First mentioned in 1600, Vienna’s oldest hotel isn’t just steeped in history, it revels in it. From the antique porcelain Meissen service and the hussar’s uniform on display to the weighty metal room keys, everything at the Hotel Stefanie is designed to evoke Old World Europe. Renovated in 2016, the 111-room upper-middle-range hotel is conveniently located in Vienna’s second district, just across the Danube Canal from the old-town core. Rooms are traditional but rather plain (and a touch frumpy) compared to the imperial public spaces, and some are small. Travelers who want to step back in time love the ambience here, but those who prefer modern sensibilities should consider the Hollmann Beletage, in the same price category. Just across the river, it has a cool designer vibe and even a spa.

Enziana Hotel Vienna is a three-pearl Austrian-themed hotel, situated in the Landstrasse neighborhood. While it's not located in the city center, it is within walking distance of local attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transportation. The 165 guest rooms are charming, if slightly oddly decorated, and come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. They lack tea- and coffee-making facilities and individually-controlled air-conditioning. The lobby bar and Enziana Stube Restaurant specialize in Austrian cuisine, served by staff sporting traditional dirndl and lederhosen. The buffet breakfast is extensive, though it's not included in room rates. Travelers who want to be in the center of the sightseeing action should consider Hotel Austria, which also has free breakfast and slightly higher rates.

The 63-room Hotel Sans Souci Wien is arguably the top hotel in Vienna, offering modern elegance and luxury amenities in a historic property right across from Museum Quarter. Beautiful rooms feature parquet floors, huge bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, mirrors that double as flat-screen TVs, minibars, pillow menus, and turndown service -- and those are just the entry-level rooms. The hotel has an exceptional restaurant, a delicious free breakfast, a bar featuring opulent lounge areas, and a full-service spa with three saunas, a gym, and a chandelier-lit lap pool. Concierge, room, and valet service are all available. It's hard to beat this luxury spot -- except in terms of price -- but travelers who would prefer to stay in the Ring might consider the Park Hyatt Vienna. 

Located in the heart of Vienna's historic center, just around the corner from the State Opera House, this family-run, lower-middle-range property is a solid choice for vacationers who are willing to sacrifice some amenities to be close to major attractions. The pension occupies part of a commercial/residential building with 19th-century roots; and, in a nod to the past, its 25 comfortable rooms and apartments have a distinct "fin de siècle" look, which sets them apart from generic chain hotels. However, they lack air-conditioning and have few in-room amenities aside from flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Public features are also in short supply: there’s an elegant breakfast room, for instance, but no gym. Another affordable and independently owned option travelers could consider is theArt Hotel Vienna.

Three-pearl Star Inn Wien Hauptbahnhof is a popular choice, in part due to its convenient location next to Vienna's main rail station and the Ubahn. It's just a 15-minute ride to the airport, and about the same into Vienna's historic center. Don't come here for Old World Vienna ambience, as this hotel is all sleek lines and modern style. Features are limited, but there's a daily buffet breakfast and the bar is open 24 hours a day. The 300 rooms are smart, with crisp Scandinavian-inspired decor plus Nespresso machines, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and roomy rainfall showers. Guests looking for a bit more character could check out Ruby Sofie Hotel Vienna insteadm which has similar rates and is near Vienna's other major station, Wien Mitte.

Hotel Senator is a three-pearl hotel set in a residential area outside of Vienna's center. It's 40 minutes by public transport to get into central Vienna, and there's a tram stop right outside the hotel. The 179 rooms are well-sized and contemporary with a red, yellow, and black color palette and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. There's a snack bar and restaurant that serves an extensive buffet breakfast (though it's not included in room rates), plus an on-site mini-market and vending machines. The hotel lacks a spa as well as fitness and meeting facilities, though pets are welcome (for a fee) and there are family-friendly rooms available. By comparison, NH Wien Hotel offers sauna and fitness facilities, and is closer to the city center.

This upper-middle-range boutique property is situated on a busy shopping street, a five-minute walk from the Wien Westbahnhof station. The trendy hotel offers a fun set of features, including a cinema room, yoga/meditation room, stylish library with free hot beverages, and a lovely outdoor rooftop terrace. Plus guests have access to the ground-floor gym -- but it incurs a daily fee. There's also a hip cafe/bar that's open 24/7 and serves light Italian bites (plus an organic breakfast buffet for a fee). Rooms, though a bit small, are stylishly appointed and equipped with mod cons like flat-screen TVs, tablets, and Marshall amps (guitars are free to borrow from the front desk) -- but they lack minibars and tea/coffee facilities. For a comparable alternative, check out the eco-friendly Daniel Vienna -- with its own vegetable garden.

Located in Landstrasse, this four-pearl, 116-room property is situated next to the beautiful Belvedere Palace. It's an ideal base for exploring the city, as Vienna Central Station and tram links within easy walking distance. The hotel has an industrial, loft-style design, blended with retro decor. Rooms are simple and sharp, with minimal furnishings. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are partially open, with rainfall showers and separate toilets. The on-site restaurant is a popular brunch spot, serving international cuisine and fresh baked goods. A breakfast buffet is served daily, though this costs extra. Looking for even more bespoke appeal? A shop sells fresh honey from beehives on the roof. Travelers looking for a quieter location should consider the Hollmann Beletage, which adds a free breakfast.

It's easy to see why Austria Trend Hotel Bosei Wien is among Vienna’s best budget choices. Though some of its 195 guest rooms are slightly dated and lack tea/coffee facilities or minibars, they're clean, pleasant, and equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. The hotel offers a restaurant and a bar in an area with few dining options, plus there's an organic breakfast available for a fee. A quiet atmosphere for meetings and events and free parking make it a suitable choice for business travelers. For tourists, though, there’s little reason to stay in this part of town as its far from the city center and public transportation. For something closer to the center, travelers could consider Austria Trend Hotel Anatol Wien.

Originally one of the private residences for the Prince of Wurttemberg, the Hotel Imperial is a luxury hotel steeped in a history that dates back to the glory days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even the smallest rooms have a palatial ambiance, and the bedazzling suites come with their own butlers who go above and beyond with limousine service and bath drawing. Viennese coffeehouse traditions continue at the Cafe Imperial, which has been baking the same sweet cakes since 1874, and the renovated restaurant is equally excellent. However, with such high rates, guests would expect extra facilities such as a spa, if not a marble riding stable (there actually used to be one, but it has since been converted into an event hall). Expect to pay extra for breakfast and Wi-Fi.