Site inspection at Hotel Altstadt, Vienna, a Small Luxury Hotel

I chose to stay at this property for our short visit to Vienna as it was close enough, but just outside the busy city. Situated just outside of Old Town Vienna, the hotel is actually a set of apartments that have been developed into a beautiful, well-curated hotel that truly feels like a home away from home. The entry is on the street level, with reception on the first level. There is art displayed on the walls as you walk into the reception area, and in all the hallways. The warm team from Hotel Altstadt will make you feel at home right from the beginning. Guests are offered a welcome drink at check in, and a host walks you to your room.

The hotel has a total of 62 rooms and suites, with 32 being suites. All the others are doubles of varying sizes (think small, medium or large). The artwork in each room or suite follows a theme: for example, the Grete Wiesenthal Suite draws inspiration from Grete herself: an Austrian dancer and choreographer, a bit “rebellious” for her times. The room emits a very joyful spirit, and the art and even the curtains in the room reflect that. Add in a piano, a comfortable couch and a bookshelf with books following the same theme, and you have a room that you will not want to leave!

The rooms have a maximum occupancy of three, and suites have a maximum occupancy of four— there are a couple of suites that would be great options for families: either a two-bedroom/one-bath suite, or a room with bunk beds. A third option would be to take both suites within the UN suite: they are adjacent suites, with a private entrance. The property is also pet-friendly.

The art in each room is from the private collection of the owner— guests are encouraged to walk down the hallways and view the art on display, and scan a QR code outside several of the rooms to be able to view the art inside a room as well. The “Unguided Tour” can also be viewed here.

Each room has been curated by an artist or designer following the simple principles of:

• It needs to feel like home

• It needs to have a sense of space

• It needs to reflect the Austrian way of life

While the hotel does not have a restaurant on-site, breakfast is served daily in the Salon, just off the main reception. In addition to cold cuts, fruit and a good selection of teas, they also offer hot breakfast specials daily, including (my personal favorite) vegan options.

Tea time at the salon is daily from 4-6 pm, where in addition to a hot cup of tea, you can also help yourself to home-baked cakes, or vegan sweets.

In the evenings, you could stop by the salon to get a drink or two before you head to your room.

The area has plenty of choices for food and drink within walking distance. The hotel has also curated a list of restaurants and bars— we did try several of them, and none of them disappointed!

Two things stood out for me at this property:

• A true sense of team and hospitality: The team takes great care to ensure each guest has a phenomenal experience during their stay. The team is like one big family, working together seamlessly, with the single focus of customer service. The feeling of being at home that they strive to create, is very clearly apparent. No wonder they were recently awarded a Michelin Key!

• They take sustainability seriously. The sign in the room is thoughtful and intentional. Supporting local businesses is very important to them.

This is a great property for couples as well as families, or small groups that are looking for a quiet, restful property with an eye for detail and great art, just outside the old city of Vienna.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vienna. In need of further inspiration? Check out Arden Scura's guide, Things to do in Vienna.