The 188-room four-pearl Grand Ferdinand is a refreshingly modern option at the edge of Vienna’s bustling First District. Highlights at this chic four-pearl property include a rooftop pool (a rarity in Vienna) with views over the city and three Viennese restaurants -- one of which is an exclusive members-only salon. Contemporary rooms have some of the chicest decor we’ve seen in the city, though are on the small side and have open-plan bathrooms that make them best-suited for couples. In-room amenities include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, but there are no coffee-and tea-making facilities. There’s plenty of quality competition in the area, but the style will be a bit stuffier. For a traditionally elegant stay travelers could consider the landmark Grand Hotel Wien, though it’s not as stylish and rates are higher. 

The modern Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design is actually built inside a restored historic townhouse in Josefstadt, Vienna’s eighth district. The 39-room boutique hotel features large rooms with sleek wooden furniture, trendy bathroom appliances, and an individualized minibar inspired by a specific, local Austrian vintner. A breakfast buffet gets rave reviews for quality though there isn't a full restaurant for lunch and dinner. The Museum Quarter is between a five-10-minute walk, just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the Inner Ring but still close enough to skip public transport.  

The two-pearl Pension Wild is a pleasant, affordable hotel in the quiet Josefstadt District, within a short walk from the U-bahn, hip Neubau District, and Museum Quarter. The 26 clean, simple rooms and kitchen apartments (located in a separate building) come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and some have minibars. All rooms lack AC, regular rooms lack kettles, and some rooms share a bathroom. An intimate, family-owned property, the hotel particularly appeals to LGBT guests and shares a building with a gay-friendly sauna facility with Finnish sauna and steam room. The hotel offers a high-quality, ample free breakfast with hot and cold items, but no restaurant. Travelers who want a hotel with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning and a location closer to the U-Bahn might consider the nearby Hotel Alpha. 

Kolpinghaus Wien-Zentral is a budget property affiliated with the International Kolping Society, a Catholic lay association that runs student housing facilities and a few hotels. Its central location near the Museum Quarter makes it a convenient base for younger travelers looking for the basics, but it won't woo anyone with its institutional decor or basic amenities. There is, however, a nice outdoor patio and a free buffet breakfast.

Hotel Karntnerhof is an elegant mid-range hotel with a top location right in the heart of Vienna's First District. Shopping, dining, and tons of historic sights are just outside of the hotel. Like most hotels in this part of town, the Kaerntnerhof holds onto its Art Nouveau heritage, with parquet floors and stylish antique furniture. A free breakfast is served daily in the dining room, and drinks can be taken in the lounge or on the rooftop terrace. The 41 rooms are nicely finished with refined grey decor, and the three suites are spacious. However, most rooms lack air-conditioning and features are limited. Travelers looking for a more modern finish and better equipped rooms could check out Hotel Capricorno, where minibars come standard and electric kettles are available on request.

Following a 2015 makeover, the Renaissance Wien Hotel reopened as a distinctive, upscale property with swish, moody styling and Baroque-inspired touches throughout. Set well outside Vienna's Old Town, it's not ideal for sightseers, though a nearby U-Bhan does make access swift and simple. The hotel's 305 guest rooms and suites are chic and streamline, with lavish (if slightly overdone) touches, comfy beds, and high-end bathrooms. All come equipped with large TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles, and upgraded rooms add Nespresso machines, robes, and slippers. Extras like breakfast and parking are pricey, and high-speed Wi-Fi isn't standard. Ultimately, however, it's a quality upmarket package and often surprisingly reasonably rates. Compare prices with the more minimal Star Inn Hotel Wien Schönbrunn, with a similar set up one stop nearer the city center. 

The 579-room Hilton Vienna is a huge, upscale property located a drive or train ride away from the most popular Viennese attractions. A park and restaurants are within walking distance of this white, high-rise building with contemporary, though sometimes generic, style. This property is home to a fine-dining restaurant, a stylish outdoor cafe, and a lounge bar with lots of TV screens. Rooms are pleasant and contemporary with a neutral color palette, big flat-screen TV, and a work desk with an ergonomic chair; higher floor rooms have views of Amstadt Park and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Although a bit bland, this property has some nice features, including a fitness center and a spa with sauna. One alternative with a bit more charisma (and a bit higher price tag) is the Ritz-Carlton, Vienna that is home to a beautiful rooftop bar. 

The 205-room Grand Hotel Wien is a traditionally elegant five-pearl property located on Vienna's famed Kaerntner Ring. This building opened in 1870 with steam elevators and a telegraph office and has played many roles throughout history, including a garrison for invading Russian troops. A refined throwback to an elegant era, this property is complete with five restaurants, two bars, four sidewalk cafes, a spa, and a sauna. Rooms are as grand as the common spaces, with chandeliers, fresh flowers, and a rich color palette of gold and burgundy; many rooms have lovely city views. This is a big, bustling hotel with decor that at times can feel a bit stuffy -- for a more contemporary luxury property, travelers could consider the Jean Nouvel-designed Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom.

Near Naschmarkt, Vienna's Pentahotel is a trendy upper-middle-range property with stylish rooms and a fun, youthful atmosphere. Perhaps in an attempt to attract a younger clientele looking for something different in their lodging, the hotel features the "Pentalounge," a communal space that integrates its reception with a bar, a cafe, and a restaurant. It's the designer chain's hallmark, conceived as much as a neighborhood social hub for locals as it is for the hotel's guests. The arrangement may not suit everyone, especially those who like to keep their clubbing atmosphere separate from their choice of dwelling, but those looking for a happening all-night spot to hang dig the vibe here.  

On the outer edge of the city, in a neighborhood that's not well served by public transportation, the two-and-a-half pearl Art Hotel Vienna is in an inconvenient location for most tourists. Few interesting restaurants or attractions exist in the surrounding area, though the famous Naschmarkt is just within walking distance. Guests with their own wheels can take advantage of its affordable rates and underground parking garage though. The rooms range from tiny basic singles to large apartments with full kitchens designed for long stays, and all are decorated with contemporary art. There's also an exhibition space on-site and regular art events.