Vienna is a city of grand neoclassical and art nouveau architecture, historic cafés and trendy street food markets, refined music and modern galleries – in short, a place full of exciting contrasts. It's only natural, then, that anywhere you choose to stay should be able to match the Austrian capital in taste, charm and variety. For all three, plus the promise of top-notch hospitality and an inside knowledge of the best things to do in this storied city, you can't go wrong with a Hilton. These are a few of our favourites.
Whether you're embarking on a grand European tour or short city break, these four hotels offer a glimpse of authentic Viennese culture. All have excellent in-house restaurants, with several specialising in seasonal Austrian dishes: expect to find creative takes on the classic wiener schnitzel and sachertorte, as well as wine lists stacked with the best local vintages.
They're not just comfortable, either: each one is conveniently located in a scenic area of the city, within easy walking distance of the cultural attractions that have made Vienna so well known. During a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Vienna Schönbrunn, some of the prettiest green spaces in the city are on your doorstep. The hotel has a pretty park right outside, with rooms overlooking the neat rows of trees, but take a shortcut through this park and you'll discover the manicured paths and floral displays of Schönbrunn. Containing the former summer residence of the royal family, it's now a Unesco World Heritage Site complete with 19th-century greenhouses, chic cafés and a hedge maze.
Meanwhile, those eager to wander the banks of the blue Danube should book in for a stay at Hilton Vienna Waterfront. This historic urban oasis is just 20 minutes from both the city area and the airport, and offers a slower take on Viennese life and culture. Cross to Danube Island to discover tranquil bathing spots and walking paths beloved by the city's residents, or head in the opposite direction for something different entirely: the exhilarating rides and vintage attractions of amusement park Prater, which is known for its towering ferris wheel. Afterwards, retire to the hotel's Wellness Centre; following a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool and a session in one of the three saunas, with panoramic views of the Danube, you'll be raring to go again by the next morning.
Hilton Vienna Park is on the opposite side of the city centre. It's right beside the beautiful Stadtpark, which is the ideal place for a brisk morning stroll after a breakfast of coffee and pastries in buzzy in-house Selleny's. A 16-minute non-stop train to the airport makes this an incredibly convenient option for a weekend break, and the views from the city's largest Executive Lounge cannot be beaten. It's a short walk to attractions such as St Stephen's Cathedral (famed for its brightly tiled roof), the Hofburg palace, where the Habsburg dynasty once resided, and the imposing Vienna State Opera.
The Hilton Vienna Plaza is equally well equipped, with its enviable location on the famous ringed boulevard making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers keen to make the most of their stay in the city. If you're only in Vienna for a short time, this is where to stay: it's within easy walking distance of all the top attractions, including the vibrant food market Naschmarkt and enough museums and galleries to keep even the most ardent culture-seeker occupied for weeks. That's if you can tear yourself from the chic hotel itself, which promises art deco interiors, an impressive restaurant serving up delicious Austrian dishes, a sleek lounge and spoiling penthouse suites.
Each of Hilton's Viennese hotels is a unique space full of character. A stay in any one of them ensures you remain close to the action, but still have a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to at the end of the day – a perfect way to experience this incredible city.
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