Originally opened in 1873 for the World Exhibition in Vienna,the Hotel de France occupies an elegant cream-colored building with such architectural details as balustrade balconies and ornate ornamental accents. Inside, a marble floor meets dark-wood wainscoting, pleasant yellow walls, and white crown molding. Classic blue-and-gold couches and armchairs are clustered around tables to create sitting areas, while ornately framed mirrors and sconce lighting decorate the walls. Gold-framed paintings, royal-blue carpeting, and hanging chandeliers create a regal look throughout, but some might find it dated. With it’s convenient, central location, the hotel draws tourists and business travelers.

Located on the famous Ring Road (Ringstraße) in Vienna’s historic first district of Innere Stadt, the Hotel de France is near restaurants, cafes, and shops, and is within walking distance of several city attractions, including the historic University of Vienna, Votive Church, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. A U-Bahn station is a one-minute walk from the hotel, and Vienna International Airport is a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.

• One-minute walk to Schottentor U-Bahn
• Three-minute walk to University of Vienna
• Five-minute walk to Rathausplatz Park
• Six-minute walk to Votive Church
• Eight-minute walk to Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse AG)
• 10-minute walk to Kohlmarkt Street (shopping area)
• 10-minute walk to Hofburg Palace
• 15-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• 17-minute walk to Kunsthistorisches Museum
• 18-minute walk to State Opera House
• 20-minute drive to Vienna International Airport

The 195 rooms at the Hotel de France range in size and style, but all have a classic, traditional look. In most rooms, royal-blue-and-gold-patterned wall-to-wall carpeting meets sage-green walls and cream-colored or wood furniture. Blue-floral-patterned curtains coordinate with the bedding, while crystal chandeliers and high ceilings add to the stately look. Rooms are well-maintained, but the decor looks dated and doesn't reflect its pearl rating. White-tile bathrooms are spacious with plenty of counter space, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, shower/tub combos, bidets, heated towel racks, robes, and Fusion toiletries. Suites evoke a French flair, with dark-wood furniture and gold fabrics. All rooms are air-conditioned and nonsmoking, and come with wardrobes, desks, safes, coffee- and tea-making facilities, well-stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi. TVs have satellite channels, but some are old-fashioned tube TVs while others are flat-screen. Higher-floor rooms that face Ring Road offer the best views, though rooms that face the back tend to be quieter.

The hotel has a sophisticated atrium bar with yellow-brick walls, arched entryways, column accents, and armchair and couch seating. The modern No. 3 Restaurant and Bar features simple wood and white furniture, and serves classic Viennese and French cuisine. A pianist plays nightly, adding greatly to the ambience. An extensive breakfast buffet, including smoked fish and fresh fruit is served in a breakfast room with arches and booths, and is usually included in the room rate. The hotel also has eight event rooms, which range from boardroom-style meeting rooms to banquet rooms that can host up to 150 people for conferences, weddings, or other events. A small fitness center includes free weights as well as bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals with attached monitors. The hotel offers airport transit, laundry service, and 24-hour room service. A computer and printer are available for guests' use, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.