Grand Ferdinand

Refurbished in 2015, the Grand Ferdinand offers refreshingly modern decor in the sea of traditional -- and often stuffy -- hotels that fill the city's First District. That’s not to say the hotel doesn’t appreciate the tradition and history of its Ringstrasse location; classic details are just implemented in a subtle and contemporary way. Lobmeyr chandeliers adorn the ceilings of the hotel's light and elegant public spaces; rooms have a chic blue-gray palette with fashionable fixtures; and the cuisine is traditional Viennese with a modern twist. Adding to the exclusive atmosphere, the Grand Etage on the rooftop has echoes of a Viennese private salon and is for hotel guests and members only. There are a couple of instances of style over substance; rooms lack basic coffee- and tea-making facilities yet some have Champagne bars, and -- bizarrely for a hotel of this standard -- there’s no room service. This is a hotel aimed at couples, particularly due to the open-plan bathrooms in the guest rooms. For its location and quality, the Grand Ferdinand is a good value versus the top-end landmark hotels in the area.

The Grand Ferdinand has a prized location on Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse, which is lined with grand late 19th-century buildings and some of city’s best-known sights. This entire part of town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and marks the edge of the tourist-friendly First District. The hotel sits on Schubertring, close Ringstrassen Galerien's upscale shopping (a three-minute walk away) and Stadtpark Vienna. In fact, from here travelers can walk to many of the city's attractions. It's a five-minute walk to the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein, and 10 minutes to the Albertina Museum, Secession Building, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Kohlmarkt Street, with luxe brands such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, is a 15-minute walk away, as is the Hofburg Palace. The Schonbrunn Palace can be reached in a 13-minute drive or 25-minute train ride. U-Bahn stations at Karlsplatz and Stadtpark, both a five-minute walk from the hotel, make for easy access to other parts of the city. Expect a 20- to 30-minute drive to Vienna International Airport. 

Rooms at The Grand Ferdinand are some of the most attractive we’ve seen in Vienna. They're clean-lined and contemporary, with a blue-gray and white color scheme, wooden floors, and fashionable details like strap mirrors and pendant lights. Some rooms have exposed joists and parquet flooring. Each room features a king-size bed and lounge chair, and includes amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and minibar. The lack of coffee-and tea-making facilities or room service is disappointing. Bathrooms are largely open-plan -- particularly in the Standard Rooms -- with marbles ink sand a metro-tiled rainfall showers in the bedroom area, plus separate monochrome toilet cubicles. Standard Rooms start at 215 square feet (20 square meters), while Comfort Rooms are 270 square feet (25 square meters) and add Champagne bars. Suites feature living areas, swivel TVs, second wall-mounted TVs, and claw-foot bathtubs. They also have a double-length balcony. For excellent value, the hotel also has eight-person dorm rooms with bunk beds, which are done out in a glossy mahogany with vibes of "The Orient Express."

The Grand Ferdinand has something rare for Vienna; a small rooftop pool that features impressive views over the Ringstrasse. The pool is surrounded by a garden terrace with wicker chairs and loungers. In the summer, the area is open late, making it a great spot for post-swim drinks looking out over the lit-up rooftops. The hotel has three traditional Viennese restaurants. Meissl & Schadn specializes in schnitzels, while the street-level Gulasch & Champagne is a cozy spot for coffees and lighter bites. On the rooftop, Grand Etage is in the style of a modern Viennese private salon and offers an exclusive atmosphere for hotel guests and members only. Breakfast costs extra, and there’s no room service. A modern gym includes cardio equipment and free weights, but there's no spa. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Valet and self-parking come at a fee.