A Weekend at Altstadt Vienna
The most unconventional hotel in Vienna feels less like a luxury boutique property and more like staying at a friend’s beautifully curated townhouse. As part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Altstadt Vienna stands out with a concept that is as artistic as it is personal: each of the 66 rooms and suites has been uniquely designed. Spread over five floors and different wings, each corridor is dedicated to a different creative vision. One wing, for example, has been entirely crafted by Matteo Thun, evoking a nostalgic Viennese grandeur infused with contemporary ease—an homage to the city’s elegant legacy, reimagined for today’s traveller.
Although I lived in Vienna for several years, I never spent time in the city’s Seventh District—Neubau, a bohemian and creative neighbourhood that locals love but tourists often overlook. Staying at Altstadt Vienna felt like entering a different city entirely, a rediscovery of my own capital through a fresh lens. And I fell in love with every corner of this lively, picturesque area.
Typically, I’d check into one of Vienna’s legendary grand hotels in the First District—the elegant Sacher, the Imperial, the Bristol, the Grand Hotel, or the more modern Ritz-Carlton. I’ve experienced them all. But for this particular June weekend, I was looking for something more personal, more charming. My schedule was tight, leaving little time to enjoy expansive facilities, so I decided on Altstadt Vienna—a townhouse hotel that promised something different.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this isn’t a traditional hotel. No flashy marquee or bellboy is waiting outside. Just a small sign hints that behind these classic Viennese doors lies one of the city’s most characterful properties. You step into a hallway flooded with natural light and art, where the staircase becomes your passage into the magic that happens one floor up. Since I had packed light, I chose to walk rather than take the elevator—and was rewarded by the sight of the bright, art-lined stairwell.
On the mezzanine floor, I was greeted with a warm smile and a welcome glass of sparkling wine. Check-in was smooth and refreshingly old-school: rather than a plastic card, you receive a traditional key, attached to a colored fob that doubles as your wayfinding tool throughout the hotel. My key was pink and blue—guiding me to the first floor in the same wing as the rooftop terrace. This nostalgic touch, paired with the personal attention of the staff, instantly made the stay feel special.
I was delighted to be assigned the Bösendorfer Suite, one of the most spacious rooms in the house. Its name comes from the Bösendorfer piano it houses—yes, a real grand piano, right there in the living room. Ironically, it was my first time staying in a room with a piano, and I couldn’t play a single note. But the space left a deep impression. The suite opens into a large, light-filled living area overlooking the courtyard, which acts as the heart of the building. A long dining table for eight—ideal for dinner parties, should you feel like hosting—anchors the space, surrounded by plush sofas, a fireplace, and the aforementioned piano. It’s a setup that feels halfway between a home and a salon, perfect for creatives and cosmopolitans alike.
Through grand double doors lies the bedroom, which mirrors the same airy, sun-soaked aesthetic. A Treca Paris double bed, antique armoire, minibar console, and statement chair are the key furnishings—elegant, minimal, and curated. The pillow spray provided as a welcome gift helped me drift into a wonderfully deep sleep, undisturbed by any city noise. The Altstadt also offers guests a reusable bottle for Vienna’s famously excellent tap water, as well as a slice of homemade cake—a small but lovely welcome gesture.
As someone who values an excellent minibar, I was pleased to find a selection of local wines and quality soft drinks (all charged separately, of course). The in-room dining menu, offered by the hotel’s bar, is thoughtfully composed with light bites—perfect after a late arrival or midday craving. Though the Altstadt exudes style and attention to detail, there’s no formal turndown service here. Guests are left to draw their curtains, a surprisingly liberating detail for those who prefer an uninterrupted evening.
Traveling solo in a double room has its perks—namely, two bath towels per day. The bathroom was spacious and understatedly elegant, with a walk-in shower, corner bathtub, and a large vanity offering ample storage. Austrian brand Lederhaas provides the toiletries—herbal-scented and beautifully packaged. Towels were soft and just the right size, even suitable for a post-workout freshen-up.
Speaking of which, Altstadt Vienna doesn’t feature a gym or spa—so leisure activities revolve around the city itself or relaxing on the casual rooftop terrace. Here, you’ll find an honor bar, stocked with drinks and snacks. It’s self-service, open 24/7, and incredibly convenient. I even grabbed a bottle of local Chardonnay for an impromptu evening with friends—one of those rare hotel features that’s genuinely useful. For fitness-minded guests, I highly recommend John Reed Schottentor, a 10-minute cab ride away. It’s stylish, rarely crowded, and includes a sauna and pool. Of course, the Altstadt team always has great recommendations for your daily sweat session, tailored to your preferences.
Now, although there’s no spa, the hotel makes up for it with a special daily ritual: a complimentary cake and tea hour from 2 to 4 p.m. in the hotel’s “Living Room.” On my first day, I was welcomed with a freshly baked carrot cake and a pot of Earl Grey. It was so charming that I made a point of being back at the same time the next day, eager to try a different flavor. It’s a moment of calm and comfort that gives Altstadt Vienna its own heartbeat—offering a rare sense of ritual in a hotel environment.
Beyond the physical comforts and aesthetic pleasures, Altstadt Vienna shines through its local knowledge and neighborhood ties. The hotel curates its own city guide with thoughtful tips—hidden bars, top-tier restaurants, indie galleries—all within walking distance. This insider perspective is invaluable, especially if, like me, you’ve visited Vienna countless times and want to discover something new.
All in all, Altstadt Vienna delivered exactly what I hoped it would: a fresh perspective on a city I already love, wrapped in a stylish, welcoming environment that prizes authenticity over opulence. While it may not offer the polished services of a five-star palace, it delivers something even rarer—character. You come here not just to sleep, but to be inspired, to feel at home, and to experience Vienna as if you were a local with an artful eye.
For your next visit to Austria’s capital, skip the red-carpet lobbies and chandeliers. Instead, let Altstadt Vienna be your sanctuary—where thoughtful design, local flavor, and genuine hospitality blend into an unforgettable stay.
