VIENNA, AUSTRIA TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

AUSTRIA TRAVEL GUIDE:

Vienna uncovers its beauties to the connoisseur traveler   by Laurent Fabie

There is much to do and see in the city, and the traveler will find various solutions for spending unforgettable leisure hours. Accommodation in the city is not always easy to find, as Vienna is overbooked almost all year long, but the best solution to make sure you find a place to stay is online hotel reservation.

Walk on Vienna's history woven paths

Vienna's role as the seat of the Hapsburg Empire for centuries can be seen in the architecture assets and in the city's artistic and musical heritage. Many of the world's most important composers, including Beethoven and Mozart, have lived and performed behind Vienna's Baroque façades. In addition to this cultural splendor, there are excellent examples of the Art Nouveau architecture that also flourished here.

The first time you get to Vienna, and in particular on its Inner Stadt , circled by the Ringstrasse, you don't know which way to look; imposing buildings strike you from every corner. While some of them aren't as instantly recognizable as others around Europe, they certainly won't be forgotten after any trip to the Austrian capital. The best way to see them all is by catching either tram number 1 or number 2 around 'the ring'.

Both these trams perform constantly loops of the city centre and pass by most of the Austrian capital's most marvelous buildings. These include the Parliament, Rathaus (town hall), the university and several museums.

To some, the real jewels in the crown of Vienna's buildings are its churches, the most notable being the Stephansdom in Stephansplatz.

Find cheapest accommodation in the city all year round

Accommodation in the city is not always easy to find, but if you go to online reservation, you have more chances of finding cheap rooms for a better quality-price balance.

One of the hotels that you will enjoy is Hotel Mate Dependance, a 2 star location, situated in a quiet area. The hotel, built in a residence of 1900, offers to the clients a warm welcome and typical Viennese hosting service. It is located very close to the Vienna Cultural Centre, with excellent connections to the subway station, and quite minutes away from all historic places and commercial areas. Another discount solution, catering for both family packers and cheap business travelers is the All You Need Hotel, situated a few walking minutes from the Ringstrasse and from the vibrant Naschmarkt. The hotel offers 94 modern and comfortable rooms equipped with en suite facilities and satellite TV, as well as a delicious breakfast that ensures you to get started on the right foot!

One of the Vienna hotel industry's landmarks is Hotel Mozart, a fine location that caters services for special prices. Owing to its central location near Vienna´s city centre, all historical and cultural events are easy to reach with public transports. Located near the cycle path alongside the Danube, Hotel Mozart is also an ideal stopover for cyclists; is a house bar for refreshments and appetizers.

Affordable solutions for business travelers

If you are on a cheap business travel, solutions are also various, and so are accommodations for luxury travelers. The Hotel Donauwalzer is located in a very characteristic district of Vienna, Ottakring, near the popular Heurigenlokale and not far from some beautiful sites, such as the Volksoper and the Fiakermuseum. The location offers comfortably furnished, soundproof rooms, all featuring a private bathroom. Some deluxe rooms offer a whirlpool for relaxing moments.

If you are on a luxury travel, you should choose Hotel Thueringer Hof, centrally located close to the underground station. Bedrooms are furnished with chandeliers and old carpets, giving the hotel a distinguished and guarded atmosphere. The hotel provides 80 individually designed rooms, equipped with bath or shower, WC, telephone and cable TV and radio. Apart from that, there is a restaurant, conference room, bar and a day room with a reading-corner. The success of this hotel is still based on the hospitality in a family atmosphere.
Another great choice, for larger pockets is the Bellevue Hotel. This is a four star hotel conveniently located close to the city centre, opposite the Franz-Josefs railway station and near the Liechtenstein Palace. You can easily reach the famous cultural attractions by tram: the Ringstrase, the Hofburg, Spanish Riding School, State Opera, the Museums of Natural History and that of Fine Arts.

Suggestions for a luxury travel to Vienna

But if you are willing to find Vienna's ultimate accommodation luxury, then don't miss Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien or The Maria Teresia. The first offers the best location in the centre of the city, situated within walking distance of the famous St. Stephan´s Cathedral and the Kaerntner Strasse. The Maria Theresia is a deluxe hotel located in the heart of Vienna in Spittleberg, the artists' quarter, with many restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques. The hotel has stylish, clean and comfortable rooms . A doctor is available on call, also laundry/valet service, meeting facilities, restaurant, babysitting service, business center and lounge.

The Hotel Imperial is one of Vienna's most cherished treasures, especially since earning the distinction of being named to Conde Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List and being named a Conde Nast Traveler 2001 Reader's Choice award winner. For a century, this architectural landmark and symbol of hospitality has received the city's most distinguished visitors. An original Wurttemberg palace, inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the hotel's architectural detailing exemplifies Vienna's own Ringstrasse.

About the Author - Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor for www.planigo.com services like PlaniGo, economic and marketing sites. His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news and online travel magazines