We look for the following criteria in a hotel: Quality & Ambience, Level of Luxury for the Price, Service, Services & Amenities, and Location. This hotel meets each of these tall requirements. It exudes a such a level of quality that even a prince would take note. The ambience is abundant enough for the most hopeless romantic, and the luxury would be satisfying for even J Lo.  The service is top-notch enough for Madonna.  Amenities are excellent, and location is central enough even if you were Vienna's mayor.

Hotel de France is situated on the Ringstrasse that circles the inner city. This is a friendly and comfortable luxury hotel. It is easily Five Star. Part of Austria Hotels International, the hotel began a major renovation project in 2002.  This project was completed recently, so the entire hotel currently shines in top condition.

Types of rooms: STANDARD, BUSINESS, MAISONETTE, and SUITE. Depending on the season, a standard room will cost 125 to 240 Euros. A business room ranges from 140 to 280 Euros, Maisonettes run 190 to 420 Euros and Suites go for 300 to 650 Euros. All types are spacious. No need to go on a diet before checking in!  For example, the suites are 80 to 140 square metres; room to spread out!

I choose the Maisonette because I love the two storey layout. Photos at left and below show the main level and the view to the lower level from the upstairs bedroom level. There's a convenient two piece bathroom on the upper level.

The room is equipped with phone, high speed Internet, wide screen TV, complimentary mini-bar, tea/coffee and safe to store your valuables, to name a few.

As I relax in the attractive Atrium, with beer in hand and senses resonating with melodies by the resident pianist, General Manager Hermann Krammer comes over to show me around the hotel. Originally from Salzburg, Mr. Krammer is swift to praise the numerous virtues of cosmopolitan Vienna. As he shows off the many features of the facility, I begin to understand that his professionalism and commitment ensure utter perfection in every facet of the hotel.