I am looking for inexpensive hotels in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck for March. I would like double rooms with private bath under $80US a night, if possible. In Vienna I am looking for somewhere in the Ring, such as around the Opera, Hofburg, or Stephansdom. In Salzburg and Innsbruck something in the Old town areas. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

The hotel known as Zur goldene Ente, at the Golden Duck, may not fit your budget because of the sagging value of the dollar, but I found it to be an ok place to stay. Room was ok, and the breakfast was first class all the way. (I don't know if any of you had noticed, but the Euro is now about 94 cents and the French franc is under 7.0 to $1. Last summer it was around 7.6 - 7.8) <BR>There has been considerable discussion lately on Vienna hotels which I shall not attempt to reproduce here. I suggest a search on that topic.

Check with nethotels.com for good information for all cities. We stayed at two places: Hotel Drei Kronen (within walking distance of the Opera). It is a small hotel near the University. Another small one is Hotelpension Arenberg (within the ring and walking distance of Stephenplatz). It is affiliated with Best Western but maintains the elegance of Vienna. It even has homemade muesli! Arenberg is nicer than Drei Kronen but both are very good.

Several years ago we stayed at Trumer Stube in Salzburg, a few blocks to old town. The people were great, the area nice, so we are staying there in May. To see: http://members.eunet.at/hotel.trumer-stube.sbg/ We reserved by e-mail and got a prompt response. Price 1221 AS for a double ($83 today). It is recommended in several guide books.

OOPS. The Zur goldenen Ente is in Salzburg. It is on Goldgasse in the old town, not far from Mozart's statue. It is convenient to the lift that goes up to the castle on the hill and several other major Salzburg attractions. <BR>