I reserved a room at the HOTEL KAISERIN ELISABETH and they gave me what they called a "large single" with air conditioning for 105 euro ($116).

So heres the deal, Monty. Shall I keep the HOTEL KAISERIN ELISABETH for $116 or shoot for a Priceline bid on a 4 star for $80-100?

The KAISERIN is central and cute but if I get lucky I can end up with a room at a place like the Marriott or another 4 star for $95.

Big decision.

Depends on what you want Richard.

HKE is exquisitely located and far more interesting. Lots of musicians stay there. There is a nice trendy Italian restaurant, A Tavola, right next to HKE and you're just around the corner from St. Stephens.

The Marriott is VERY BORING. Just an ordinary upscale American-flavored chain. And it's pretty far around the ring. Now if you could get the SAS Radisson Palais -- that's another story[I've stayed at both]

Richard,

That sounds like a good rate at the HKE. Never stayed there however. Why don't you hold on to the reservation and bid on Priceline for $80?

I have stayed at both the Radisson and the Marriott and cannot quite understand sfowler's remarks. They are actually located right next to one another, a short walk (10 min. max) from the Stephansplatz (I think the HKE is actually about halfway between the Marriott/Radisson and the Stephansplatz).

While the Radisson has a beautiful facade and nicer public areas, the standard rooms are pretty ho-hum IMO and certainly smaller than those at the Marriott. Plus, you could end up with a view of the Marriott from your room, while the opposite is true of the Marriott...

Hope this helps,
Andre

richardab,
In my mind, the Marriot or something like it just can't compare to that certain special Viennese-ness of a smaller, locally-owned place right around the corner from St. Stephens. The Marriot's room will almost certainly be bigger, and if that's what will truly make it comfortable for you, then go for it - everyone's different, after all! I second sfowler's recommendation of A Tavola, the restaurant next door to the K.E. Good place, nice wine selection, friendly service.

i know what you guys are saying. I really don't mind a small room if it is comfy. The people at the Kaiserin have been very nice to me on email and promised to accomodate me in a decent room. The Kaisern is very central but the Marriott isn't in a bad spot either. Ther is something nice about staying in that grand big hotel, but something memorable about the small provate one. Although I have to say sometimes a single room isn't up to the standards of the doubles in these small hotels. Once I stayed at a place in Florence which got great reviews. My room was small, dumpy, noisy and had a tiny bathroom where the shower was literally right in the wall with no stall or enclosure. That ruined my vacation....

Of course Andre is right. They are the same distance from St. Stephens. And the Palais is only half a block closer in on the ring.

I had a very good experience at the Palais -- I needed very precise service from the front desk on a couple of matters and they were absolutely top-notch reliable. I found the Marriott fine, but the service was much less sophisticated in the sense of interest and follow through.

In the Palais I had an 8th floor single with a view of Johann Strauss in the Stadtpark. It was a small room, but nicely decorated, with a round window and a just fine bathroom.

And I understand the comfort issue. I'd rather have my facilities down the hall that fight another battle with the "plastic contraption in the corner" used in retrofitting many rooms.

I can't imagine that HKE would be uncomfortable -- it just will be more "local" than either of the other mentioned.

Something tells me to stick with the HKE.

I have been back from Vienna for over a week now and I wanted to follow up with my commenst about the Kaiserin Elisabeth.

Hello!

I really enjoyed my stay in the hotel and would highly recommend it to anyone who may travel to Vienna.

The front desk staff was very helpful and was always willing to assist with everything from laundry to directions to tours. I appreciated that they were extremely friendly and hospitable.

The staff in the breakfast room was also a pleasure. Each morning they greet you with a smile which is a good way to start the day. The breakfast was delicious and I think the variety of treats was outstanding. You can select from a buffet of breads, pastry, fruit, juices, meats, cheeses, yogurt, cereal, eggs, etc. Very nice.

Although I never saw the chamber maid, each day when I return to the room it was spotless clean and fresh.

The best part of the hotel was the rooms. Although I only had a single room I think the size was large and the bathrooms sparkling clean and modern. The beds were comfortable and included down comforters and pillows. The furniture beautiful and well kept. The furniture also included a nice sitting chair, table and desk. Window are double paned to keep out street noise.

I really loved staying at the hotel. I think it was a great value and the location was perfect because it was right in the center of Vienna. I was very sorry to depart.

Just in case..

http://www.kaiserinelisabeth.at/