Ruby Marie

Formerly a department store that dates back to 1911, the building underwent renovation in 2015 and opened as the Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna that same year. Trendy interiors are full of hip decor; the entrance and lobby are awash in dark hues brightened by artful arrangements of green potted plants, while a self check-in desk is flanked by cabinets displaying coffee table books and various knickknacks for sale. The adjacent lobby bar is a stylish space with wall murals and blue velvet banquette seating, while further in, black walls, dark wooden floors, and sleek black round tables are brightened up by brass lamps and caramel-hued tufted leather seating, plus various old-timey memorabilia lining shelves. The cafe area extends to a lovely rooftop terrace full of potted plants and cheery colorful chairs. There's even a cool living room-like library, which is peppered with bright primary colors, handsome wooden furnishings, and plenty of comfortable sofas and leather armchairs to sink into. Overall, this is a great choice for both couples and solo travelers, and the hip atmosphere and stylish common spaces tend to attract a young crowd.

The hotel is situated on a shopping street in Vienna's Schottenfeld neighborhood. It's well served by public transportation, as Wien Westbahnhof train station is just a five-minute walk away, where guests will also find a U-Bahn station and several tram lines. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area. Vienna's historic center and its top tourist sites like St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the State Opera are about a 10- to 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the Museum Quarter and Naschmarkt are about a 20-minute walk away. Vienna's central train station is about a 15-minute drive. Vienna International Airport is 25 to 35 minutes away.

Rooms, though a bit small (especially entry-level Nest Rooms), are stylishly clad in white hues and pale wooden flooring that's contrasted by sleek wooden headboards with built-in nightstands and lamps. The only other pops of color come from abstract art hanging above beds and a single red stripe adorning the plush white bedding. All rooms have desks, and larger spaces offer additional seating. The Deck Room is the largest room option and has a sitting area with a sofa and armchairs, as well as a large terrace furnished with seating.Rooms are equipped with a number of mod cons, including Marshall amps (guests can borrow guitars from the front desk), universal docking stations, HD flat-screen TVs, and tablets. Girls' Rooms are outfitted with a handful of "girly" extras, including mannequins to hang dresses on, '50s-style vanity tables, and Vogue magazines. Other standard amenities include electronic safes and free high-speed Wi-Fi, but there are no minibars or tea/coffee facilities. Walk-in rainfall showers are separated from the bedrooms by glass walls, though privacy curtains are also provided. Plus there are sink areas adjacent to the showers and separate water closets. The hotel's own brand of toiletries includes separate lines for men and women.

This hotel is chockfull of fun features, including its own small cinema and free guitars available for borrow from the front desk. The stylish Ruby Marie Bar and Cafe is open 24/7 and serves Italian bites and various drinks, plus an organic buffet breakfast is available for an additional fee. There's also a lovely rooftop terrace that's full of greenery and colorful seating.The hotel offers a yoga/meditation room equipped with yoga mats, plus there are occasional yoga classes hosted on the rooftop terrace. There's also a large gym on the building's ground floor that guests have access to, though it incurs a daily fee. The third-floor library offers comfortable armchairs and sofas as well as some books and magazines, plus there are free hot drinks on hand and a vending machines stocked with snacks, drinks, and toiletries. Other amenities include a meeting room and bikes for rent.