Hello. This board helped me a lot in planning my trip to Italy this past summer. Now I am planning a trip for my parents in their 60s (I love being the travel agent)who will spend about 4-5 days in Austria with Vienna as the base. They can't do a lot of walking and prefer not to do too much of changing of modes of transportation (bus to train etc). I will appreciate responses to all the following questions: I was thinking that either they could stay in Vienna all the days and take a day trip to Salzburg, or split 3 and 2 days between the 2 places. The viennasightseeing.com company (suggested on this board) has a day trip by bus to Salzburg - would that be worth it or too much time on the bus with too little time to see stuff?
2) Sounds like Vienna is really small so does location of the hotel really matter, if one does not want to do much walking?Suggestions, with some explanation of locations, for hotels around $100+/- $25 with elevator would be appreciated ?
3) Does the weather in last week of October require heavy coats/jackets, or is sweater and light jacket sufficient?
Thank you in advance.

Hi Aurora,

I stayed in the Pension Nossek which is right on the Graben (pedestrian area), just around the corner from St. Stephen's Cathedral. You can easily walk to most of the sights from here or use the subway or tram. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

It's within your price range, the management was wonderful and the rooms were a good size. There's an elevator. Phone: 01.533.7041.0 Fax: 01.535.3646. I don't think they take credit cards but there's a bank in the square.

I haven't been to Austria in October but I think it may be prudent to bring a heavy coat or jacket in addition to a light weight jacket or sweater. Better to carry it in the suitcase and be warm than not have it and freeze.

adrienne

I think it would be best for your parents to stay somewhere inside the Ringstrasse or near St. Stephan's. Except for Schoenbrunn Palace and a few other sights, this is where most everything is located. Depending on their interests, it is easy to spend the entire 4-5 days in Vienna, but Salzburg is also a beautiful place to visit. It taks about 3 hours or so to get to Salzburg from Vienna so for a day trip, that would be 6+ hours on the bus. Could be very tiring. It might be best to consider an overnight trip.

The "average" temperature for Vienna and Salzburg in October is 51 - 52 degrees C but it could be much colder. Since it could also be raining or, even, snowing, I would take a waterproof raincoat and then wear layers underneath that could be removed or added as needed.

We were quite satisfied with http://www.residenz.cc/englisch/index.htm in May of this year. Not a "high-class" hotel, but a good value in a city where there is no shortage of much higher-priced lodging.

When they say two minutes to the City Hall (Rathaus), that is accurate.

A little less than obvious as to "where is it" once you reach the front door. There is an elevator to the 3rd floor reception down a little arcade walkway once you walk in the "front door" (shared with other tenants in the building).

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi Aurora,

As a contemporary of your parnts, I suggest that, unless they are in poor health, that if they stay in Vienna and daytrip to Salzburg. They will be happier.

3 hr on a bus (each way) is less trouble than packing, unpacking and schlepping luggage.

We stayed at the Kaerntnerhof and found it convenient and pleasant.

http://www.karntnerhof.com/frame_e.html