We’ve all stayed in those boring corporate business hotels before, with their beige walls, soulless corridors, and monotone staff. When I go on holiday somewhere I want the hotel to be part of the experience, and I want it to have real character and authenticity.
If you share this mindset, then welcome to my guide to the best boutique hotels in Vienna. From art nouveau, art deco, to Falco – anybody who appreciates design, Austrian culture and art, and something a little different from the usual hotel chains will find something here.
I’ve stayed in countless hotels across the world, but now I’m turning my attention to my home town, Vienna. I know it’s confusing when you’ve never been somewhere before to know which part of a city to base yourselves in, so I’m here to give you my local recommendations on that too. So whether you value independent spirit, luxurious touches, or just something a little quirky, I’ll help you find your weird, wonderful, or downright decadent here.
THE BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN VIENNA
But First, Which District Should I Stay in While I'm in Vienna?
When choosing where to stay in Vienna, it’s good to know that city has distinct neighborhoods, each with their own character.
The 1st District: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to dive right in to the heart of Vienna’s culture, and be in the middle of the action. Here, you’ll find iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, as well as high-end shopping and historic cafés.
For a more local, artistic (and somewhat hipster) vibe, the 6th to 9th Districts are your best bet. Areas like Neubau (7th) and Mariahilf (6th) offer a mix of quirky boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafés, while Josefstadt (8th) and Alsergrund (9th) have a laid-back, traditional feel.
If you’re visiting in the summer, I think the 2nd District (Leopoldstadt) is a great choice. Located just on the other side of the Danube Canal, it’s home to green spaces like Prater Park and Augarten, and it is also close to the main Danube River for summer fun on the water.
I’ve divided the hotels in this list into these three categories for ease of navigation, and you’ll also find my Vienna Hotels Map further down the page. Alright, let’s dive in…
My Favourite Districts
My favourite Viennese districts are the 2nd and the 9th. The 2nd is where the locals flock to in summer with the Prater theme park there and the Danubes, which mark its eastern border. I fin dthat people are generally a little happier in the 2nd compared with other parts of the city.
The 9th just has this really sophisticated vibe to it, with loads of really great cafes and restaurants around, especially french cafes and croissants!
If you’re looking for more information on the differences between each of Vienna’s districts, I’ve written more on that in my FAQ section below.
BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN VIENNA CITY CENTER
While Vienna’s wide boulevards and cobblestone streets make it super easy to explore pretty much anywhere on foot, for those of you that want to stay right in the buzz of the city’s 1st district, these hotels put you right where the action is. Here are my picks for the coolest boutique hotels in the 1st district…
Buxbaum Beletage Hotel
for breakfast lovers & Wes Anderson movie fans, 1st district
Stylistically, the Buxbaum Beletage (cliche alert, you’ve been warned!) blends old-world charm and modern elegance and its rooms are designed to make you feel like a well-to-do local with their grand chandeliers, antique furnishings and herringbone wooden floors. Indeed, the eccentric style and personality of its owner, Robert Hollman, a man clearly in love with Vienna, gives this hotel an authenticity that cannot be imitated.
However, this quirky hotel is more about the little details, like a small library stocked with books and board games, an in-house cinema serving free popcorn to guests, its wellness area with a sauna and a steam bath, the hotel bar with self-serve pre-made cocktails and complimentary whiskey for house guests, and the outdoor guest garden (gardens are rare in Vienna, so treasure it!).
But what really sets this hotel apart is its famous breakfast – there’s no chance of you being stuck with the typical muesli dispensers, stale pastries and rubbery eggs that you get from those other soul destroying hotels in the matrix. Breakfast at the Buxbaum is really rather special, expect delicacies like frittata, alpine cheeses from their other hotel locations in Trieste and the Austrian Alps, and a freshly made egg dish of the day from the hotel’s ‘breakfast chef’. You can of course choose to go a little more off-piste and order something else too.
