Slabs of gray marble and a classy but discreet neo-classical entrance suggest that the Small Luxury Hotel Das Tyrol will be a staid and conservative affair. Stepping into the lobby, however, it's soon clear that this hotel is anything but -- with an excess of colorful patterned fabrics, vibrant contemporary art, and fun and funky chandeliers. Each piece is chosen by the hotel's owners; art dominates the walls throughout the property and includes an impressively eclectic mixture of styles and subjects. The lobby bathroom is a wonderfully camp blend of snakeskin and 360-degree mirrors. A winding stone staircase or tiny, traditional elevator with intricate wrought iron caging takes guests past kitsch curios and colorful glassware to one of its five floors -- also replete with artistic displays of color.

The hotel is located right on the Mariahilfer Strasse shopping street in Old Vienna's busy 6th district and directly opposite the Museum Quarter. The nearest U-Bahn station is just a two-minute walk away, while the surrounding area is full of shops, bars, and restaurants -- not to mention museums. Most of the city's main attractions are within walking distance including the Hofburg Palace and Volksgarten, about 15 minutes away on foot. Vienna International Airport is around 14 miles away, or 30 minutes by car on a good day.

The hotel has 30 rooms which are decorated in a blend of traditional styling and bold, colorful art -- all are original pieces by local contemporary artists. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with minibars, Nespresso machines, and 43-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are bright and clean with either a tub or shower, and all have hairdryers, scales, and robes and slippers. Some rooms are a little small, but four of the Junior Suites also include corner balconies.

Although there is no restaurant in this hotel, a pleasant breakfast room serves up an excellent breakfast buffet complete with chilled Prosecco, all of which is included in the rate. There is also a glittering, gold-tiled spa area with sauna, steam room, and chromotherapy shower overlooking a tropical aquarium -- also free of charge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and paid underground parking can be found just opposite.