Schweizer Pension

If cleanliness is next to godliness, then the Schweizer Pension is a slice of heaven. A family run institution overseen by Anita Klaus along with her husband and son, the Schweizer was spic and span when we arrived. (This despite Anita's suggestion that we return later, following her robust scrubbing session.) Even the floors, original parquet from the building, which dates back over 120 years, were sparkling. Rates, rock bottom for the Innere Stadt, offer value with few concessions, as the rooms have cable television and phones.

The Schweizer would be a fantastic deal anywhere in Vienna, but is even more impressive as it's just a 10-minute walk from the Graben, Stephansdom, and the sights of Innere Stadt. The 11-room property is green, too, a proud part of the Eco-Tourism Council despite being over 60 years old.

Natural light streams into the rooms and onto the oriental rugs and ornamental furnaces. (Sadly, Vienna's fire codes have changed since the building was constructed.) Furniture is a bit tired and worn, but at this point it can be forgiven. Some singles and doubles have shared bathrooms, but the ratio is guest-friendly. There are two toilets for a maximum of four guests, a few of which are located a bit inconveniently across from the breakfast room. Corner rooms look out on Concordiaplatz, a jewel box of a plaza.