s coolest hotels (it’s hosted its fair share of bands on tour), this is a peaceful, palm-fringed courtyard oasis in the middle of the buzzy seventh district. Vintage furniture, a friendly crowd and homecooked food add up to a stay with real personality. You’ll have galleries, shops and gorgeous squares on your doorstep, but if you’re planning the kind of weekend where you barely go outside, this is the place to spend it. The rooms are pure Wes Anderson aesthetic and the restaurant (run by the owner’s mum) serves fab Filipino food.

Where is it? Bandgasse.

Which room? The suites and apartments come at bargain prices here. Treat yourself.

Time Out tip: Explore the local Neubau district and don't miss a chance to eat at the funky subterranean bar Erich, off Sankt Ulrichs Platz.

Right on the Ringstrasse, this upscale option has serious wow factor – think chandeliers, plush carpets and fabulous modern Austrian food (there’s a dedicated schnitzel station). With a rooftop pool, swanky cars for hire and multiple bars and restaurants, the Grand Ferdinand is as glam as it gets.

Where is it? Schubertring.

Which room? Wanna live it up in the Ring but don't have the cash to splash? Worry not, there’s an Orient Express-like dorm where you can get a bed for €50/n.

Time Out tip: A stroll around Ringstrasse is the easiest way to admire some of the city’s grandest buildings, including the Burggarten, the Hofburg, Parliament, Volksgarten and the Burgtheater.

The Hollmann's entrance is tucked between two shops just around the corner from St Stephen’s cathedral, but its rooms are mega spacious, with high ceilings and vast, comfy beds. It’s an incredibly comfy boutique hotel and there are loads of extras included in the room rate, from locally roasted coffee and Viennese confectionaries to pre-dinner aperitifs and snacks (3-5pm). There's also a cinema, ice cream in the summer months, and make sure you’re up in time for the huge, organic breakfast in the courtyard, which changes every three days.

Where is it? Köllnerhofgasse.

Which room? Beletage M, the smallest room (sleeps two, while th eothers sleep three), is delightful. If you don't need more space, don't bother paying more. It has everything you need in one space, plus a Juliet balcony.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the free e-scooter and bike rental on offer at the Hollmann.

A riotously colourful design boutique with stunning views looking out over Austrian Parliament and the Museum Quarter. With a photo booth in the lobby and a drum kit hanging above the bar, this place is guaranteed to make you smile. Rooms are all individually designed, and there’s a gym and spa in the basement.

Where is it? Lerchenfelder Straße.

Which room? Enjoy sweeping floor-to-ceiling vistas of the seventh district in the Gigantic Panorama room.

Time Out tip: Before you check out, buy some honey from the hotel’s rooftop hives to take home.

Don’t be fooled by the folksy name – this luxe boutique rubs shoulders with the Opera House and Hotel Sacher in the Albertinaplatz, one of Vienna’s grandest squares. A former hostel, it’s had a Mad Men makeover courtesy of Conran & Partners. With its own brasserie and bakery serving homemade waffles, filled organic bagels and cheeses from local farmers, this is one for foodies as well as design aficionados. Every room comes with four bottles of top-quality wine, too.

Where is it? Führichgasse.

Which room? All the rooms are absolutely lush, but for that extra wow-factor, plulp fo rthe Courtyard Suite on the top floor.

Time Out tip: Although the Albertina is just across the road, head ten minutes south to the Albertina Modern, Vienna’s newest major art museum. It holds two of the most important collections of post-1945 Austrian art, the Essl and Jablonka collections, alongside works by other famous international artists.

In its former life, this collection of super-hip suites in the up-and-coming second district was a huddle of empty shops. Today it’s an architectural gem, with very reasonable rates for the amount of space you get. The Grätzl micro-chain has three other properties dotted around the city, all well worth investigating. With a stay here you feel like you’re really living in the city, rather than just passing through – the rooms are more like serviced apartments, although there’s always someone on hand if you need any help or advice.

Where is it? Große Sperlgasse.

Which room? Sleep easy in the Garden Suites, which overlook the courtyard instead of the street.

Time Out tip: Hire a bike and pedal around the farmer’s market, or plan the next day’s adventure in the cafe with a perfectly made coffee and some homemade cake.

In an imposing townhouse that's been a monastery and a post office at various points, Ruby Lissi has chic, minimalist rooms around the €250 mark – 'lean luxury' is their motto. (Sister hotel Ruby Sofie is a great choice too, with the same budget-glam philosophy.) This budget hotel is ideal if you’re counting the pennies but don’t want to compromise on creature comforts: think oversized beds, rain showers and silent air conditioning. There’s no room service, but the bar’s open 24 hours, serving Italian-inspired cocktails and aperitivi.

Where is it? Fleischmarkt.

Which room? Like to stretch out in bed? Book the Wow Room, which features a sprawling superking.

Time Out tip: Stroll through Hofburg Palace, which is just a 20-minute walk. The ornate grounds are home to the country’s president, as well as museums, attractions and galleries (and some famous dancing horses, too).

Having rennovated the famed red-brick Great Eastern Hotel in London in 2007 as part of its Andaz portfolio, the Hyatt group has gone on to 'Andaz' the globe. What does that mean? Conceptual, unique design in locations from Doha to Delhi. This Austrian outpost is certainly no different, with sleek Sandi-meets-Victorian interiors in earthy tones. Onsite you'll find private parking, a 24-hour fitness centre, restaurant Eugen21 and a terrace from which you can admire the verdant Swiss Gardens and southern Vienna.

Where is it? Landgutgasse.

Which room? Two words: park view. Whichever room you choose, see if you can snag a park view too.

Time Out tip: Seeing as you'll only be a 12-minute walk from Belvedere Palace, you may as well go and view Gustav Klimt’s most famous painting, The Kiss.

Adina Serviced Apartments is practically next door to Vienna's central station, making getting around an absolute breeze which comes in handy if you're travelling with the little ones. Style and comfort-wise, the apartments feature a sleek, contemporary open plan layout and are well equipped with all the creature comforts you'd expect, including a flatscreen TV, dishwasher, stovetop and more. There's also an on-site gym, rooftop terrace (for when the weather's good) and 24-hour reception in case you need a hand with anything. 

Where is it? Located just five minutes from the centre. 

Which room? Either studio is a great choice for your stay, but if it's extra room you're after then go with Deluxe. 

Time Out tip: If you don't want the faff of finding someone to watch your pup, just bring 'em along. Pets are welcome in the apartment for a separate fee. 

Set in the very hip 7th district, Max Brown Hotel is the perfect stay for creatives and young folk. And as one might expect from the 7th, rooms have an edgy art deco vibe, with bright colour schemes, cosy bedspreads, wall art, and even a cheeky record player. 

Where is it? The 7th district is the heart of Vienna's creative scene. Here you'll find lots of vibrant venues, historic cinemas, and museums to explore. 

Which room? We recommend one of the large rooms – great for a little shimmy after whacking on those vinyls.  

Time Out tip:  No stay in Neubau is complete without visiting shabby chic, Cafe bar Liebling, especially in the evening.