4 Best Hotels in Vienna, Austria

One of Europe's legends, originally founded by Franz Sacher, chef to Prince Metternich—for whom the famous chocolate cake was invented—this hotel dates from 1876 but has delightfully retained its old-world atmosphere while also providing luxurious, modern-day comfort. Little wonder the Sacher is often booked solid by its Stammgast regulars, who love the fact that this mythically grand "palace" is still a family-run hotel. Thanks to the benevolent rule of grande-dame owner Mme. Elisabeth Gürtler, the friendly staff makes guests feel as if they are in a perfectly managed private home. The public salons are so opulent you might wish to view them with a monocle, especially the restaurant Anna Sacher, resplendent in emerald-green plush, gilt-leaf Old Master paintings, and priceless Lobmeyr chandeliers. Beforehand, enjoy a glass of champagne in the Blaue bar, a vision in Harry Winstonesque sapphire. But if you want casual instead of dazzle, head to the Café Sacher, where everyone proudly orders a slice of Sachertorte. Upstairs, guest rooms are winning combinations of 19th-century antiques and traditional-style furniture, all cosetted in chic pattern-on-pattern fabrics and chilled by the most silent air-conditioning in Europe.

A member of the Meininger budget hotel chain, Franz offers a hip style and out-for-fun clientele. The hotel caters to all types of travelers, but guest rooms are geared towards groups and families, with both "family" and "dorm" accommodations featuring built-ins (banquettes, ladders) and nifty top-floor "garret" windows and balconies. There’s a guest kitchen and game zone for connecting with fellow travelers.

A family-run establishment on the upper floors of a 19th-century apartment building, the Nossek lies at the heart of Vienna's pedestrian and shopping area. Rooms have high ceilings and are eclectically but comfortably furnished; those on the street side have a view of the Graben. Mozart worked on The Abduction from the Seraglio while he lived at this location in the early 1780s, but the current building is from much later.

Popular with families, this choose-your-own-adventure hotel's fun and casual vibe leans heavily on the Viennese spirt with a DIY edge. The lobby furniture is all secondhand, while the wallpaper motifs in the guests’ rooms was designed by local art students. Room categories include doubles, family rooms with bunkbeds (most with a balcony), a disco studio with 5 beds and a sounds system, as well as a cinema studio with 5 beds, a projector screen and selection of Austrian movies. Double rooms don’t offer an enclosed shower space. There’s a delicious Israeli restaurant on the 7^th floor with gorgeous views and the ground floor Café Brenner serves breakfast all day.