Historic Ruby Sofie Hotel has a colorful story and has been reinvented as a trendy three-and-a-half-pearl hotel that's popular with a hipster-heavy crowd. The location is ideal for travelers arriving by train, as it's just five minutes from Wien Mitte Station, and a few minutes by metro into the city center. Ruby Sofie is crammed with music memorabilia, and guests can borrow electric guitars to jam in the comfort of their own (sound-proofed) rooms. The shabby-chic bar is open 24/7 and an organic buffet breakfast is available. The 77 rooms are vintage and modern, and feature tablets, Marshall amp sound systems, and air-conditioning. Some are cramped, though there's always the meditation room to expand your mind. Travelers seeking a more traditional finish might prefer Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna instead.

The 195-room Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten is a sophisticated luxury hotel that manages the balance between chic and charming. Spacious guest rooms feature parquet floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern amenities like rainfall showers, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screens with Sky TV. The hotel has a chic restaurant serving Viennese fare, and a lobby bar. There's also a stylish rooftop spa with a sauna, sunroom, treatment rooms, terrace, and gym, while business facilities include four meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. The location could be better -- it's slightly outside of the city center -- but close to public transport. Other luxury options in the heart of the city, such as the DO & CO Hotel, can be twice as pricey. 

The three-pearl, 56-room Graben Hotel was built in the late 18th century and it still has plenty of original character. The location is as central as you can get, with Stephansplatz Square just around the corner. The hotel is traditionally decorated, with elegant Italian furniture and original Art Noveau pieces in the lobby. All rooms are cozy, clean, and simple, with modern amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars, though some can be small. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar, serving classic Italian cuisine and a daily breakfast buffet. There is a 24-hour front desk and business center, plus free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Travelers looking for a more modern property should consider rates at the nearby Guesthouse Vienna, which has its own bakery. 

The upper-middle-range Eurostars Embassy Hotel is a straightforward and serviceable hotel in Landtraße (Vienna’s 3rd District), outside of the city center with most attractions requiring a tram ride or taxi ride. Its 66 bright, well-appointed rooms uphold the chain’s commitment to comfort and value and have LCD flat-screen TVs, and Suites include terraces with lovely views. On the downside, there's nothing particularly Austrian about the atmosphere or decor, which can be described as "contemporary chain hotel." And on-site features are fairly limited to meeting rooms, a computer workstation, and breakfast service -- there's no full restaurant or bar. Given those limitations, this Eurostar falls short of its advertised "upscale" status. For more amenities at similar prices, guests may prefer the Holiday Inn Vienna City. 

Modern, youthful, and tech-savvy, the upper-middle-range Hotel Schani Wien is a charming property marked by its expansive lobby recalling a mod coffee shop, complete with a co-working space, a bar, and plenty of hangout nooks. Snacks and coffee are available at the bar and a daily breakfast buffet (for a fee) is offered, too, but there's no full-service restaurant. Its location is a bit of a mixed bag as well; it's outside of the city center, but close to Vienna's Central Train Station. The 135 rooms marry style with practicality -- modular furniture and curtains cordoning off bathrooms are space-saving touches -- but there's no avoiding the fact that rooms are compact, and they lack coffeemakers and safes. For more spacious rooms -- but a less playful vibe -- consider the nearby Star Inn Hotel Premium Wien Hauptbahnhof, by Quality.

Wombats CITY HOSTEL Vienna “The Naschmarkt” is a brightly decorated and lively budget hostel geared toward young and social travelers. The on-site bar is a fun meeting place, while the large communal kitchen has been set up to allow a number of guests to use the facilities at once. Dorms and private rooms have en-suite bathrooms and much more space than typical for hostels. The property provides luggage storage, bike rentals, and breakfast for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free. But one serious downside is the reports of bedbugs from some past guests. Travelers could also consider the Hostel Ruthensteiner, which has a fun atmosphere, as well as an outdoor garden, a quiet location, and free loaner iPads. 

The upper-middle-range Prinz Eugen Hotel is a traditional hotel situated right next to Vienna's main train station, less than a 10-minute walk from Belvedere Palace and well-connected to the heart of the city via public transit. The hotel's 106 rooms are a bit bland and dated (tube TVs still haven't been replaced with flat-screens), but they're spacious and comfortable with sitting areas, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a nice free breakfast buffet and has a small lobby bar, but there's no full-service restaurant or wellness facilities. By comparison, Hotel de France offers similar decor and more property features closer to the city center.

The two-pearl A&O Wien Stadthalle may be outside of the city center of Vienna, but it’s cheap and offers a decent stay for those traveling on a budget. Its 120 shared and private rooms are basic, with bare-bones decor, but all have en-suite bathrooms. Private rooms offer more space than the shared dorms and have flat-screen TVs. But many guests feel that they're nickel-and-dimed, with extra fees for bed linens, towels, and breakfast. The hostel has a bar, game room, and children’s play area, catering to guests of all types, however it lacks a communal kitchen. Kolpignhaus Wien-Zentral is a good alternative with a free breakfast and private rooms.

Less than a 10-minute walk from Vienna’s most popular attractions, Opera Suites is a mid-range hotel with traditional decor. The hotel has 18 rooms and apartments decked out in a classic Viennese style and all come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Nespresso makers; apartments add kitchens. However, some don't have very good views, while others get street noise. Breakfast is available (in-room only) for a fee and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but otherwise there's not much in terms of features. The Old World look might not appeal to all, either, as it can come off as dusty or dated. Travelers looking for a more modern experience should check out the centrally located Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien, which has its own bar. 

Hotel Pension Bosch is a budget property with 12 guest rooms and limited features, outside the city center but near a tram stop. Rooms are basic but pleasant enough, with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and either private or shared bathrooms. However, they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities and -- as is often the case with hotels in Vienna in this price range -- there’s no air-conditioning. Freebies include hotel-wide Wi-Fi as well as a breakfast buffet with a good variety of options. Those looking to be in the center of the sightseeing action could try Hotel Austria, though rooms here also lack AC and suffer from dated decor.