The 45-room Hotel Altstadt is like a work of art, located in a part of town known for its hip and artistic character. The restored townhouse is as much art gallery as it is hotel, displaying a large private collection throughout its labyrinthine halls. Even the Standard Rooms are individually decorated, with the more extravagant suites renovated by guest designers who used the spaces as their creative canvases. The Altstadt might be to be too quirky for some, with permanent residents living in the same building and no lobby or staff on the ground floor. There's also no full restaurant, although breakfast and afternoon refreshments are free. With the Museum Quarter around the corner and a private contemporary art collection on hand, it's the perfect place for culture vultures, or for any traveler eager to soak up local color.

The Austria Trend Hotel Ananas is a large budget chain hotel located in the more residential Margareten neighborhood of Vienna. While the city center is within walking distance, the location isn't the most central for tourists wanting to explore the city on foot, although the nearby metro (there's a stop across the street) can whisk you into the center in minutes. Beyond some Art Deco influences that have been retained, interiors are generally uninspiring. Rooms are pleasant enough, but have yet to be renovated and feel very dated. There's not much in the way of facilities besides garage parking and a pleasant cafe-restaurant, though service is efficient and rates are very reasonable.

The 11-room Hotel Saint Shermin is an upper-middle-range property that's part boutique hotel, part bed-and-breakfast. The hotel has quirky, bright decor, including a funky breakfast room that serves up a daily buffet with homemade quiche and Champagne for an extra fee. Rooms are individually decorated with minibars, flat-screen TVs, espresso-makers, and small en-suite bathrooms, though the carpeting is a little drab. The hotel also offers five fully equipped apartments in a different location. The lobby has an honesty bar and free coffee and tea, but there are no other property features. While the Naschmarkt is nearby, the hotel is about a 15- to 20-minute walk to most attractions. Travelers looking for funky boutique hotels could also consider the nearby Small Luxury Hotel Das Tyrol, which has a spa and a location by the Museum Quarter.

The 33-room Hotel Topazz is an eco-friendly design boutique set in the vibrant heart of Vienna's 1st District. Exteriors are strikingly modern whilst interiors draw on early 20th century-Viennese art for inspiration -- especially the luxurious, though generally small, rooms which all feature original windowsill seating and gorgeous bathrooms. There's not much on-site, but all guests have access to plenty of amenities such as iPads and minibars stocked with free goodies. As you'd expect, rates aren't cheap, but not unreasonable for such a unique hotel in a prime location.

Popular with backpackers since the late 1960s, Hostel Ruthensteiner is one of Vienna's most popular budget hostels, and located near Mariahilfer Strasse. The bar and outdoor garden serve as social hubs for the young travelers it attracts, and there's a big communal kitchen and a cheap, convenient, breakfast served daily in the dining room. In addition to the typical shared dorms, a variety of private rooms are available, though many of these still have shared bathrooms.

The Austria Trend Hotel Astoria Wien has been open for over a century and combines elegant, original detailing with some contemporary decor updates, some of which were made after its near destruction following occupation in WWII. Like the common areas, rooms have a combination of classical and modern decor and come with free Wi-Fi, although some lack air-conditioning. It's conveniently close to historic sites and shopping districts and has a good amount of meeting space, which attracts both tourists and business travelers alike. There's no restaurant on-site, but there is a bar as well as a breakfast room, which serves a buffet continental breakfast every morning (for a fee). 

This three-and-a-half-pearl, 63-room hotel is conveniently located in the center of Vienna, just around the corner from Saint Stephen's Cathedral and Stephansplatz Metro station. The historic building is centuries old, and has welcomed plenty of high profile guests. Decor is elegant and traditional, with opulent chandeliers, marble floors, and antique furnishings. Rooms are simpler, but similar in style, with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The only downside is the lack of facilities. There is no restaurant or bar, and no fitness or spa facilities. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. For a boutique hotel with more facilities, travelers should try the nearby Hollmann Beletage, which adds a free breakfast and a tranquil spa. 

The world's first zero-energy-balance city hotel, the Boutique Hotel Stadthalle is an eco-friendly, family-run hotel set on a quiet street in the western Viennese district of Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus. The picturesque location isn't ideal for exploring the city center on foot, although the nearby metro puts you in the tourist center in about 10 minutes. The hotel's abundance of greenery and rooftop lavender garden make for a special environment, though green policies also mean no air-conditioning, which can be an issue in the summer. While there are certainly cheaper and more central hotels than this, the Stadthalle's unique concept and friendly vibe makes it worthy of consideration -- and guests also can feel good about helping to save the planet. 

The 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier is a 217-room, upper-middle-range hotel that breaks the mold with its unhinged, circus-themed interiors. Its location is excellent, with most of Vienna's attractions within walking distance. Popular with locals for its stunning vistas, the hip bar is a real highlight, as is the American-inspired restaurant. Quirky rooms are well-equipped and mostly impressive, though some are small and lack storage. Overall, you could pay the same for a sleeker, smarter hotel, but this is a good pick for those who enjoy the unconventional.

The DO & CO Hotel occupies the upper floors of the postmodern landmark building the Haas Haus, right on St. Stephen's Square in the heart of the city. This luxury hotel is a bit short on features (there's no spa, pool, or business center here) but high in style, with rooms decked out in exotic hardwoods, stone, and leather. The showy glass bathrooms, though, might cause privacy concerns for some. Do & Co offers some of the best views of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the square, especially from its rooftop terrace. The restaurant's global cuisine and ritzy sixth-floor bar are hot spots for tourists and local residents alike, and all will pay a premium for the view.