Accommodation in Vienna; bus or train travel to Cesky Krumholz
 

I have three questions:

1. Any recommendations for modestly priced pensions/B&Bs or small hotels in Vienna, either in the center of town or on a subway/bus line?

2. Is there convenient bus or train service from Prague to Cesky Krumholz? From CK to Vienna?

3. Would you recommend air travel or train travel from Krakow to Prague?

Do you mean Cesky Krumlov? I could not find Cesky Krumholz in either Austria or the Czech Republic.

In Vienna, Pension Nossek is on the Graben and is moderately priced.

http://www.pension-nossek.at/

I would fly from Krakow to Prague as Polish trains are very slow, between 8 and 10 hours for this route. The Krakow and Prague airports are close to the city center and both are small so easily navigable.

1. We did not stay in a pension or BB. I looked for one, but we actually got a really good last-minute deal on the Hilton Vienna Plaza hotel which overlooks the Ringstrasse.

2. There is a direct bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, but no direct train. The bus takes 3 hours (shorter than the combined train route), but it gets filled fast. English language website: http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusymhdvse/spojeni/
As an alternative, though...
We were all set to take the bus, but our hotel concierge suggested and was able to arrange a private driver for us, which for four people ended up about the same as the bus. I don't have anymore information in my notes, though.

3. Agree that the trains are slow (and some of the connections aren't clear!), but there's a good direct night train (8 hrs I believe) from Krakow to Prague if you are interested. Otherwise, a plane is your best option.

many places to consider in central Vienna with fair price / value .

If you should consider the Nossek - ask forn a room not facing Graben -the pedestrian shopping street.
Access is limited there deliveries to shops , trash removal services begin very early in the morning.

Several possibilities all less costly than that above including breakfasts

Pension Kraml

www.pensionkraml.at

quiet side street - near a major shopping street . good restaurant choices easy access to UBahn and bus services . short walk to Museum Quarter , Naschmarkt etc.
apartments also if you wish one - csan save on some meals perhaps.

Shop at the famous Naschmarkt for some great local offerings and make your own dining event .

Pension Suzanne-

very close to the State Opera in city center

www.pension-suzanne.at

Pension Aviano- good location - much more quiet now with nearby construction about finished .

For Vienna - CK

look into the Lobo Shuttle -

easy, quick transfer and not expensive

www.shuttlelobo.cz/

adrienne
you brought back memories by recommending pension Nossek...
A long long time ago i went to Vienna to study ( and stayed there for 9 years). My first accommodation was the pension Nossek, while i was searching for an apartment....
This is the most central location you can find in Vienne, only a few meters away from Stefan.

OP didn't mention when he will be travelling, after the 1st of Nov prices are going down, and you can find many 3 or 4 star Hotels with a reasonable price.

Thank you so much for the recommendations. I have sent inquiries to all the pensions mentioned and await their replies. Thanks also for the suggestion about train/plane travel from Krakow to Prague. I think we'll fly and take the train from Prague to Vienna, which I believe is shorter than the Krakow-Prague leg.

Travel will be in late September.

If you do go to Cesky Krumlov, here is another bus that travels between CK and Vienna. www.shuttlebus.cz For download information on some of the cities you will be visiting. www.inyourpocket.com