You already know where to spend your days in Vienna. Here’s where to stay the night.  

The Guesthouse

Striking a balance between superbly stylish and cosily convivial, The Guesthouse is centrally located near the Vienna State Opera and across a small park from the Albertina art museum. Flaunting interiors by Sir Terence Conran, each of the 39 rooms and suites is adorned with Austrian design classics including a Wittmann sofa, Friedrich Kiesler chair and brass bookends by Carl Auböck (available to purchase). The refined vibe is scrambled a little — in a good way — by Wolfgang Zac’s raucously gritty photo-art on the walls; a B&O TV, Jura espresso machine and all-marble bathroom with rain shower complete the picture. The minibar is mostly complimentary and the amenities by Molton Brown and Lederhaas are excellent. Downstairs, the Brasserie & Bakery is open 365 from 6.30am to midnight (breakfast served until 11pm). For a splurge, book the 52 sq m duplex suite with private rooftop garden. From EU205. 


Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom

French starchitect Jean Nouvel’s ultra-modern design for this landmark hotel by the Danube Canal employs a palette of white, grey and black in reference to the roof tiles of Vienna’s Stephansdom cathedral, visible from many of the 182 rooms (including 26 suites). North-facing rooms are all white, south-facing all grey and west-facing all black, with corner rooms a mix of two tones. Sound too avant-garde? Relax, the monochrome mania is leavened with a series of colourful animated ceilings by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, including in Das Loft, the glass-walled restaurant, bar and lounge on the 18th floor that enjoys 360-degree views. Nature gets a look-in too, thanks to Patrick Blanc’s 600 sq m vertical garden. Each room comes with a Bose music system, Nespresso machine, pillow menu, rain shower with separate tub and Hermès bath products. Built for both business and relaxation, the hotel has nine meeting rooms with AV technology, a full service spa and 24-hour gym. From EU200.

Wiener Gäste Zimmer

Go all-out industrial with a night or two in a working vinegar brewery. Close to Vienna Hauptbahnhof and a short cab ride from the city centre, the five architect-designed guest rooms in the Gegenbauer (founded in 1929) boast original brick walls, rough-hewn floor boards, exposed pipes and naked bulbs. The centrepiece of each is an oversized wooden pallet bed with integrated storage, whose inspired design is echoed in the hanging pallet window blinds behind. The open-plan bathroom has a lever-operated shower, Japanese toilet, his and hers enamel wash-basins and polished concrete floor. As well as producing vinegar, the folks at Gegenbauer press oil and apple juice, brew organic beer, roast coffee, preserve vegetables, bake bread, make honey and have chickens, so expect a memorable breakfast spread. Tours of the brewery and other craft-based businesses in the area are available. There’s a small indoor pool and sauna. From EU145, including breakfast.

Hotel Imperial

The last word in old-world luxury, this storied hotel next to the Musikverein opened in 1873 and, since then, has accommodated Richard Wagner, Otto von Bismarck, Sarah Bernhardt, Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Queen Elizabeth II and the Emperor of Japan. (When we visited, US Secretary of State, John Kerry, was in residence.) Situated in what was once the Prince of Württemberg’s private residence, the Imperial has 138 rooms and suites spread across nine categories — think crystal chandeliers, silk wall-coverings, velvet chaises longues, parquetry floors and an opulent selection of Baroque and Biedermeier antiques. Most suites come with a private butler service; each of the two Royal Suites measures 160 sq m and has a living room with a 7m-high stucco-decorated ceiling. OPUS Restaurant has been awarded two chef’s hats in Gault & Millau's 2015 guide, and the HalleNsallon 1873 [sic] is a library-themed lounge bar with marble pilasters and restored frieze work, the perfect venue in which to sample a slice of the hotel’s famous Imperial Torte. From EU359.  

Hotel Lamée

Get the movie star treatment at this 32-room boutique hotel that pays homage to Vienna-born screen idol Hedy Lamarr. Rocking a 1930s Hollywood vibe, it’s all glossy makassar wood veneer, tasselled lamps, hot-pink velvet chairs and dark marble bathrooms. Windows are decked out with shimmering curtains and motorised blinds, and some of the 10 suites have an outdoor terrace. All rooms come with rain shower, Nespresso machine and Sky TV. Breakfast is served in Cafe Bloom on the ground and first floors, and the rooftop bar and terrace offers direct views of the nearby Stephansdom cathedral. Over the road, sister property Hotel Topazz has interiors inspired by the famed Wiener Werkstatte artistic cooperative and a private club lounge for guests. Hotel Lamée from EU198; Hotel Topazz from EU188. 

SEE ALSO: One Perfect Day in Vienna

 

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