Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

At the tail of the very commercial Kartnerstrasse, just two blocks from the Opera and ten minutes from the Stephansdom, the three-star Hotel zur Weiner Staatsoper may be a bit down at heel. Nonetheless, its charm, warmth, and value entice. With a friendly staff and rates that are quite competitive for such a central location, the Staatsoper—family-run since 1977—is a respectable choice for visitors who want a prime location over all else.

The imposing neo-baroque exterior of the 22-room hotel dates back a century. We liked the small external terrace and garden for enjoying breakfast. Also noteworthy are the lobby and internal common areas, which have the marble floors and carpeting of a tony Upper East Side townhouse. Smiling concierge staff can coordinate just about anything.

The hotel's singles, doubles, and triples are sprinkled over a few floors. While all are decorated in the showy Viennese style of white and pink, coordinated with the pomp of the exterior, rooms are an exercise in style over function. There’s no Internet access or air-conditioning, though rooms do have satellite television and fans. Bathrooms are small, and the singles (which overlook an airshaft) are so cramped they require a five-sided bed. Double rooms face the street and all singles sit off of the courtyard.

In our view, it’s worth paying extra for the bigger rooms, which are pleasant and quiet—even the ones overlooking the street.