Hotel Altstadt Vienna

Hotel Altstadt Vienna is one of the city's best-loved boutique hotels, created by its founder and owner Otto Ernst Wiesenthal, who recently marked 35 years at the helm. It occupies a townhouse on Kirchengasse in the Spittelberg area of the seventh district, a few minutes from the MuseumsQuartier, and it feels more like a stylish private house than a conventional hotel. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is recognised by the Michelin guide.

The 62 rooms and suites are all different, and many were designed by architects, designers and artists. The Freud Suite by Elfrid Wimmer-Repp and a large double room created by the fashion designer Arthur Arbesser are among the best known. Expect high ceilings, bold colours, interesting furniture and plenty of individual touches rather than standard hotel décor.

Art is everywhere. The hotel has a considerable collection of contemporary art, some of it Wiesenthal's own and some on loan from major museums, with works by Andy Warhol, Brigitte Kowanz, Markus Prachensky, Christian Ludwig Attersee and Gottfried Helnwein among others. The guest salon is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon with tea and cake or to meet other guests.

The hotel suits couples, solo travellers and anyone interested in art, design and the creative side of Vienna. Its neighbourhood, which the hotel nicknames Boboville, is full of independent shops, small galleries, cafés and wine bars, and in December the Spittelberg Christmas market fills the cobbled lanes nearby. It is a good alternative for travellers who want character and personal service at a lower price than the grand hotels on the Ring.

Kirchengasse runs between Burggasse and Siebensterngasse in the seventh district. The nearest stations are Volkstheater (U2, U3) and Neubaugasse (U3), both within about five minutes' walk. The MuseumsQuartier, the Volkstheater and Mariahilfer Strasse are all close, and the Hofburg and the old town are about 15 minutes on foot.

Because every room is different, it is worth reading the room descriptions on the hotel's website before booking and asking for a specific room if one appeals. Room sizes and styles vary considerably, from classic doubles to large suites. Vienna adds a local accommodation tax to hotel bills, so check whether your quoted rate includes it. The surrounding streets are mostly residential, so nights are quiet despite the central location.