Rathaus Wine & Design
Langegasse 13, Vienna, Vienna, A-1080, Austria, Vienna, Austria
Why We Like It
Josefstadt is a quiet and delightful neighborhood, away from the tourists. The wine theme of the hotel is ever present, yet at the same time subtle; and since Austrian wines are now taking a well-deserved place at the table, why not celebrate that? The staff is wonderfully accommodating, with first-rate service.
Fodor's Expert Review
This exclusive, family-run boutique hotel and its celebration of all things wine truly sets it apart from the pack. It is situated on a quiet street in the charming Josefstadt district. The wine-loving Fleischhaker family created a unique wine motif in every room to herald the best of Austria's vintners. The accents are all wine-related, as well: wine cheese (at breakfast, or in the bar), wine marble cake with your coffee, wine-based cosmetics. Wine tours are also arranged, as the bucolic wine region, with its storybook Heurigen (wine taverns, more or less) dotting the countryside, is not far outside the city proper.
You Should Know There are a dozen steps leading from the street entrance to the reception area, but no elevator.
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Room
The rooms are large, and each is uniquely designed in bright, yet calming decor. In addition to a minibar, a separate wine bar is included (beware: like the minibar, it is not free). There is no coffeemaker. This is on purpose: the staff thinks service is key, and a freshly-brewed coffee or tea is brought gratis to the room upon request, night or day.
Bathroom
Remarkably spacious, nearly decadent, with soaking tubs separate from rain forest showers. In many rooms, the toilet itself is located in a separate room, which is still a very typical setup in many Austrian homes.
Lobby
A long, elegant corridor leads from the front step, then up a winding staircase, or a grand old elevator, to the front desk.
Tip There's a very convenient "wash and go" lounge for guests to use after checkout.
Dining
There is not a bona fide restaurant on site, but there is a breakfast buffet that is so good, the locals often come to sample the fare. The bar offers cold food platters. In warm months, sit outside in the courtyard.
Drinking
It comes as no surprise that it's all about the wines here. Tasting are organized in the wine lounge, and over a discussion of Vintner of the Month, a theme at the hotel. Wines are discussed in such a way --without pretense, that is --that even the non-connoussiers feel comfortable taking part.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Free parking is offered at the garage next door, a hard-to-find perk in Vienna. However, you're just steps from the Volkstheater and Rathaus Ubahn stations, and can be on the Ringstrasse in 10 minutes by foot.
Restaurants
Just up the road is Trilogie, a Greek restaurant serving sumptuous Mousaka, among other claims to fame, in a modern, yet soothing atmosphere. Right next to the Josefstadt Theater, a hallmark of the neighborhood, is Marienhof, serving up fine Austrian cuisine and a superb choice of wines. Rosnovsky & Company (Rusnovskyundco) is what's known as a "local" and you can see that under the modern updates, still lives an old Austrian-style tavern. The menu is mostly Austrian dishes, but with a wide selection of vegetarian options.
Bars
Grande Cocktail Bar is a romantic venue with a wide selection of drinks and knowledgeable bartenders. Omar's is one of the best absinthe bars in the city; expect a DJ on the weekends. Salim's offers quite a relaxed atmosphere overall (foosball in the cellar), but don't be fooled: some of the district's best drinks are served up here.
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