Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna Hauptbahnhof

With a name like Hotel Zeitgeist, it's no surprise that this trendy hotel, opened in 2013, focuses on the new and the now. Its name emblazed boldly across its elongated modern facade sets the tone for a hotel that likes to do things a little differently. Inside the lobby, the interiors are simple, stark even, with concrete floors, minimal furnishings, and only a number of vertical wooden beams preventing the space from feeling uncomfortably cavernous. It does all feel very contemporary in an unfussy and functional fashion without actually trying to be too clever in design or concept. The vibe is friendly and efficient, with a hip edge that attracts trendy young travelers, but the style could perhaps have been taken a bit further to better capture the zeitgeist. 

The Hotel Zeitgeist is located in the hip and up-and-coming -- though still largely residential -- Sonnwend neighborhood, a five-minute walk from Vienna's newly reopened Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). It's at least a couple miles from the city's historical center, though nearby train and tram connections whisk visitors to central Stephansplatz in less than 15 minutes. The popular open-air Naschmarkt is two metro stops away and from there it's just a short walk to the museum quarter; alternatively, cyclists can use one of the capital's bike paths that run right past the hotel. The Intercity Express connects directly to Vienna International Airport from the Hauptbahnhof station. The hotel offers free parking for a fee.

The hotel has 254 contemporary rooms spread across seven floors and a dizzying six categories: Urban, City, Deluxe, Privilege, Lifestyle Lofts, and Zeitgeist Suites. The main difference between them is size, although higher-end rooms do have hardwood floors and some open to furnished terraces. All have the same basic, clean-lined style that walks the line between trendy minimalist and just a bit bare. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, while all mattresses have adjustable firmness. Modern white-tiled bathrooms have wall-mounted hairdryers and soap dispensers, and toilets are separate in most cases, although the walk-in showers lack doors. There are no minibars in rooms -- instead, there's a large fridge on each floor -- and there have also been reports of temperamental air-conditioning. Although windows open, many street-facing rooms overlook a bleak and dreary-looking building.  

The hotel's second-floor Restaurant Zeitgeist serves a breakfast with an emphasis on healthy options (for a fee), while the Pergola cafe-bar is a cool, contemporary space serving drinks and light meals throughout the day. Health and fitness facilities consist of a sauna, exercise room, and spa area on the seventh floor that opens onto a terrace. Guests arriving by car have access to secure, underground parking (for a daily fee) while Wi-Fi is free of charge, though notably spotty. The hotel also has meeting and event spaces.