The Hotel Sans Souci Wien is situated in an elegant 1872 building with a five-story white and gray facade. The five-pearl rating is entirely apt -- this is arguably the top hotel in the city, and it has the amenities and decor to prove it. The interiors were renovated in 2010, and some of the common spaces are downright opulent. A lounge area off the bar provides classical grandeur with modern details, such as wood paneled walls and golden chandeliers. Velvety gray button-tufted armchairs are paired with marbled cafe tables. Other areas of the hotel are (only relatively) toned-down -- more modern-sophistication than Old-World opulence. Class is everywhere -- in some of the guest rooms, artwork by Roy Lichtenstein adorns the walls. Guests here are well-heeled tourists. A gentle romantic vibe attracts lots of couples, but families are welcome, too. 

Hotel Sans Souci Wien is centrally located in a bustling area of Vienna, just across the street (less than a one-minute walk) from the Museum Quarter and within walking distance of many of the city's major attractions. While it's not in the Innere Stadt (the city's historic core), the dividing line of ring road is a five-minute walk away, and several public gardens (like Volksgarten and Burggarten) as well as The Parliament Building and Hofburg Palace can be reached on foot in 10 minutes or less. For any sights farther out, the Volkstheater (U-Bahn lines U2 and U3) metro stop is just a two-minute walk. Vienna Central Station is about a 15-minute drive and Vienna International Airport is about a 25-minute drive. Valet parking is available and airport transportation can be arranged through the hotel, but both cost extra fees.

The hotel's lavish guest rooms have a modern take on elegance paired with thoughtful amenities. Entry-level rooms feature parquet floors, off-white walls with white molding and gold mural accents. Sophisticated, modern furnishings like silver tables and midcentury-style desks add another layer of polish. Entry-level bathrooms are roomy and chic with huge walk-in rainfall showers. Higher-category rooms have all sorts of elegant extras, such as four-poster beds, silver Queen-Anne tables, button-tufted headboards, and marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The artwork that adorns the walls is impressive -- guests in Junior Suites will find framed work by Roy Lichtenstein. 

Amenities include generously stocked minibars, pillow menus, remote window shades, electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, and huge mirrors that are actually flat-screen TVs (with iPhone connections). There's in-room coffee and tea service, but coffee and tea can also be ordered through room service during the day, free of charge. Bathrooms have plush robes and slippers, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and high-end Molton Brown individual toiletries. Turndown service is provided. Of the hotel's 63 rooms, 21 are suites and two are long-stay apartments. 

For such a small hotel right in the heart of a major city, this property is packed with amenities. The hotel is host to La Véranda, a classy restaurant serving seasonal dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Outdoor terrace seating is available in the summer. Guests rave about the free breakfast which is served until late and includes fresh fruit, cereal, cooked-to-order eggs, and even Champagne. Coffee and tea are available from room service, free of charge, all day. The hotel bar offers an extensive Champagne list and features extravagant lounge spots.  

The hotel's wellness facilities include a luxurious spa with three saunas, two treatment rooms, relaxation rooms, and more. A modern fitness room has wood floors, a mirrored wall, free weights, modern cardio equipment with individual screens, and other workout accessories. There's also a chandelier-lit indoor lap pool (20 meters). (Kids are only allowed in the pool during designated hours.) Use of the spa facilities is included in the room rate.

The hotel has a classy meeting room and free Wi-Fi throughout. Five-pearl-level concierge service is on hand to meet guests special requests. Valet parking and airport transfers are available for extra fees.