Boutiquehotel Stadthalle

With an eye-catching facade lined (and partly covered) with thick vegetation, the Boutique Hotel Stadthalle certainly wears its eco-friendly credentials on its sleeve. In fact, this family-run property is the world's very first city hotel to have a "zero-energy balance" -- in other words, a passive hotel that generates as much energy as much as it uses -- with solar panels that provide sustainable energy and a well that provides water for the entire hotel. Beyond this impressive, extra-green set up, the hotel itself has a fun, friendly, and colorful vibe, full of playful details, whimsical decor, and both cheeky and traditional art pieces. The courtyard garden is lush, filled with numerous shrubs, plants, and flowers -- all very popular with the local birdlife -- while the rooftop is home to a small lavender garden whose subtle, calming scent wafts through the hotel. The hotel is mostly popular with experiential travelers and hotel-lovers, although the high-end meeting rooms do attract some business travelers.

The hotel is located in the mostly residential Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus district of Vienna on a quiet side-street just two blocks from Vienna's major Westbahnhof train station. The city's main tourist attractions are not really within walking distance, although the Westbahnhof Metro connects to Stephansplatz in the heart of historic Vienna within 10 minutes or so. Local trams also offer connections to the city center and the picturesque Spittelberg district, while a bike path also leads straight into town; bicycles can be rented at the hotel. Vienna's International Airport is about half an hour's drive away, and there are also direct trains to Westbahnhof station every 30 minutes.

There are 80 rooms -- split almost equally between the hotel's old and new wings -- most of which have been individually designed in fresh, contemporary tones with simple modern furnishings and plenty of playful touches. Some rooms also have elegant, antique furniture and artwork, while others have quirky features like wine bottle chandeliers or side tables make out of books. More practical in-room features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a fresh apple delivered daily. Most bathrooms -- many of which are tiny -- open directly onto the bedroom and have walk-in showers and wall-mounted soap dispensers. The hotel's eco-friendly policy means no air-conditioning, which can be an issue for a couple weeks in the summer. Many of the rooms overlook the fragrant lavender garden, while some top-floor rooms and suites open to small furnished balconies with views over the Vienna rooftops.

The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast that emphasizes health eating and local and organic products; breakfast is served in the colorful breakfast room or in the garden during warmer weather. There is a free bicycle garage on-site, as well bikes available for rent; there are also electric bicycle available, should you prefer. A range of homemade lavender-based products made from the rooftop garden harvest are available for sale in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the hotel and funky, contemporary meeting rooms are also available. While the hotel lacks a true restaurant, the small lobby bar serves drinks around the clock to guests.