9 Best Hotels in District 1/Innere Stadt, Vienna

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.

This Renaissance Revival–style structure, built in 1873 as an exhibition hall, was transformed 140 years later into a luxe hotel, which pays homage to the grand beginnings while also incorporating modern-day amenities. The 8,600-square-foot Ottoman-inspired spa houses three sauna rooms, a gym, a hydropool, and treatments using high-end Babor products. Die Küche restaurant serves Viennese classics in a relaxed atmosphere, while the Edvard, winner of a Michelin star the first year it opened, showcases international fare. The Lobby Lounge Bar features a Ladies and Gent’s tea and is a perfect place for a predinner cocktail. The hotel also has a cigar lounge, an architectural gem.

Smack behind the Albertina and the Staatsoper, this authentically Austrian boutique hotel is an absolutely delightful addition to the Vienna lodging scene, with fabulous views of the heart of the Innere Stadt. The interior design, by Sir Terence Conran, is at once sleek and warm, intimate and airy, and all touches, including the simple but stunning wide-planked unfinished hardwood floors, were created by Austrian craftsmen and -women; photographs adorning the walls of the rooms and corridors are real works by Austrian photographers. Broad windows provide fine views, and bay-window seating is a nice touch. Large soaking tubs are a plus, as is the complimentary minibar. The duplex suite comes with a private rooftop terrace. The café bakes its own pastries and roasts its own coffee and the brasserie serves international fare in a casual setting.

Following the trend toward smaller boutique properties, this luxury lodging takes its place alongside some of Vienna's opulent grand hotels. It is now part of the Relais & Châteaux association. The 1860 historic facade remains, as does the old-fashioned wrought-iron elevator, but otherwise it oozes sumptuous modernity. The walls of the bar and commons spaces have paintings by famous Austrian artists from the 1900s. The elegant entrance is discreet but welcoming, and the rooms have modern amenities. The spa and gym area on the top floor, with views overlooking the church of St. Charles is state-of-the-art, have a Finnish sauna and pool.

Franz Lehár, Marlene Dietrich, the Infanta Isabel of Spain, and Mick Jagger are just a few of the celebrities who have stayed at this old dowager (from 1866). The lobby is small but grand, and the high-ceiling guest rooms, differing only in size, are uniformly decorated with pale-yellow-striped wallpaper, deep-blue carpets, and faux Empire furniture. Unless you want the excitement of a direct view onto the lively pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, ask for one of the quieter rooms on the Neuer Markt side.

One of the landmarks of the Ringstrasse, this hotel has exemplified the grandeur of imperial Vienna ever since it was built. Adjacent to the Musikverein concert hall, the emphasis here is on Old Vienna elegance and privacy, which accounts for a guest book littered with names like José Carreras and Bruce Springsteen. The two main lobbies look as opulent as ballrooms. Guest rooms are furnished with sparkling chandeliers, gorgeous swagged fabrics, and original 19th-century paintings. Suites come with a personal butler. If you're keen to be treated like royalty, this is the place to stay. There's a piano lounge in hotel, perfect for a relaxed cocktail in elegant surrounds.

In a 16th-century house in the shadow of St. Stephen's Cathedral, this dormered hotel began catering to court nobility in 1746 and today lets you choose between "classicism" and "designer" rooms. If you'd like a classic atmosphere, you'll enjoy wood-paneled rooms furnished with country antiques, walk-in closets, and double sinks in the sparkling bathroom. If a designer vibe appeals to you, choose the a bright and spacious contemporary rooms. The suites have two floors, and two have balconies with rooftop views of Old Vienna.

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.

From a Ringstrasse Palace to a Ritz-Carlton, all the fineries you'd expect from the brand are here, including ceiling frescoes and open fireplaces in the poshest of its suites. The style is subdued modern and the bathrooms are fit for the emperors who once lived here, with large soaking tubs, wall-to-wall marble, and heated floors. The spa sports a 59-foot swimming pool, with music piped in underwater The hotel offers great drinking and dining options too: The Distrikt Steakhouse has a farm-to-table concept with sidewalk tables in summer, Pastamara serves Sicilian cuisine in a casual setting, D-bar has talented mixologists concocting works of art in a glass, and in summer the lively Atmosphere Rooftop Bar boasts city views.