Hotel Am Parkring

A clatter of clashing patterns greets guests in the lobby of this mid-range hotel, where a brown and mustard leaf-patterned carpet underfoot is paired with two-toned wooden wall paneling and gray-and-white patterned wallpaper. The effect is a bit dated, but the space is clean and pleasant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. The space is shared with the lobby bar, and a smattering of burgundy and gray seating offers a place to lounge in the sunny room.

The hotel is situated in a fairly plain 13-story building, but all guest rooms, as well as the restaurant, are on the top three floors, guaranteeing great views over Vienna -- especially since this is one of the tallest structures in the area. Its convenient location makes it a solid choice for leisure and business travelers alike.

Situated right by Stadt Park, the hotel occupies a convenient location that's close to several popular tourist sites as well as plenty of dining options and bars. It's right on the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard the circles the historic city center. Vienna's top sites, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, are all within walking distance. Other attractions, like the Prater and the Schönbrunn Palace, are a 10- and 20-minute drive, respectively. The nearest U-Bahn station is a four-minute walk away, plus there's a tram that stops a minute's walk from the hotel. The central train station is about a 10-minute drive or 18 minutes via public transportation. Vienna's International Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or 25 minutes via public transit.

Rooms are clean and pleasantly appointed -- if a bit dated, decor-wise. Some feature eye-catching wallpaper dotted with burgundy-hued face silhouettes or green floral patterns, while other have plain white walls. Dated wooden furniture includes desks and nightstands. Suites have separate living rooms with couches, armchairs, and small dining tables. All of the rooms are situated on the building's 11th, 12th, and 13th floors, so there is natural light and great views over the city. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with Sky channels, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, as well as tablets with area information and internet. Suites add Nespresso machines with free coffee capsules. Many rooms also have private balconies. Sleek, contemporary bathrooms are equipped with walk-in rainfall showers or shower/tub combos, heated towel racks, magnifying mirrors, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Individual toiletries are provided. 

Though facilities are a bit lacking here, the hotel does offer a handful of convenient extras. The restaurant serves Spanish inflected Austrian fare and offers panoramic views over the city from its perch on the 12th-floor. Breakfast is available for an additional fee, though many guests complain that it's overpriced. The cold spread includes meats, cheeses, fruits, pastries, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, and a selection of yogurt toppings. There's also a lobby bar for cocktails and wine. The hotel has a non-smoking policy throughout its spaces, but it offers a smoking terrace up by the rooftop. Charged parking is available on-site in the hotel's garage. Meeting and event space is available here or in one of the hotel's sister properties. Wi-Fi is free throughout.