Hotel Das Tigra

Hotel Das Tigra has been owned by the same family for three generations. It occupies several buildings that have been connected over the years, one of which dates to the 16th century. In 1773 Mozart lived in an apartment in the building -- where he composed some of his master works -- a fact touted by the hotel both in their print material and through operatic mural scenes incorporated into the lobby's wall decor.

Das Tigra is centrally located, tucked away on a quiet side street in the Innere Stadt (Inner City). Nearly all the city center's attractions, including museums, designer shopping, and fine dining are within walking distance. Elegant shopping on Graben and Kohlmarkt Street, home to brands like Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, are seven minutes from the hotel on foot. The Herrengasse and Schottentor U-Bahn stations are within a few minutes' walk, allowing for easy access to other parts of the city and the Vienna International Airport is a 25-minute taxi ride away.

Although much of the hotel's old-fashioned character has been renovated away, the rooms maintain design elements that hint at its elegant history. There are gold silhouettes of chandeliers printed above the beds in some rooms. Room sizes vary from small Standard Rooms and larger, but equally bland, Comfort Rooms to more decorative Superior Rooms. The hotel also has Suites, four of which come with their own private infrared saunas. All rooms have work desks with lamps and chairs, and most have small sitting areas. Mini-fridges and electric kettles come standard in rooms, while Suites add Bosch Tassimo single-serve brewers. The tiled bathrooms have an increasing amount of vanity space depending on room type, and most have shower/tub combos with handheld hose showers.

There's no gym or proper restaurant at Das Tigram but what the hotel lacks in basic facilities, it attempts to make up for with its bright, welcoming breakfast room where a free buffet stocked with an array of Austrian specialties awaits guests every morning. A feast of jams, spreads and breakfast rolls, accompany Viennese-style Bundt cake, fresh fruit, organic fruit juices, espresso drinks, cereal, meats, cheeses, and egg dishes. The bar is as small as the breakfast is vast, with just a few stools at a tiny counter and a small lounge area. There is one dedicated meeting room for up to 30 people, fully wired with audiovisual presentation equipment, and a business suite for smaller groups. The hotel also has an Internet corner with a Mac and a printer available for use and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.