Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer

Built in the late 19th century, Hotel Donauwalzer was gifted from local winemakers to their son on his wedding day. It became a popular hang-out at the height of the Art Nouveau period, and although it took a battering during the war years, the hotel was later renovated back to its former glory. These days, there are plenty of nods to its origins, though the hotel has an undeniably modern bent (even if some corners are starting to look a little tired). The lobby features details like wrought-iron banisters winding up to higher floors and includes a small sitting area, plus a cafe where Sunday breakfasts are accompanied by live classical music. Guests are a mix of tourists and corporate travelers who prefer the locals-only Josefstadt setting to the touristy heart of the city -- the comparatively lower rates also sweeten the deal.

Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer is located on Hernalser Gurtel -- the belt that divides the city center from the outer districts. There are shops and restaurants nearby, as well as a few bars with live music. The Josefstadt address means that this is a far more local-feeling neighborhood, and it's a great area to explore for travelers who like to feel less like tourists. Hernalser Gurtel tram stop is a couple of minutes away on foot, and Alser Strasse Ubahn is around a five-minute walk from the property. Transit time to the First District is about 30 minutes, or it's a 15-minute drive. For the more active, the trip is a fairly pleasant walk, taking about 30 to 40 minutes. Nightlife and attractions in the Museum Quarter are about a 20-minute trip by tram or bus -- or 10 minutes by car. Budget 20 minutes to reach Schonbrunn Palace by car. The airport is 25 minutes away, or around 50 minutes via public transport. 

There is a wide spread of room configurations at the Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer, ranging from doubles in the eaves to large Emperor Rooms with sofas and views over the park. Decor is eclectic, and includes both country-style and Art Deco inspirations, plus everything in between. White walls, wood floors, and a pop of color in the curtains and bed runners keep things bright. Some rooms feature antique pieces of furniture or artwork, though a few past guests have noted that some rooms are looking a bit tired. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Wi-Fi, though the latter is only free with direct bookings. Unfortunately, there is no air-conditioning and windows don't open, so rooms can be stuffy in the summer (fans are provided). Upgraded rooms add extras like Bose sound systems and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms feature showers, hairdryers, pump products, and a small selection of toiletries. Some rooms have jetted tubs.

Hotel Donauwalzer has a small lobby dining room, which serves a buffet breakfast daily that includes hot and cold options (fee). The bar provides drinks, coffee, and a range of snacks like strudel and pastries -- Viennese staples. Live classical music is played on Sundays, and guests are invited to join waltz lessons. Once a wine cellar, the basement is now a private spa area that can be booked for an extra fee, and has a whirlpool and sauna. Wi-Fi is included for direct bookings, but costs extra otherwise. There's a small sitting area with a library of books, and the front desk provides services such as laundry, safe deposit boxes, and tour booking. Unusually for a hotel of this age, there are elevators to the higher floors.