What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 18 May 2015

Welcome to another week and we're all gearing up for Eurovision here at Cloud 9 Towers. 

Yes, we know it's cheesy. Yes, we know that the UK's glory days are over. Yes, we know that the voting is so political that its hard for us to stand a good chance. Yes, we know that Electro Velvet,despite having a good song this year, are probably doomed. 

But, irrespective, we'll be waving our flags and hoping that we don't see nil points on the scoreboard! So in the spirit of Euorovision, which this year is being held in Vienna and is celebrating its 60th Anniversary, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to take a look at some of the best hotels in the Austrian capital.

Vienna has always been dignified, but there's a thick layer of whipped cream around almost every corner. Its baroque architecture, art galleries and museums, rich musical heritage and café's and cakes have been magnets for tourists since the days of the Grand Tour. 

Our selection of the best places to stay in Vienna varies from the Hotel Sacher, an institution where old world charm meets modern luxury to the Pension Suzanne, a family run guesthouse with superb service and an unbeatable central location.

Part of the city's appeal is its compact centre ('innere stadt'), which forms the 1st District. All the sights, restaurants and cafés and best places to stay in Vienna are within an easy walk. The medieval city is contained by a broad horseshoe-shaped road of 19th-century palaces, the Ringstrasse, where all the grand old hotels are found. The Grand Hotel Wien has been a Viennese hub since the early 20th century and still exudes class and style.

The Hotel Imperial, Vienna's grand dame, opened its doors in 1873 and is still in fantastic condition with massive suites and marble everywhere! An alternative to these old faithfuls would have to be The Ring a new "casual luxury" hotel, all slick style and cool unfussy rooms.

Although a 1st District address is plumb, the neighbouring districts, such as 4th, 7th and 8th, are still convenient and the hotels often better value. Viennese hotels are, almost without exception, well-run and pristine (even the most modest pension has good quality linen), but many are decorated in an oppressive Biedermeier style. We have tried to ferret out the elegant ones, as well as recommending a number of fresh, contemporary boutique hotels.

Our pick of the best contemporary places to stay in Vienna includes the Hollman Beletage - hard to find, but persevere, it's worth it! Do&Co a chic property with the best location in town and fresh modern architecture and design.

Alternatively check in to the Altstadt. This hotel is just outside the Ring, but offers a great mix of styles from classic to avant-garde and houses the owner's stunning art collection.

Best budget place to stay in Vienna. Its popularity has continued to grow and now, with one budget airline flying directly to the city, and another to nearby Bratislava, Vienna has

never been cheaper or easier to get to.The best places to stay in Vienna reflect this with an increasing number of properties popping up to suit even the strictest of budgets.

A good choice for those trying to save their Euros is the Pension Nossek, a traditional and great value guesthouse with a superb central location. Take note it's hugely popular, so book well in advance!

But if Vienna is not for you and you would rather stop in and watch the contest, then maybe a little Eurovision Party is the tonic for you! But just how do you set about organising this?

Well, firstly sort out your invites. Never invite people who just don’t get Eurovision, they will ruin your night and you will spend all night explaining why cross dressing and clogs are fun when you should be singing.

Theme your party with lots of food and drink, so have drinks and food from as many countries as you can. Not as easy now there are so many contestants and semi finals to endure so you may need to do your shopping last minute!

An international buffet can be fun, and if you ask your guests to represent a different country each, you can all then contribute to the cost. This works well if you can persuade your guests to also dress accordingly in the national costume of the country they are representing! Lets face it, dressing up is fun!

Invest in a few flags, and some bunting. Especially great if you can do this for the different countries who are going to be represented. 

Run Eurovision Bingo and a sweep stake, and make sure you have lots of past Eurovision hits to hand, for the boring bits!

Lastly, make sure you get hold of a Eurovision Scorecard, so you can see just how well, or badly we are doing, and you download one of these from the beeb website!

So have a great week, and enjoy Eurovision!