WJ Tested: Hotel Altstadt Vienna Review
Hotel Altstadt – Junior Suite 17
WJ Tested: Hotel Altstadt Vienna Review
WAVEJourney’s Review of 4-Star Boutique Hotel Altstadt Vienna in Vienna, Austria
After a luxury Uniworld river cruise along the Danube from Romania, we arrived in the fascinating city of Vienna in Austria. We weren’t in any rush to disembark the elegant boutique ship we had called home for the past 12 days, but it was a lovely summer day so we finally decided to make our way across the city to Hotel Altstadt Vienna using public transit.
Within an hour of leaving the ship we had taken the U-Bahn (subway), a tram ride (to Volkstheater), and walked about 12 minutes to Spittelberg (Vienna’s 7th district), before arriving at Hotel Altstadt Vienna – an easy and inexpensive transfer.
Note: Taxi fare from the port to the hotel runs around 25-30 euro, using public transport cost 4 euro.
Location:
Situated on a quiet street in the Spittelberg quarter, Hotel Altstadt Vienna is about a 10-minute walk from the Museum Quarter and the subway. During our stay we enjoyed wandering the neighborhood and strolled into the heart of the city and Stephansplatz within 20 minutes.
Arrival:
Once we entered the front door to the hotel, a century-old stone building full of character and charm, we easily found the elevator to reach the first floor reception area. Although we would typically take the stairs, we were pleased that we didn’t need to haul our luggage up two flights to the reception area.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Salon
Warmly welcomed by friendly and knowledgeable staff, we were promptly checked-in, and while waiting for our room to be ready (we arrived around noon) were given a quick tour of the salon and breakfast room by one of the receptionists. We immediately felt very comfortable and at home in this charming and beautifully-designed hotel.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Salon and Breakfast Room
Note: there are still a few private residences in the building and they use the same elevators.
Guest Room:
Arriving at our guest room, Junior Suite 17, we were wowed by the very high ceilings and quirky but tasteful décor. We were impressed with the spaciousness of our junior suite, fitted with good quality furniture, and we loved the parquet floors.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 Sitting Area
The double-glazed windows proved to be excellent at blocking out street noise (very quiet at night), and once we closed the curtains at night our room was completely dark.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 King-Size Bed
The king-size bed was new, extremely comfortable, and made especially cozy by the good quality linens and individual duvets. Although we visited in the height of summer (the outside temperature in Vienna was mid-80s) our suite was quite cool and comfortable.
Bathroom:
For the first time in a long time we had a tub in our hotel room. And this wasn’t just a regular shallow hotel bathtub… it was a very large and deep soaking tub.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 Bathroom with Soaking Tub
There was also a large, separate shower stall, good quality towels, and premium bathroom amenities from l’Occitane of France.
Afternoon Tea:
A very special touch – hotel guests can partake in afternoon tea every afternoon between 4-6 p.m. in the salon. The homemade cake was delicious — served with coffee and an assortment of fine teas.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Afternoon Tea and Cake
Breakfast:
Breakfast, included in the room rate, featured a wonderful buffet selection with Antipasto (hams, salami, smoked salmon), cheeses, yogurt, fresh and dried fruit, breakfast cereals, muesli, breads, croissants, pastries, eggs cooked to order, and Prosecco.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Extensive Breakfast Buffet Selection
We found the staff attending to the salon and breakfast room very friendly, attentive, efficient, and they did a great job of making sure the tables were promptly cleaned and the buffet frequently replenished.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon
Pros:
- Warm, charming and cozy atmosphere with 42 uniquely decorated rooms and suites
- Bathroom amenities by l’Occitane
- Super friendly and helpful staff
- Complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake available daily from 4-6 p.m.
- An included breakfast buffet with sparkling wine is served from 6:30-10:30 a.m.
- Free WIFI throughout the hotel – password required for each device
- Fresh fruit and bottled water found in guest rooms are included in the rate
- Illy espresso maker in suites and junior suites
- Umbrellas in guest rooms
- Salon is comfortable for reading a book next to the fireplace or enjoying a cocktail from the bar
- A computer is available for guest use in the salon
Cons:
- There is an additional charge for extra espresso pods for the Illy espresso maker that is found in suites and junior suites
- Smoking room – (pro for some) – we did notice a slight cigarette odor coming from here when we passed by
- If you like large chain hotels with full-service amenities, this quaint property may not be for you
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 Guest Room and Bathroom
Bottom Line:
Although we only stayed at Hotel Altstadt Vienna for one night, we did not feel like we were staying in a hotel. Thanks to the friendly service and cozy atmosphere, we instead felt as though we were guests in a good friend’s historic private home. This is definitely our choice for an intimate boutique hotel stay next time we are in Vienna.
If You Go:
Address: Kirchengasse 41, 1070 Vienna, Austria
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Breakfast Room
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Tea Station
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Illy Espresso Machine in Junior Suite 17
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 Antique Desk
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Bathroom Amenities
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 Armoir
Hotel Altstadt Vienna – Junior Suite 17 Mini-Bar Fridge
Note: WAVEJourney was a guest of Hotel Altstadt Vienna on August 8, 2012
