Austria Trend Parkhotel Schoenbrunn Vienna

The luxury hotel was built in the early 1900s in response to the lack of upscale hotels in Vienna. The elegant building was inspired by a baroque castle complex and has a palace-like facade. In its early days, it lodged many visitors to Schoenbrunn across the street. During World War II, the hotel served as a military hospital before being transformed into a casino for British military. In 2010 to 2011, the hotel was expanded and modernized although it still has classically Viennese flair reminiscent of imperial period. Historic paintings and portraits of the Emperor’s family are on display throughout the building and large corridors connect common areas. The lobby has black-and-white marble floors, wood paneling, high ceilings, chandeliers, and gold accents. 

The hotel is right across the street from Schoenbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence and one of the country’s most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments. The palace is also home to the Schoenbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest zoo, as well as elaborate gardens. The nearest S-Bahn (tram) stop is less than five minutes from the hotel on foot, although it takes almost an hour to reach central Vienna's Stephansplatz by public transportation. A taxi ride from the hotel to the city center takes around 20 minutes and getting to the airport takes just under an hour. 

The 306 rooms and six suites at the hotel combine elegant and modern style elements, and many face the hotel’s park or the palace’s gardens. Decor varies a bit, but the rooms are spacious and many have sitting areas or desks along with high ceilings and either plush carpets or hardwood floors. Comfortable beds come with a variety of pillow options. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Suites have small terraces with a table and chairs. Executive Rooms include a voucher for a welcome drink, nonalcoholic drinks, and bedtime candy as well as early check-in and late check-out options. Bathrooms have a mix of marble and granite surfaces and come with shower/tub combos.

Some may find the rooms a tad plain for an upscale property, but they're still quite appealing for the price.

Breakfast is served buffet style and is not included in room rates. Many items are local and organic, and gluten-free and lactose-free are available on request. In addition to the breakfast room there are two restaurants -- Restaurant im Wintergarten and Restaurant Maria Theresia -- both of which can be entirely booked out for events. The Schlosscafe is an in-house patisserie serving coffees and pastries and the Gloriette Bar serves wine and cocktails in a library-style room with a computer station and views of the Schoenbrunn Palace garden. The Grand Ballroom, is a traditional and elegant location for parties or conferences and has chandeliers, frescoed ceilings with gold gilt borders, grand staircases, and red and gold carpets and coordinating baroque wallpaper.