In the afternoons, they also provide a free ‘Altwiener Leberkase Snack Station’ – which for you Vienna virgins, is meatloaf stuffed inside the archetypal Viennese bread roll i.e a Kaisersemmel. This sandwich is a culinary institution here, so get involved!
All things considered, I reckon if Bill Murray came to Vienna, this would probably be where he’d stay.
Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz
for people who like a room with a view cathedral, 1st district
Location, location, location, huh? Meet Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz, directly across the square from the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this four star hotel offers unbeatable views, and most importantly a smug satisfaction knowing you’re staying in one of the most enviable spots in town!
The breakfast buffet here is comprehensive, with warm flaky pastries, fresh fruit, eggs cooked your way, and other locally sourced delicacies. Wash it down with a strong Viennese coffee while gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the cathedral.
Rooms have soundproof windows (you’ll appreciate this when those cathedral bells kick in), and plush beds, while other amenities include a 24-hour ‘little spa’, a sauna, in-house lobby bar, free Wi-Fi, and a business lounge for those who can’t (or aren’t allowed) to switch off.
The artistic among you will appreciate the plentiful wooden sculptures that adorn most communal areas, and the on-site Cafe Giacomo Aragall (named after a Spanish tenor who can’t enough of this place), is a great place to people watch the thousands who visit Stephansplatz each day. A solid choice for anyone who prioritises location above all else.
Boutique Hotel Amauris
legit 5 star luxury on the Ringstrasse, indoor pool and spa, 1st district
The Amauris is located on the prestigious Ringstrasse which encircles Vienna’s 1st district. In terms of location it doesn’t get much better than this, as its within strolling distance of some of Vienna’s greatest hits, including the State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, to name a few.
Its rooms and suites are a masterclass in indulgence, with sumptuous fabrics, intricate detailing, and extremely comfortable beds. This hotel doesn’t do anything by half, as evidenced by the bathrooms alone, which come in marble with heated floors and rain showers as standard!
In terms of amenities, first up is the luxurious indoor pool. Pair that with the state-of-the-art fitness center and a wellness area complete with saunas, and the chance to book yourself a massage. Foodies, rejoice too, as the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Glasswing, is a Viennese culinary destination in its own right.
The Leo Grand Hotel
new, angular, bright and breezy, 1st district
For travelers who appreciate can afford the finer things in life, The Leo Grand Hotel offers plush, oversized beds, opulent bathrooms with rain showers, generously stocked minibars, smart room controls that let you adjust lighting and temperature with a single tap, a calming inner courtyard, and complimentary bikes to explore the city on.
The Guesthouse Vienna
private apartment style, no nonsense class, 1st district
The Guesthouse Vienna is a bunch of self-contained private apartments right in the center of town. They’re not about over-the-top opulence, but rather understated luxury. The design is minimal but totally welcoming, with warm wood, soft lighting, and tons of natural light. All the comforts you want without the fluff.
Rooms are spacious and calm retreats from the city buzz, with light streaming in through big windows, furniture that looks cool but is super comfy, and little details (like a rain shower) that make a big difference. There are no sterile hotel vibes here – every corner feels lived-in and has been thoughtfully designed.
The Guesthouse’s café is more like a secret local hangout than a hotel dining room. Locals even come to sip coffee here, and people watch through the windows. With fresh pastries, and a seasonally changing menu, it’s a great spot to start the day, or just hang out.
BOUTIQUE HOTELS JUST OUTSIDE THE 1ST DISTRICT
Vienna’s 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th districts are full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants and they are still close to many of the city’s most famous sites, including the Ringstraße, City Hall, Museumsquartier, Naschmarkt, and Vienna’s main shopping street, Mariahilferstraße. All of the hotels I’ve selected on this list are within a 20 minute walk from the first district anyway, and all have great public transport links too, so unless you have severely impaired mobility, all are worth considering.
Hotel Josefine Vienna
1920’s art deco, somewhat surreal, 6th district
The next boutique hotel in Vienna on my list is called Hotel Josefine Vienna and is located in Vienna’s 6th district, close to all the action. The hotel has typically high ceiling(ed) rooms with herringbone wooden floors, just as you’d expect from a classic Viennese ‘Altbau’ (old i.e pre-1953 buildings).
