Lodging in Vienna, Salzburg and Prague

In Salzburg, try Star Inn hotel which is a 5 min walk to all major sites, including restaurants (try the Goldene Ente) or Hotel Zur Post a 5 min bus ride to all major sites. In Vienna, staying close to the Schonbrunn palace is central, but 100E won't buy you much.

Since we have religiously used Rick's books for accommodations on every trip ~ I have to suggest, for Salzburg, St. Sebastian Institute. About a 15 min. walk from the station (one time we took the bus due to rain) but it is SO centrally located to the main things you come there to see! It is right across from the Old Center! Don't miss St. Peter's Restaurant one evening and also an evening up in the fortress for dinner & strings concert (reserve easily online and even pick your seating for the concert!). It may sound a little schmaltzy, but the "Sound of Music" tour through Panorama Tours is worth the great touring around the area ~ you can book the fortress and the tour both online and they will have your tickets waiting for you at your hotel!! Done that 3 times and would do it again!! Used skymiles for hotel in Vienna, so no suggestions there, however I DO highly recommend Steve's advice about the Vienna Opera House ~ go early in the day and get info for a "standing room only" ticket ~ it was less than the price of a tour and we befriended an older Viennese lady there who gave us a top notch, behind the scenes, tour of the Opera House before the opera began! It was an unforgettable evening for such few dollars ~ and we were quite impressed with the "standing room only" area! Be sure to bring a small scarf of some sort to "reserve" your spot ~ you'll see what I mean when you get there! Enjoy!

We just stayed at the Hotel Elefant. It is a Best Western Hotel. The people were nice and it was a short cab ride to the hotel (<$10 if I remember correctly) from the station. We were there for the nights of Dec 6 & 7th. It was convenient to most things in Salzburg. The price varies and it may be a bit above your range. I think we paid around 130 Euros.

For Prague, check out Kozna 6/Aracadia Residence
on Trip Advisor. We stayed there in September. Perfect location and wonderful host......a slice of heaven!

Are you sure you want to be near the train stations? Not such great locations. . . . I got great rooms in May on priceline.com . If you haven't used it, go to biddingfortravel.com to get the scoop - and see recent bids and the hotels "won." I had the Intercontinental in Vienna, great location, very comfy, lovely view, for $104/night including taxes. (€13 for a taxi from the train station to the hotel, including a nice tip) Then I had the Hilton East in Prague, not as central, but very good transportation and local shopping (bookstore, pharmacy, supermarkets, yummy bakeries, etc) for $81/night including taxes. Took the metro from the train station, then a 5-minute (uphill) walk. The prices didn't include breakfast or internet, but I got all the luxuries of 5-star accommodations - bathrobes, lovely toiletries, safe, cable tv, etc etc. Salzburg is on my list for my return trip to Vienna.

In Salzburg, recommend the RS property Hotel Weisse Taube. It is located in the Old Town area which is not close to the train station. However, it was a short taxi ride. The location is great for sight seeing. Friendly, family run hotel with wonderful breakfast.

I can recommend: Salzburg - Hotel Mozart. Prague - Guesthouse Lida

We stayed at the Intercontinental in Prague because of its great location for sightseeing. Hotel was great-large room and wonderful breakfast (like a Sun. Brunch). Cost more than you'd like.
In Vienna we stayed at Hotel D'Aviano which had a good location too.

Prague: Hotel & Residence U Tri Bubna literally around the corner from the main square
Vienna: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof Wien - within walking distance of most major sights.

My daughter and I went to those 3 cities in December, stayed at the Rick Steeves recommended Pension Hargita in Vienna which is on Mariahilfer, a busy street, used the hop on hop off bus as transport to various sites. It was 68 euros/night. Not fancy and lots of stairs. In Salzburg we stayed at Golden Ente, a lovely 700 year old building on a quaint street, very close to the main square, lots of shops, restaurants, etc. Took the bus from the train station, then a 5 minute walk to Goldgasse Street to the hotel. In Prague, the Hotel Rott was excellent, just around the corner from the main square, wonderful breakfast. The last two hotels were just over 100 euro/night. All were clean and safe.

I'll second Weisse Taube in Salzburg and will add Pension Suzanne in Vienna (half a block from opera house). Check their websites and tripadvisor.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Goldene Ente in Salzburg in November. It was so lovely.

When in Prague, stay at the Hotel Julien, hands down! Wonderfully situated and Pavel at the front desk was just great, helpful and informative. You will not regret staying in this beautiful hotel. The price could not be beat, too.

Just over a week ago we were staying at Hotel Maximilian in Prague. Loved it!! Great location yet quiet, great rooms, breakfast and friendly staff. We will stay there again if we go.