PHOTO: facebook.com/altstadt.vienna

Altstadt

Kirchengasse 41, Vienna, Vienna, A-1070, Austria

Patti McCracken
  • 2 Guests
  • 1 Room

The street-level entrance to this Spittelberg Quarter lodging is unassuming, but holds great treasures within. In the 1980s, when owner and art lover Otto Wiesenthal was still working in the computer industry, he had visions of what a a great hotel could be. The historic building was renovated and in 1991, opened as what many call “an art gallery with rooms.” Wiesenthal’s extensive private collection of contemporary art is on display here, both in the public spaces and the rooms. The decor throughout matches the art in both style and drama.

YOU SHOULD KNOW This is an old building with narrow passageways, which could be difficult to navigate for people with physical disabilities.

room

Spaces vary greatly, but each are uniquely furnished and designed. Some of the larger suites are the creative masterpieces of Matteo Thun, and are particularly exquisite, with Biedermeyer-inspired furnishings. Hints of art deco abound. One room boasts a piano, a working fireplace and a view of the rooftop garden. All rooms are adorned with lovely art originals.



bathroom

As the rooms, they vary greatly both in size and style. Some have large, walk-in showers with separate tubs, while others are hidden behind mirrored walls, or have soaking tubs in the main room.

lobby

A vision in red (carpet), a staircase leads up to the front desk on the second floor.

The elevator to the ground floor is tucked away to the right of the front desk.

spa

There is no spa, but massages can be ordered for an hourly rate.

dining

There is no restaurant on site, but breakfast is served in the lounge.


drinking

The Red Salon is open til midnight, serving light snacks and drinks -- including a great selection of Austrian wines -- around a cozy fireplace. You can also get Afternoon Tea here.

LOCATION

Getting Around

By foot, you're fifteen minutes from the Inner Stadt, but there are also two U-bahn stations just steps from the hotel.

Restaurants

The muraled walls of the Figar 1070 (5-minute walk) are a hit with the fly Vienna crowd, and serves an international mix with a lot to offer vegetarians, Wratschko Gastwirtschaft (2-minute walk) is a time machine back to the turn of the century, where woodcraft was art. The fare is Austrian, all organic and prepared fresh. Ulrich (2-minute walk) has an ambience that is both modern and warm, with a varied menu that includes the hard-to-find burger Americans love so much.

Bars

At night, Figar 1070 turns into one of the most popular bars in the district; return to Ulrich for an evening of drink after strolling the narrow, village-like streets of Spittelberg. If Dogs Run Free (14-minute walk)is cocktail bar worth visiting, if just for a look at the innovative interior.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The bold interiors and vibrant works make a stay here a type of theater unto itself. The location--steps from the artisan-rich Spittelberg, yet also within reach of Imperial Vienna and the MuseumsQuartier, makes it even more appealing.

QUICK FACTS

Hotel
Sophisticated
Central
Design

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 01-526–33–990
Website: www.altstadt.at

Fodor’s Awards

#1 The Best Hotel Bars in Vienna

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