In terms of unique features, there’s an honesty bar where you can help yourself to an aperitif, before stepping into its Phonotheque, located next door, where a selection of 3000 classic vinyl records await you. The great Gatsby vibes continue as you enter into the basement of the hotel to its famous Barfly’s Club, one of Vienna’s most beloved hangouts. Green marble all over the walls and the sweet smell of American decadence and sophistication abounds here. Expect to lounge in a plush crimson or emerald green velvet upholstered chair, as you sip from a cocktail, long drink, or tumbler. With a little Sinatra playing in the background.
The Josefine is a place where the surreal blends with the real. The homemade á là carte breakfast is served daily from 07:00 – 11:00 and on Friday – Sunday from 07:00 – 14:00. After all, it wouldn’t be decadent if there wasn’t a late breakfast.
Hotel Josefine is pretty much like stepping into a time Machine that transports you right back to the roaring 20s. While perhaps lacking in quite as much hanging wall art as some of the other options on this list, I think her art-deco inspired fittings and a liberal dose of surrealism, easily qualifies Josie into the top boutique hotels in Vienna.
Hotel Altstadt
the classy choice, very large art collection, 7th district.
They (Hotel Altstadt, of course) say that Hotel Altstadt is where ‘Warhol meets Prachensky’. This, however, may not be mere hyperbole, as this hotel was in fact originally opened as an art galley, just with accompanying rooms. Most of its vast collection of contemporary art is either on loan from museums or comes from privately owned collections. The hotel is so confident in its overall aesthetic that it offers guided tours for non-residents who come to see its diverse interpretation of Viennese style.
In terms of room design, the hotel has worked with some of Vienna’s more renowned architects, designers and artists, as well as those from its up and coming generation. Each designer offers their own interpretation of Viennese hospitality or ‘gemutlichkeit’ in the hotel’s 62 individual rooms and suites. From a room that’s decked out in vibrant pink to one in inspired by Mozart’s music, each room is as individual as the guests it houses.
Breakfast at Hotel Altstadt is gratefully available until 11:00 on weekdays and 11:30 on weekends, allowing for a proper lie in. Afternoon tea is also a big deal here, with a range of teas, homemade cakes, as well as a sweet (candy) bar available for guests between 4-6pm every day in one of their salons. Between May-September the hotel’s rooftop terrace can also be enjoyed, while the hotel’s ‘Red Salon’ is home to its in-house bar.
Hotel Altstadt is located in the trendy 7th district, in an area called Spittelberg (think narrow cobble-stoned streets, and cute low storey (1 or 2) houses). Spittelberg, by the way, is also home to one of Vienna’s more unique Christmas markets, popular with locals.
Das Tyrol Hotel Vienna
Viennese fin de siecle charm, if you like gold things, has a pillow menu, 6th district
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Vienna with a strong local influence, then Hotel Das Tyrol nails it. This place has an undeniably Viennese influenced design that will certainly make you feel all art nouveau.
Rooms are spacious and for the most part tastefully decorated, with designer furnishings featuring plenty of gold leaf. There is luxurious bedding, including the aforementioned pillow menu – “ah yes, I’ll have the 95% goose down with a red wine jus, please”). The hotel’s wellness area and private spa is arguably its main highlight, with a sauna, steam bath, and fitness room, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring.
The hotel owners believe that art ‘doesn’t belong in museums’ and is thus better displayed in their hotel. As such, you’ll find loads of contemporary artwork scattered liberally throughout the Small Luxury Hotel Das Tyrol, giving a further touch of flair and design to pair with its lavishly ornate furnishings. For some this may be a little too much, but for others Das Tyrol is a true feast for the senses, one which proudly pays homage to the mood of the Viennese secessionists of the early 20th century.
Throw in a concierge service, a very cool hotel bar, and a great location close to the Naschmarkt between Vienna’s hip 6th and 4th districts, and the Small Luxury Hotel Das Tyrol ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people.
