Hotel Alpha

This hotel’s reasonable rates and convenient location near the city center and public transportation attract a diverse mix of tourists. It’s a basic hotel without bells and whistles, providing a simple stay for those looking to sightsee. This contemporary property is part of the small Gerstner Hotel & Residences group and features homey, if a bit dated, decor. Red is clearly the dominant color here, covering statement walls, carpets, stairs, rugs, and antique chairs. The lobby gives off a charming vibe with fresh flowers and art pieces on the walls. Though a small seating area consisting of a colorful hodgepodge of chairs and couches sitting on an orange shaggy carpet is clearly worn and dated, it's a pleasant enough space to sit and enjoy a free cup of coffee or tea throughout the day. Overall, the Alpha is a good choice for those on a budget and offers a homey environment -- but it's in need of an update soon. 

The best feature of Hotel Alpha is its central location that's close to many tourist sites and surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. The city’s longest shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse, is an 18-minute walk away. Several popular attractions can be reached on foot, including the Museum Quarter (11-minute walk), the Hofburg Palace (15-minute walk), the Vienna State Opera (20-minute walk), and St. Stephen’s Cathedral (25-minute walk). Other areas and sites can be reached by public transportation: There’s a bus stop, a U-Bahn station, and a tram stop within a two- to four-minute walk of the property. It’s a 30-minute drive to Vienna International Airport. 

Rooms here are basic but functional, with fairly bland, simple decor (leaning toward dated) that includes cream walls paired with carpet or tiled floors, dark headboards, beige curtains, and faded salmon armchairs. Walls lack artwork or decoration and TVs are tucked away in small closets. Rooms vary in size -- some are quite cramped with little space for storage, while Triple Rooms have enough space for small couches. Amenities include mini-fridges, bottled water (for a fee), air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no coffee- and tea-making facilities or minibars. TVs are small and of an older variety (some are dated tube-style sets). Bathrooms could use an update and some are a bit cramped; they feature dated green and white tiling, showers or shower/tub combos, Fusion toiletries in wall dispensers, and hairdryers. 

Features are limited at this simple budget hotel. Although it lacks an on-site restaurant or bar, a free breakfast is served in a homey dining area, while free coffee, tea, and snacks like fruit are offered 24/7. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there’s a small garage with limited parking spaces that can be booked for a fee.