Keeping in mind the venue’s sparse decor, things feel very open at the Star Inn. The lobby has interesting light fixtures in bold colors and an occasional brightly painted wall to set off all the white. The overall effect is contemporary simplicity. Plenty of seating can be found here in the form of cubist looking couches and chairs, but the common spaces aren't really hangouts for most. There’s more of a feeling of transiency in this hotel; it's a tourist starting/stopping point, and people staying at the Star Inn are most likely on their way to see something beyond the lobby.

Located in a residential area next to a school, the Star Inn is close to the Schönbrunn Palace and about 15 minutes away via car from other popular Viennese attractions like the Karlsplatz, Wien Mitte railway station, and Schottenring. The area immediately surrounding the hotel is pretty dull -- there are no fun restaurants or bars. However, since Längenfeldgasse metro station is a minute from the front door and taxis are prevalent, one can easily get to other, more populated areas via public transport or the beltway. Vienna International Airport is 25 minutes southeast by car.   

Think clean lines and earth-tone hues with no fuss, and you'll have an idea of the guest rooms here. Pine-colored paneling is used on desks, headboards, and other furniture; attractive brownish wallpaper covers certain areas with occasional matching drapes. There isn't any art, but large flat-screen TVs are wall mounted. The overall effect is modern and minimalistic, and it works. Bathrooms -- which have freestanding bowl sinks and handheld showerheads -- follow in this simple, spotless vein. All of the rooms have mini-fridges and a grocery store is located around the corner, convenient for stocking up on essentials. There’s air-conditioning but the windows fully open as well.

While there’s no restaurant on the premises, there is a bar/lounge in the lobby with a decor palette of red, white, and black. Free newspapers are also available. The hotel breakfast buffet is not free, but it is plentiful with many options should you choose to partake. (Since there aren't many other restaurants around, you may.) The breakfast room looks a tad like you've wandered into a diner, and is complete with orange walls, booth seating, and a mural of a Viennese landmark on the wall, but it's functional and spacious and you can comfortably fuel up here before a busy day of sightseeing. The parking spaces underneath the hotel are limited and require a fee. Children under 12 can stay for free.