Artist Boutique Hotel
quirky as hell, celebrates Austrian cultural icons, 8th district
If you’re an art and culture lover, and you fall on the quirky side of normal (yuk…normal), then there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to like the Artist Boutique Hotel.
They say they have created a ‘world full of art, fantasy and daydreams’. Quite the claim for an establishment whose previous incarnation was as the somewhat industrially named ‘Hotel Alpha’, and whose primary objective is merely to separate its guests from consciousness for 8 hours each night.
Located in Vienna’s 8th district, as you walk into the lobby, you’re immediately greeted by portraits depicting a who’s who of Austrian cultural big hitters. Each one of the hotel rooms is dedicated to these personalities, from Falco to Freud and everyone in between, and of course, there’s room for you in amongst all this.
Breakfast is served as standard until 13:00, which will make Artist Boutique Hotel the favourite for all the late dozers. They also offer free afternoon pastries and coffee for guests, while from 4pm the hotel’s cozy Artist Bar invites you to sit by the fire in an oversized velvety couch, listen to (or play) the piano, and indulge in conversation with a fellow traveler, a local artist or even the good old bartender. Cocktails are made on site.
The Harmonie Vienna
has a fireplace, inspired by a love for dance, 9th district
In a city where elegance is the norm, The Harmonie Vienna stands out by adding a sprinkle of creativity and artistic touches inspired by the hotel’s love affair with dance. Every room in this boutique gem in Vienna’s 9th district features unique artwork celebrating movement and expression. I wonder if they have a line dancing room?!
Anyway, other in-room highlights include hypoallergenic EVERYTHING; Nespresso machines; smart TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi.
They have an honesty bar stocked with fine wines, a library lounge (complete with a crackling fireplace), and a small yet well equipped gym. The pièce de résistance? A juice bar and raw honeycombs that will have you feeling Bee-rilliant!
Set in the lovely 9th district, its location enables you to stroll through the charming Servitenviertel with its quaint cafes and boutique shops, or take a 5 minute tram ride to Vienna’s bustling city center. It’s the best of both worlds – calm when you need it, action when you crave it.
Hotel Beethoven
in-house classical concerts, secession & fin de siècle inspired, 6th district
What makes Hotel Beethoven Vienna so unique are the weekend classical concerts it hosts in its cozy, chandelier-lit lounge. These intimate performances bring Vienna’s legendary musical heritage to life in the most authentic way.
Imagine sipping a glass of Austrian wine while talented musicians play just a few feet away – this isn’t exactly something that other hotels are offering! You can also just hang out in the Beethoven Lounge with a book, while sipping on complimentary teas, coffees, and cakes.
Great location close to the Naschmarkt and only about 5 minutes walk to the Vienna State Opera.
Hotel Motto
great views, recently restored, 6th district
Located on Vienna’s most famous shopping street, Mariahilferstrasse, right on the border between Mariahilf and Neubau – two of Vienna’s hippest districts, Hotel Motto offers a wicked rooftop bar and restaurant, with far reaching views over Vienna.
Rooms have large windows which let in plenty of light, and the beds have top-tier linens, soft mattresses, and plenty of pillows to make it feel like home. With a much more contemporary and bold design than other hotels on my list, Hotel Motto is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the less staid side of Vienna.
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA IN SUMMER
The first district can get REALLY hot in summertime. Back in the day when the town planners were at work, they didn’t leave many trees nor green spaces around to soak up all the heat reflecting back off the concrete buildings.
So with narrow streets, high buildings and few trees, as well as summer temperatures pushing 35°C, consider staying in one of Vienna’s greener neighbourhoods, like the 2nd district…
Henriette Hotel
the eco-friendly choice, on a rare tree-lined street, 2nd district
Located in the up-and-coming already discovered Leopoldstadt district (2nd), Henriette Hotel offers more of a local feel than most others on this list. It’s a short walk from the iconic Prater Park and the Danube Canal, giving you a good balance of peaceful surroundings and easy access to Vienna’s top summer-time attractions.
