Only one night in Vienna -- Where to stay in the heart of city?

Scott, I had the same issue with my upcoming trip. We're going to Prague 1st then one night in Vienna then 2 nights in Melk. After email 6 places Rick recommends in his books I found this place http://www.hotelpension.at/neuermarkt/english/index.htm. The pension Neuer Markt. It's in the old town just a few blocks from all the major sights. We got a family room for 5 for 175 Euro a night which includes breakfast. the next best offer I got was from a place on Mariahilferstrause outside the old city for 200 Euro a night with no breakfast. Vienna is expensive!

By the way...I grew up in Arvada - graduated from Pamona HS. Small world! Good luck with your trip.

Since you're not buying Rick's book, I'll quote him: "You'll pay extra to sleep in the atmospheric old center, but if you can afford it, staying here gives you the best classy Vienna experience." None of the hotels he lists in the old city center, within the Ring, are what most people would call budget. It appears you don't get both budget prices and prime location. Within the Ring, we liked Pension Suzanne. Rick lists less expensive lodging along or near Mariahilfer Strasse.

I like Pension Hargita just off busy Mariahilfertraße; steps to the excellent Metro, 10 min walk from Westbahnhof rail station. €5 hearty breakfast of cheese, bread, sausage etc. was very good. No elevators. Not all rooms are en suite; towels are small and thin, but a good value in an expensive city.

The metros are so quick and efficient that staying just out of the city center isn't really a problem. I stayed at the Meininger's hostel that just opened and it was near a shopping area and the metro station was just a block down the street. The hostel has private rooms and dorms as well and it just opened so it is very nice and free breakfast.

Thanks for all of the responses.

Has anyone heard of Hotel Karntnerhof? From the reviews on venere.com and tripadvisor.com, it looks like a good option.

We will be staying at the Mercure Wien Westbahnhof hotel on our trip in late Nov. Haven't stayed there before, but it is right next to the West train station and seems to be very well located for a quick visit.

We stayed at the Pension Neuer Markt this past September. Our friends have stayed there (before it was discovered by Rick Steves). It's an excellent location and a good price for expensive Vienna.

www.pension-nossek.at/

... Above is the web site for Pension Nossek... You might also search the web for Pension Pertschy and/ or Hotel Graben. All of these are shouting distance of each other... right in the center of historic old Vienna... If the weak US$ has taken its toll, try an apartment in Vienna... usually a bit less and not quite as convenient... For history information, Wolfgang A. Mozart lived in the building where Pension Nossek is located [no big deal, but historic]. Gute Reise! P.

We stayed at the Bristol Hotel, across from the opera house. Wonderful location and beautiful hotel. I used Starwood points so I have no idea how much it cost and probably could not have afforded it if I had to pay.

I also recommend Pension Neuer Markt. We stayed there for four nights in early October. Can't beat the great location(a block or two from Stephansplatz,where there's lots of "street action" and mimes), excellent breakfast, and helpful staff. I also recommend the Gigerl Stadtheuriger for dining--we ate there three nights out of the four! Enjoy the trip--too bad you only have one day in Vienna!