Topazz

For a different and thoroughly modern take on Baroque Vienna stay here. Located in a small side street in the heart of the historic 1st District, Hotel Topazz could not be better positioned - step outside and the Kartner Strasse with its panoply of high end shops is right there, plus a gaggle of hip and happening bars and restaurants. Two minutes around the corner and you can stand and look up in awe at the iconic St Stephan’s Cathedral spire, a further 10 minutes’ walk takes you to the State Opera House and Hofburg Palace. The hotel is something of landmark in its own right. The towering space-age façade of polished mosaic and the large elliptical windows have been the subject of much discussion amongst the good burghers of Vienna. The windows are in fact a modern master stroke – filling the bedrooms with light, and you can curl yourself into the cushions and look down on the buzz outside. Each bedroom has one or two of said windows, depending on the price tag. The rooms are clean-lined and moodily appointed in dark colours accented with Art-Deco silver touches. Marble bathrooms, Molton Brown toiletries and powerful rain showers add to the pampering slightly other-worldly experience. The hotel has a good bistro below street level (maximising the use of space) where the excellent breakfast is also served. The staff are first rate: young, energetic, friendly and helpful. The sister Hotel Lamee is right across the street which has a humming rooftop bar. This is a different experience from many of the other very traditional hotels which are legion in Vienna. It’s refreshingly alternative and fun - you are surrounded by history here so why not stay somewhere 21st Century? Recommended for younger couples.