The street it’s located on is called Praterstrasse, and I reckon it’s the closest thing Vienna has to La Rambla in Barcelona, with trees lining both sides, bicycle lanes and loads of cool cafes and restaurants. Nestroyplatz U-bahn station is literally right outside the hotel, and from there you’re only two stops from Stephansplatz in the center of Vienna, or you can walk there in 10 minutes!
What I love most is their refusal to use any synthetic fibres in their bedding, as well as their commitment to chemical free cleaning practices. These guys are legit when it comes to sustainability. If you are at all eco-conscious when you travel, then just stay here.
Superbude
themed rooms, cheapest option on this list, 2nd district
The final option on our list of Boutique Hotels in Vienna may be stretching the remit somewhat, but I had to include it. Superbude is a relatively new addition to the Viennese hotel scene, having opened its doors in 2021 in the height of the pandemic. Part hotel, part hostel, many rooms and suites offer options for groups of friends or families traveling together, with multiple beds. Superbude is also the cheapest hotel on this list by some distance, which makes it more accessible to younger travelers.
They’ve taken great care to cultivate a strong connection to Viennese culture having designed many of their 178 rooms in collaboration with local luminaries. Themed rooms include an ‘Austropop’ studio with a collection of Austrian vinyl (think “Amadeus, Amedeus, A-ma-deus…), a Game City Studio which includes a Nintendo switch + games, and a Cinema studio complete with a projector and a collection of classic Austrian movies (I assume they must be referring to the Schwarzenegger back catalogue here).
On the hotel rooftop you’ll find Neni am Prater, a Viennese institution serving middle eastern food from Israel. This is also where the breakfast buffet is served. Here you’ll find brilliant views over the Prater theme park and the city skyline in fact.
VIENNA BOUTIQUE HOTELS MAP
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA: FAQ
If I Don't Stay in the 1st District, is Vienna Walkable?
You may have noticed that not all of the hotels I’ve listed are located in the city center. However, this needn’t worry anyone, as all are still centrally located thanks to how compact the city is. You can walk to all of the main tourist sites comfortably from all of these hotels (apart from Schönbrunn Palace which is a little further out of town), and by not staying in one of the 1st district hotels, you’ll usually find better value and a more authentic Vienna – not just hotels, but nearby restaurants and shops too.
Vienna District Guide
Here’s a brief rundown of Vienna’s inner districts (i.e 1-9):
- 1st: central, touristy, old money, expensive, particularly rude waiters, although actually pretty quiet at night away from the tourist spots;
- 2nd: the other side of the canal, bohemian, much greener than the rest of the city, good for Prater and the Danubes – great district to choose in summer;
- 3rd: embassy district, quite residential, good for the Belvedere and Wien Mitte train station (trains to the airport);
- 4th: good for Karlsplatz and the Hauptbahnhof, ultra hip, best district in Vienna for Asian restaurants;
- 5th: a bit out of the way on its western flank, not much to see here unless staying close the Naschmarkt food market on the border with the 4th;
- 6th: ultra hip yet also popular with families, good for Haus des Meeres aquarium and shopping on Mariahilferstrasse, LGBTQ+ friendly;
- 7th: ultra hip with loads of bars and independent shops, good for Museumsquartier and the Spittelberg Christmas market. A bit pretentious;
- 8th: old money, small and compact, picture postcard urban Vienna;
- 9th: the university, medical and french district, vibrant and very cool, closer to the Viennese vineyards up in the 19th.
THE BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN VIENNA: OUTRO
So, there you have it, my run down of the coolest hotels in Vienna. There’s certainly no shortage of independent and unique establishments to lay one’s head down in, so I hope that at least one of these options has peaked your interest. If you liked this, then you’ll be glad to hear that my line in silly Vienna-related posts continues with a guide to which of Vienna’s art museums and galleries one should visit, if one was forced. Personally, I’d prioritize anything that exhibited all the terrible knock offs and copies from around the world, much like this revisionist Mona Lisa. Let’s call her ‘Mona Lara’ – I’d pay for that.
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