Hotel Altstadt Vienna

A townhouse built in 1902, the Hotel Altstadt Vienna is like a modern art magazine come to life. Converted to a partial hotel in 1991, it's a family business where owner Otto E. Wiesenthal and both of his daughters can often be found, among their vast art collection. The hallways are some of the most interesting spaces in the hotel; different and surprising, each is a narrow art gallery housing original works of art by Warhol, Prachensky, Klimt, and many others. The hotel is missing a formal lobby, and the red-and-white striped main salon is the central common space, where a fireplace and tea cart welcome guests every afternoon. 

Located in the Spittelberg area of Vienna's colorful seventh district, the hotel is within walking distance of many cafes and art galleries. The nearest U-Bahn train station, Volkstheater, is an eight-minute walk away, while the museum district is no more than 10 minutes away on foot. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants in the immediate area, together with many pretty parks and gardens. Vienna International Airport is 14 miles away, and is at least a 30-minute drive.

All 45 rooms are individually decorated, from the bright and minimalist Classic Rooms to the dark and extravagant suites. Most of the Classic Rooms have rich parquet floors, colorful walls, and wild chandeliers. The furnishings are modern and luxurious with a retro twist, reflecting the hotel's wide-ranging modern art collection. The modern bathrooms vary between having small walk-in showers and tiled shower/tub combos, with some glass showers exposed, exhibitionist style, to the bedroom. The designer suites feature original art and moody interiors by Italian architect Matteo Thun and Austrian fashion designer Lena Hoschek, among others. Dark wallpaper and erotic themes are prevalent, with a freestanding bathtub in the middle of one bedroom and an original Bösendorfer piano in the living room of another. Fresh fruit, minibars, and mini-fridges come standard, along with flat-screen TVs. Apartments with kitchenettes and separate bedrooms are also available for longer stays.

The hotel's main attraction may be its art collection and designer rooms. While it might be short on other features, there is no shortage of lounge space in which to enjoy a glass of wine or free afternoon treats. One lounge serves fireside tea and cakes in the afternoon, with Vienna sausages and other snacks in the evening. Wine and beer is available at the small bar, and a free breakfast that includes smoked fish, baked goods, and eggs is served daily. Several modern meeting rooms provide flexible space for business or artistic events. In line with its home in the art quarter, and the owner's well-known patronage of the arts, the hotel has a multi-function space called Level_41, which can be used as a pop-up store or art gallery. Like the rest of the hotel, it's stylish, and even its bathrooms are decorated with work by the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.