Fodor's Expert Review Rathaus Wine & Design

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.

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.

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.