Austria--Vienna

I've visited twice for 6-7 nights each time, and would be happy to go back. Public transport is good, so you don't have to stay inside the ring if you don't want to. Can't help with 4-star hotels, I stayed in B&Bs - last time it was right in the center at the Pension Nossek. If I were going more upmarket it would be the hotel right next to the cathedral - http://www.hotelamstephansplatz.at/index.php?lang=en - but I have no idea how many stars it has.

I just spent 8 days there (with a day trip to the Wachau) and just barely finished my to-see list so I don't think four days is too many. We stayed a brief ride outside the city center on the U-bahn (four stops maybe?). Most days we only rode the subway to get into the city and then back out. The central city is so small that you can easily walk all around it. If you stay within the ring, you'll only need to take transit to get to a few of the outlying sites and to save time.

James, If you spent six years in Boise, Idaho you deserve a medal.

I don't think 4 days is too much for Vienna. I stayed at the 4-star Intercontinental and was quite happy (I got it by bidding on priceline.com for just over $100/night). It is across the street from a metro station and the lovely Stadt Park, on the edge of the inner ring.

But comparing Boise to Vienna is one of the silliest things I've seen lately. Not only does Vienna have first class museums and palaces, interesting architecture, great cafes and pleasant parks, and a good market, it's a good base for a couple of day trips.

I think 4 days is perfect for Vienna (1 of myt favorite cities in Europe). Fact is, you could spend double that and really get to know the city and see some more obscure-type attractions, but with 4, you should have plenty of time to get in most of the top-sights, and so so at a somewhat relaxed pace. If you haven't done so already, get Rick's Guidbook to Austria. He lays out exactly how to spend your time, depending on how many days you have. He makes it all very easy and conevient. Check out The Sacher, 1 of Vienna's top hotels. Great location and old-world service that can't be matched. Vienna is 1 of Europe's great cities; it's sophisticated, beautiful, has world-class museums and culture; and is just a VERY pretty, pleasent city in which to wander around for a few days. You're sure to love it. Enjoy!

We stayed at the Best Western Premier Kaiserhof and it was wonderful. About a block south of metro stop which runs directly to the train station. About 3 blocks south of the opera house. Elegant breakfast, including free champagne - included in room price.

Make sure you are also allowing a couple of days for Salzburg ~ gorgeous ~ stay at the St. Sebastian Institut ~ close/suggested by RS. While in Vienna we did the "standing room only" cheap ticket at the Opera House and were amazed at what great "seats" we got ~ bring a small scarf to hold your "spot" ~ you will NOT be disappointed! Even if you don't/can't stay for it's entirety, it's a great cultural experience and a cheap way to see more indepth in the opera house. We connected with an older, very eccentric, Viennese lady who had practically been raised in the opera house ~ she gave us an amazing, very descriptive, tour of all kinds of rooms in the opera house before it started and during the intermission! Have a great time!