Hauptbahnhof / Favoriten

a and o Wien Hauptbahnhof

★★★★★

a&o is one of the largest budget hostel-hotel chains in Europe, and its Vienna Hauptbahnhof property is about as convenient as cheap accommodation in the city gets. It sits roughly 100 metres from Wien Hauptbahnhof, the main railway station, near the Sonnwendgasse exit, so arriving by train from the airport or from Salzburg, Munich, Budapest or Prague means a very short walk with your luggage. From the station, the U1 takes you to Stephansplatz in the heart of the old town in a few stops, and tram D runs past the Upper Belvedere, close to the hotel, to the Ring and the State Opera. The concept mixes hotel and hostel. Rooms come as singles, doubles and multi-bed rooms for four or six, and the multi-bed rooms can be booked privately, which is the key to the value for families and groups: a family of four or five can share one room at a price that central hotels cannot approach. Rooms are simple and functional, and the atmosphere is practical rather than stylish. A bar provides somewhere to sit in the evening, and the busy station complex next door supplies everything else, from supermarkets and bakeries to cafes and fast food at almost any hour. The Belvedere and its gardens are within walking distance, which is a real bonus for art lovers on a budget, and the nearby Schweizergarten and the newer park around the station give children some green space. Expect a lively, busy property, especially during school holiday periods when youth groups travel, and plan accordingly if you value quiet.

Who it suits: families and groups on a tight budget, especially those arriving and leaving by train or planning rail day trips; school and youth groups; backpackers who want a central-enough base without the price of the old town; and anyone who values location next to a major station over atmosphere. It is not the place for a romantic break.

Living in it: book a private multi-bed room early if you are a family, and check the current policies on children's prices and breakfast when booking, as they vary by date and rate. Use the station's supermarkets for picnic lunches and snacks, which keeps costs down. Take tram D to the Belvedere and the Ring, and the U1 for St Stephens and the Prater. Bring earplugs in busy periods, and ask about luggage storage if you arrive before check-in.

Value: this is among the lowest-priced private-room options in Vienna with a location this practical. Vienna's accommodation tax rose to 5 percent of the room price from 1 July 2026 and is set to rise to 8 percent from 1 July 2027, so check whether it is included in your rate. The trade-off is atmosphere and service, which are basic, and the station surroundings are modern and functional rather than charming. Think of it as a clean, well-connected place to sleep, and spend the money you save on concerts, cake and museum tickets.