Kaiserin Elisabeth

Travelers looking for a slice of old Vienna are in luck, as the interiors of the Kaiserin Elisabeth are tricked out with all manner of elegant, traditional decor. The building dates back to the 14th-century and has a long history of welcoming high profile guests, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner, and Franz Liszt. Opulent decor reflects the building's rich heritage, with marble floors, red carpets, elegant antique furniture, glittering chandeliers, and gold-framed portraits. Despite this high-end finish, the hotel manages to feel intimate, and includes a spacious lobby lounge with a cozy fireplace, soft brown leather armchairs, and glass roof that allows plenty of natural light. The hotel attracts a mix of business travelers and tourists, though the majority of guests are mature couples. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, providing a quiet respite in the heart of the city. 

The Kaiserin Elisabeth is ideally located for anyone exploring Vienna on foot. Tucked away on a quiet side street in the heart of the city, it's just around the corner from famous Saint Stephen's Cathedral. Public transportation is easily accessible, with Stephansplatz Metro station just a two-minute walk from the hotel. There are plenty of shops, bars, and cafes in the immediate area, and the popular shopping street, Karnter Strasse, is a convenient five-minute walk from the hotel. Many other attractions are within easy walking distance, such as the Vienna State Opera, which is also five minutes away on foot, and Hofburg Palace, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Vienna International Airport is around a 20- to 25-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

Like the rest of the hotel, all 63 rooms are cozy and traditionally decorated (albeit a bit less opulently than the public spaces). In fact, some of the decor tends to look a bit dated rather than classic, especially when it comes to design choices like heavy fabrics and tiled bathroom accents. Though rooms vary slightly in size, most are spacious and bright, with lovely views of the street or inner courtyard. Rooms are single or double occupancy, and all have parquet floors, white walls, curved velvet armchairs, and dark wood closets and work desks. Amenities are modern and include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, phones, safes, minibars, alarm clocks, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms add chandeliers, tea/coffee facilities, and free robes and slippers. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and upmarket Provencal toiletries. Although the hotel is quietly located, some guests have reported occasional street noise from front-facing rooms. 

This boutique hotel has a great location, but facilities are lacking. Guests shouldn't expect fitness or spa facilities, and there is no restaurant or bar. A daily breakfast buffet is available for a fee, with generous hot-and-cold options such as fresh pastries, cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, and eggs -- but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants just down the road for those who prefer to eat out. There's a spacious lounge with a cozy fireplace next to the lobby, and a small computer station and souvenir shop next to the front desk. A high-tech meeting room is also on-site. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, laundry, and valet parking for a fee. Guests can arrange airport transfers, but this costs extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and dogs are allowed to stay for free.