Hot Rooms
Great hotels in Vienna and London
[ VIENNA ]
Imperial Vienna
Built as a palace in the mid-19th century, this super-luxurious five-star is still where heads of state stay when they are in town. Every guest gets one of their famous Imperial Torte chocolate truffles. From €379. 16 Kaerntner Ring, www.starwoodhotels.com
The Ring
Walking distance from the opera house and old town, this new coffee-hued hotel offers laid-back luxury: five-star facilities, including spa, with friendly staff. Doubles from €325. 8 Kaerntner Ring, www.theringhotel.com
The Levante Parliament
Turning a 1911 early modernist building into a design hotel was a smart move, although the cool decor, airy rooms and position near the parliament help too. Doubles from €310. 9 Auerspergstrasse, www.thelevante.com
[ LONDON ]
Macdonald Windsor
Rub shoulders with the Queen at this plush new hotel on the High Street in Royal Windsor, a short walk from the castle. Rooms are traditional and elegant. Doubles from £140. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/windsor
Hotel Verta
Land your helicopter at the Battersea heliport, then saunter over to your contemporary hotel room. With no nearby tube, it’s best for those with a car and driver. Doubles from £176. Bridges Wharf, SW11, www.hotel-verta.co.uk
Hyatt Regency Churchill
Hidden behind Selfridges and opposite the trendy Home House club, this is the place to stay for early Christmas shopping on Oxford Street. Doubles from £258. 30 Portman Square, W1, www.london.churchill.hyatt.com
