Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

The Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront is a clean, contemporary chain hotel with lots of amenities. The large building is easy enough to spot, with a white facade, a charming red roof, and dormer windows. Inside, the bright, high-ceilinged lobby extends into two tiers of lounge and common spaces with little nooks for sitting, a lobby bar, and even a souvenir shop. The restaurant is particularly nice with wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a massive terrace along the river, which includes table seating plus little lounge ares with cushioned faux wicker chairs and private umbrellaed loveseats. It's still a big chain hotel, though -- decor can feel generic, and the hotel lacks the intimacy of smaller spots. This property attracts a huge range of travelers, especially business travelers and families. 

The location of this hotel is a mixed bag -- it's quiet and right on the Danube, offering great views and nearby jogging and walking paths, but the area isn't otherwise very interesting, with little to do in the immediate neighborhood. The nearest event venue is Ernst-Happel Stadium, a 15-minute walk from the hotel. There's a mall about a 10-minute walk from the hotel and across the street is the nearest U-Bahn station, Stadion. From here, guests can reach the city center in about 15 minutes. Vienna International Airport is about a 20-minute drive. Parking is available, but it costs an extra fee. Airport transfers can be arranged through the hotel as well.

Here's a bonus for being outside of the city center: rooms here are spacious, most clocking in at over 400 square feet with sitting areas, desks, and big bathrooms. Many rooms feature two double beds and connecting rooms and suites are available, making this hotel ideal for families. Decor is tasteful and contemporary, if a bit bland in the chain-hotel aesthetic: wall-to-wall carpeting, cream colored walls, and dark wood furniture. Sleek gray couches and white desk chairs add a modern feel. Bathrooms are plain white with combo showers and tubs, but they're spacious and the vessel sinks are stylish. 

Rooms are air-conditioned and include 37-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea service, and minibars. Wardrobes are stocked with robes and slippers and electronic safes, and bathrooms have free individual toiletries. Extra beds are available but cost extra fees, and guests complain about the daily fee for Wi-Fi (waved for HHonors members). Rooms with river views are a big bonus.

Features at this Hilton outpost are a big selling point, but alas not all are included in the room rates. The hotel's Waterfront Kitchen is a nice, casual dining spot with floor-to-ceiling windows with river views, plus a huge outdoor terrace with lots of cozy seating. Room service is available 24 hours as well. The daily breakfast buffet is extensive -- but also expensive. The lobby bar, Pier 269 Bar & Lounge, is open from morning until late, and there are tons of lounge spaces in the tiered lobby, which also includes a business corner with computers for guest use and a small children's play area. 

The hotel also has a souvenir shop, ATM, 13 meeting and event rooms, and an exclusive Executive Lounge. Wellness facilities include a spa with a sauna, relaxation space, and whirlpool tub, plus a fitness area with modern cardio and weight-lifting equipment, including treadmills with individual screens and free weights. The outdoor pool that looks over the river is a bit sparse but functional with some lounge chairs, plus covered private seating nearby. It can get busy and some guests note it's cold -- it isn't heated, and is often in the shade.

For families, the hotel offers cribs, children's menus, and high chairs, plus babysitting can be arranged. The front desk is open 24 hours and staff offer concierge services. Ticket assistance, laundry service, and other services can be arranged. Parking and airport transfers are available, but both cost extra fees. Pets are also allowed for an extra fee. One of the most frequent complaints from guests is about the daily fee for in-room Wi-Fi, though it's free for Hilton Honors members.