Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, Vienna
It’s notoriously tricky to find affordable digs within the Austrian capital’s Ringstrasse (surrounding the pristine medieval centre), but for a break, it’s the only place to be.
Where to stay: The Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof is a new five-star with fashionable rooms and a clubby little bar at four-star prices. Location couldn’t be better: near St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Kohlmarkt’s designer stores!
Sightsee for a snip: Watch a morning training session at the world-famous Spanish Riding School for £10 to £20 less than a “real” performance. Explore the trendy Freihaus (Fourth) District, where the Naschmarkt overflows with foodie treats for grazing, and Flo (vintageflo.com) has vintage Chanel and tea dresses. Visit The Third Man Museum (£6.50; 3mpc.net) and you’re sure to be humming the cult Orson Welles film’s haunting theme tune all weekend.
Affordable chic eats: Look for unique spots like Ein Weiner Salon, a tiny, tapestry-strewn restaurant with an open kitchen serving exquisite small dishes (set menu from £33 for three courses; einwienersalon.com).
How to do it: Double rooms at the Herrenhof (steigenberger.com) cost from £128 room only, with advance Internet rates available. Check out Aer Lingus’s Gatwick to Vienna flights, from £26.99 one-way (aerlingus.com).
Find out more: vienna.info
