Altstadt Vienna

In Vienna, hotels don't get more chic than the 4-star Altstadt. At the near edge of the residential Josefstadt but a five-minute walk from the Ring, the Opera, and the Museumsquartier, the Altstadt is close to many of Vienna's cultural institutions.

While it’s not an inexpensive option, the Altstadt provides individualized, modern rooms, a charmingly inconspicuous staff, and tons of amenities make it worth the price of admission.

This 42-room hotel ignores the popular Viennese style in favor of something a bit more broadly organic. Walk through the wide hallways and you might see African figurines. Sink into the comfortable chairs of the lounge area and you'll find cushy couches, folk art on the walls, and a fireplace. There's great aesthetic variation from space to space and room to room, but it somehow fits together.

Rooms are outfitted with flat-screen cable televisions, snazzy patterned rugs, and sleek hardwood floors. The bathrooms, completely tiled, are of average size. Regular double rooms are pretty large and get lots of light from outside. Some have love seats, and all are outfitted with art similar to that in the hotel's hallways.

Breakfast is served up in a swank room called the Red Salon. Complimentary tea and afternoon cakes are served here daily.