Hotel Grand Ferdinand

The Grand Ferdinand is a stylish independent hotel on the Schubertring, part of the Ringstrasse between the State Opera and the Stadtpark. It combines the elegance of a Viennese grand hotel with a more playful, modern design, and it has drawn praise from design and travel publications for its interiors and its views over the city's rooftops.

There are 178 rooms, six suites and a top-floor Ferdinand Suite, giving 186 rooms and suites in all. Unusually for a hotel of this standard, it also has a stylish dormitory, which makes it possible for budget travellers to stay in a smart Ringstrasse address and use its facilities. The rooms are decorated with a mix of classic Viennese touches and contemporary furniture.

The highlight is the eighth floor. A heated rooftop pool, kept at 23 degrees and open every day of the year, looks out over the Ring and the domes and spires of the city, and it is reserved for hotel guests. Breakfast is served in the Grand Étage on the same floor, and Limón, the rooftop restaurant, is open for food and drinks with views. On the ground floor, Meissl & Schadn specialises in Viennese classics, especially Wiener Schnitzel made only from veal and baked to order in clarified butter, lard or vegetable oil, as the guest prefers.

The hotel suits couples, design-minded travellers and friends travelling together, and the dormitory offers a rare budget option on the Ring. It is a good base for concert-goers, with the Konzerthaus, the Musikverein and the State Opera all within walking distance, and for anyone who wants to start the day with a swim above the rooftops.

The hotel is on the Schubertring, where trams run along the Ring. Stadtpark station on the U4 and Karlsplatz (U1, U2, U4) are each a few minutes' walk away, and Wien Mitte, where the City Airport Train arrives, is about ten minutes away by public transport. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Stadtpark are all within walking distance.

If you are travelling on a budget but want access to the pool and rooftop, the dormitory is worth considering, though it sells out quickly. Book a table at Meissl & Schadn in advance if you want to eat there in the evening, as it is popular with non-residents too. Vienna adds a local accommodation tax to hotel bills, so check whether your quoted rate includes it.