We stayed at the Hotel Fuerst Metternich for 6 nights, mid-October 2011. Be aware first, that the photos are very misleading.

Pros: We found the room spacious and the beds very comfortable. The room was clean and very quiet. The location is good: just a block from the U3 U-Bahn station, and it is walkable to the Museumquartier or to the Ringstrasse. There is free wif-fi available, although the signal is weak in the room; better coverage in the lobby.

Cons: The room was overly warm and stuffy [but we solved that by keeping the windows open]. There is no kettle for heating water for tea or coffee in the room, and guests are asked not to use such devices if they brought them [I assume the wiring is old and inadequate]. Although there is an elevator, you will need to climb steps [with luggage] to the first floor/reception, and then there are many "half floors", so you will need to lug luggage another flight. The people in reception were indifferent about providing assistance. The breakfast is overpriced at 13 euros -- go a couple of blocks on Mariahilferstrasse to the Cafe Ritter and enjoy better service, cheaper prices, and a more homey, Austrian atmosphere.

I have stayed at FM twice - most recently at end of July 2011, and also in early Oct 2010 when it was wet and cold. I stayed there again cos I knew where it was and could not be bothered (in a 6 week European tour of hotels largely for 1 or 2 nights) in choosing yet another. The location is great - a 10min or so walk from Westbahnhof, as I arrived at that station in 2010. In 2011 I arrived by metro from another station but as it is close to 2 metro stations it is very handy. I got a really cheap rate from HRS for single room of 63E a night. For Vienna that is quite cheap. The first time I got a really much bigger and more luxurious room for some reason (off season?) which I would give 4 stars - most recent room was a little smaller but still more than adequate although shower booth a little poky - so 3 1/2 stars. Both rooms over internal courtyard so quiet - street rooms would likely still be OK as it is on side street of Maria Hilferstrasse which is the High St of Vienna for shopping. Not really any good for restaurants there though unless you head more down towards museum quarter - check out Zum Roten Elefanten on Gumpendorferstrasse, reviewed by me elsewhere here. Do not bother with breakfast at FM I think - I refuse to pay 15E for breakfast in such places - you could likely almost buy a 2 course lunch at Roten Elefanten for that.

After the entrance ( all marble collums etc) it really does go downhill from there... and remeber this is Austria.. not some 3rd world country. Location is OK 15 mins to the centre, but the rooms.. like a 1970 dorm. Oppresive dark dingey, terrible bathroom, and the place aint Cheap either..this is not a 3 star hotel at all. The staff were ok, the breakfast is adequate..but tbh, look elsewhere fr your accom.

Vienna was the second stop of our Europe trip & I didn't have high expectations from this hotel after having stayed at a beautiful one in Milan. Plus I'd read enough reviews to know what I was in for but the location & price were the deciding factors when booking. I must say that the hotel was very disappointing! We didn't opt to have breakfast there as we wanted to enjoy the tradional Viennese breakfast options elsewhere. To start off with the good things. It's location right off Mariahilferstrasse is amazing. We found the area to be lively, with plenty of good places to eat & shop. Also a little walk lead to the Museum Quarter. A bit further down and we saw The Opera House. Also incredibly close to the Westbahnoff station. Location therefore was the only saving grace as the hotel staff was aloof and not very helpful, the room was musty with an odd window which barely opened. The bathroom was incredibly small & strangely the towels were hung at the level of the toilet, very unhygienic! I must say the shower was lovely though & I can't fault it. The bed was comfortable and large but the side tables were dusty. Due to the unbearable heat in the room with a window which barely opens, a musty strange scent & dark interiors, the room lent an air of being unclean even if it may have been. There's no one to help with the luggage when you have to climb all those stairs. Overall I would suggest this hotel for someone who really couldn't find a better deal although I'm sure there would be. Mariahilferstrasse was the saving grace of this leg ouf our journey. Absolutely loved the vibe of the place. (There's a supermaket very nearby so it's convenient to pick up water & other necessities).