Practical information : Accomodation Vienna
Budget & Tips
As always, youth hostels are an economical option. When the weather's fine, a number of campsites offer low-cost accommodation in green surroundings, with public transport links to the city center in less than half an hour. For a hotel room, expect to pay between €80 and €170 per night for a double room (or much more for luxury establishments), but this often includes a hearty breakfast. But the most economical option, especially for longer stays, is often to rent an apartment.
To be booked
There are plenty of hotels in Vienna, so you'll almost always be able to find a room even at the last minute. However, if you don't want to end up with the only choice between luxury suites and a hotel with a bad reputation, we advise you to book your accommodation in advance during periods that coincide with the end-of-year festivities, major cultural events (concerts, operas, balls) or the Danube Island Festival. Bear in mind, too, that Vienna is the country's capital, and there are plenty of local tourists during the school vacations.
What's very local
While bed linen, towels and toiletries are provided in hotels, this is not the case in all homestays. So please check. In luxury hotels, don't forget to tip the concierge who takes your luggage upstairs, the housekeeper and chambermaid before you leave and, if you're staying longer, the receptionists. The same goes for the breakfast waiters, but as there are many of them, and they are often different, the common pot solution is the one to adopt.
For food lovers
Breakfast in Viennese hotels is akin to a real brunch, with a choice of hot dishes, eggs in all their forms, cold meats, cheeses, fruit, a variety of breads, cakes and a choice of teas and coffees. Imagine brunch! These are real meals. You can also have breakfast outside your hotel, with many cafés offering a variety of formulas until late morning, and weekend brunches lasting until 3pm. As you can see, breakfast is one of Vienna's pleasures. And a serious one! The other gourmet pleasure is pastries with coffee or tea throughout the afternoon.
Smokers
In hotels, whether in your room, the common areas, the bar or the restaurant, you are not allowed to smoke. Sidewalk or rooftop terraces can be used as smoking areas, at least if the space is large enough and does not inconvenience your neighbors. You can't smoke in private apartments either. Nor on campsites.
Tourist traps
Whether you're staying in a hotel or a guesthouse, you don't have to risk much, even if you book in advance from France: unpleasant surprises are rare. Austrians in general, and Viennese in particular, have a reputation for being particularly honest.