Prime Innere Stadt location facing the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral
Comfortable contemporary rooms, some overlooking the cathedral
Guest rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and Tivoli audio systems
Popular cafe-bar with divine cathedral views and original art
Generous hot and cold buffet breakfast included in rate
Small fitness center with light-therapy sauna
On-site meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout
Environmentally-friendly, socially-responsible operation
1950s building lacks architectural oomph
Only top-floor options have furnished terraces
No on-site parking (valet parking is available for a fee)
This upper-middle-range 56-room boutique hotel is a family-owned, responsibly-run property right next to Vienna’s most famous landmark: St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Its location in the heart of the tourist district and the resulting views are big draws; however, Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz’s practical, well-equipped rooms -- all done up in a clean-lined, contemporary style -- offer another reason to stay. The property is a good value, with Wi-Fi and a substantial buffet breakfast included in the rate. It also boasts an artsy cafe-bar, a small fitness center, and business facilities. But if you prefer a historic alternative with a more romantic ambiance (and are prepared to sacrifice some amenities to get it) consider Hotel Altstadt, a converted townhouse near the Museum Quarter.
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Scene
A cheerful, contemporary property with a coveted address
While the seven-story facade of this 1950s hotel is decidedly bland, lacking historic flourishes, it makes for an ideal perch to drink in the Gothic beauty across the street -- Vienna's stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And interiors are not without their charm: Warm colors like lemony yellows and pomegranate reds give a subtle nod to the city's past and the Habsburgs' flag, while simultaneously adding some 21st-century pizzazz. The reception and seating areas, as with the whole building, deliver a dose of mid-century flair with oak paneling and leather seating in squat armchairs and couches. Paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists, displayed in both the lobby and attractive cafe-bar, further enhance the cheery atmosphere, which the owners consciously strive to create. They even give the property a regular ceremonial cleansing with sagebrush smoke to maintain a positive vibe.
Location
Ideal setting in Vienna’s 1st District, directly across from St. Stephen's Cathedral
For tourists, it’s hard to imagine a better location than the privileged one this hotel occupies in Vienna’s historic core. Set on Stephansplatz, opposite gorgeous St. Stephen's Cathedral, it is within walking distance of top sightseeing attractions. Hofburg Palace (home to the Sisi Museum and Spanish Riding School) can be reached on foot in eight minutes. Luxe shopping opportunities also abound because the pedestrianized "Golden U" (formed by Kohlmarkt, Graben and Kärntner Strasse) is a mere five-minute stroll from Stephansplatz. The square’s eponymous metro station also offers easy access to other parts of the Austrian capital.
Rooms
A range of sunny contemporary rooms, some with postcard views and private terraces
While there's nothing fashion-forward about the guest rooms, they have cheery decor throughout and crisp white linens top the quality foam mattresses, adding to the rooms tidy appearance. Units range from 161 to 592 square feet, and all have air-conditioning, minibars, coffee/tea-making facilities with Julius Meinl products, flat-screen satellite TVs, Tivoli audio systems, and free Wi-Fi. Across the board, the tiled bathrooms -- most with a shower and separate tub -- have heated floors and towel racks, plus fair-trade toiletries. Robes, slippers, and hairdryers come standard, too. Note that both family and handicapped-enabled rooms are available. If you’re coming for the view, Cathedral Rooms have sound-proof triple-glazed windows that frame the cathedral; better yet, Cathedral Suites and the Top Tobias Suite have sigh-inducing furnished terraces that look right out on it.
Features
Popular cafe-bar, petite health center, and free Wi-Fi
A commitment to ethical, eco-friendly practices -- evident in everything from the biological wall paint to the hypo-allergenic bedding and fair-trade toiletries -- sets this hotel apart. But most of the features you'd expect from an upper-middle-range hotel are present as well. While there’s no restaurant per se, the hotel does have a popular cafe-bar on the second level. Named for famed Spanish tenor Giacomo Aragall, who is a frequent guest, it’s a fine place to sip a Viennese coffee (or something stronger) while drinking in the views. The Aragall also doubles as a breakfast room where guests can enjoy an impressive free morning buffet complete with made-to-order eggs, organic baked goods and fresh-pressed juices.
There’s a pleasant little health center on-site, too, which includes workout equipment, a sauna with light therapy, and a dedicated relaxation zone; plus the hotel has a small business center and two meeting rooms for corporate travelers. Other features include babysitting, laundry, valet parking, and airport shuttle services (all at extra cost); free daily newspapers in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
