Where to stay in Vienna

25 Hours

What's so special

For many people, a visit to Vienna at this time of year focuses on the Christmas markets, operas and balls. But there is a whole lot more to the Austrian capital. This new circus-themed hotel reveals a very different side to the city.

How they rate it

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If the circus theme sounds strange, "panic not: you won't sleep in sawdust under candy-striped canvas at 25 hours (though the name hints at its party spirit)", says Martin Hemming in Sunday Times Travel. "Hand-painted wallpaper features bearded ladies, ringmasters and acrobats, but otherwise the big-top attitude is lightly worn: wardrobes evoke circus wagons, TV stands are battered suitcases and rooms come with yoga mats and wooden hula hoops."

Aside from that, the location is perfect Der Siebte, the city's quirky 7th district and you are moments from the museum quarter.

The menu

The hotel has a bar serving local wines and beers alongside international favourites. However, the only food you'll get on site is homemade cake or Brettljause, a regional cold-cut speciality. For a meal, you'll have to venture out.

The cost

A suite costs from £104, room only. Visit www.25hours-hotels.com or call 00 43 1 521 510.

Do & Co Hotel

What's so special

The Do & Co is located within a hypermodern glass building, but its views are historic: Vienna's St Stephen's Cathedral is a stone's throw away, and many rooms offer spectacular views of the ancient building.

How they rate it

"Welcome to Vienna, where the old is always smack up against the new," says Cond Nast Traveller. "With its mirrored faade reflecting the Gothic grandeur and coloured roof tiles of St Stephen's Cathedral, Do & Co has a spectacular sense of place."

The interiors are indulgent with "deep sofas, Etro toiletries in glass-box bathrooms (with teak louvres for discretion) and padded walls of yellow suede." There are a few Byzantine touches soft kilim bedspreads, hand-worked, silver-effect Turkish coffee trays for bedside tables thanks to the influence of the Turkish owner.

The menu

As Do & Co was originally an upmarket catering company, the restaurant's "eclectic menu makes for a sublime dinner". Dishes range from sushi to traditional Austrian cuisine. The restaurant is also located on the roof so it offers even better views of the cathedral than the bedrooms.

The cost

Double rooms start from £185, for a room only. Visit www.doco.com or by call 00 43 124 188.