Vienna Hotels with free transfer

From palatial abodes to swanky minimalism, from youth hostels to luxury establishments where chandeliers, antique furniture and original 19th-century oil paintings are the norm rather than the exception, Vienna’s lodgings cover it all. In between are homely Pensionen (B&Bs) and less ostentatious hotels, plus a small but smart range of apartments, many of which can be rented for just a few nights.

Standards remain high, and generally so do prices; bargains are few and far between. As a rule, budget doubles are available for under €80 a night, midrange from €80 to €200, and top end anything above that (and the sky’s the limit in this city). Breakfast – normally a continental buffet – is invariably included in the price, but parking isn’t (you’ll pay anything between €6 and €30 per 24 hours for parking).

Central Vienna is the priciest and most popular area to stay in but you can walk to many of the major attractions and the most popular (read: also the most touristy) restaurants and coffee houses; there’s also a smattering of nightlife options here. While the convenience of central Vienna is undisputed, take note that in high summer season, this area is clogged with visitors, so unless you avoid the main arteries you’ll frequently be wading through the masses. For those wishing to stay close to the main sights but seeking something a touch more affordable with plenty of nightlife, Vorstadt Southwest is your best bet: you’ll never be far from bohemian and trendy bars and excellent restaurants (from casual to upmarket), plus it’s home to the foodie destination of choice, the Naschmarkt. Another affordable option close to the centre is Vorstadt Northwest, a quiet area with a handful of mainly upmarket restaurants in its core, with many Gürtel bars in its western section.

Beyond the core lodging areas, Vorstadt Landstrasse offers little in the way of sights beyond the Belvedere but it’s a quiet neighbourhood well connected by tram and subway to the nightlife action and major sights. East of the Danube Canal is an excellent choice – public transport swiftly whisks you to the main sights, you’re close to some of the most up-and-coming alternative bars, restaurants and nightlife options, and in the summer you’re only a hop from the Danube and its adjacent green spaces. Southwest and the Gürtel is residential and light on sights – you’ll be close to Schönbrunn but little else, with the exception of the northwestern fringe (home to the multicultural Brunnenmarkt).

Central Vienna is first to fill up, so book well ahead if you’re keen to be around the corner from many major sights. Rooms in districts one to nine are the next to go, with the outer districts (Greater Vienna) mopping up the leftovers. If you arrive without accommodation, head to Tourist Info Wien, which books rooms for a small fee.

The average price for a double room in the Innere Stadt is around €175, but there are cheaper rooms in the surrounding districts. Peak season is June to September, Christmas, New Year and Easter; expect high prices and a lack of availability at popular times. Over winter, rates can drop substantially and many places offer discounts and specials for longer stays. Some, especially the five-star hotels, offer special weekend rates, or ‘two nights for the price of one’ packages. It’s definitely worth inquiring about cheaper rates before signing on the dotted line.

Note that reservations are binding; compensation may be claimed by the hotel if you do not take a reserved room, or by you if the room you booked is unavailable.