Der Dachboden rooftop terrace. All images courtesy 25hours Hotels.
The Vibe: The modernity of this boutique hotel located in Vienna’s 7th district MuseumsQuartier provides a nice contrast against the array of nearby Baroque-style architecture. Its clean-lined, commanding presence on the corner of Lerchenfelder Straße and Museumstraße is welcoming with its slogan “come as you are” as a salutation above the front entrance, reinforcing its acceptance of anyone with a sense of curiosity and adventure.
From the old-school photo booth to the vintage Airstream burger bar, every inch of real estate is Instagram-worthy and you’ll definitely catch yourself reaching for your camera on more than one occasion. This place is playful and they aren’t shy about it. Not only is the hotel brilliantly designed, but the team behind the brand is funny as hell pushing the envelope with details like Do Not Disturb door hangers proclaiming “Still Naked” or “Please place aspirin in front of the door, and leave” and a restaurant tag line urging people to “F&$# It. Eat Pizza” (now that’s a motto we can get behind!).
The young crowd eats up the informal, eccentric vibe and is popular among the locals, attracting film shoots, launch events and hip tastemakers.
Hotel exterior overlooking Weghuberpark.
The Facts: This 217-room hotel is a stone’s throw away from Vienna’s cultural hub of museums and galleries. It opened its doors in 2010 and is perfectly situated for culture-seekers wanting to museum hop and walking distance to all of Vienna’s major landmarks from the Hofburg to the Opera House. Public transport stops and lines are plentiful and the network easy to navigate.
The rooms and suites are unique and eclectic and pay homage to the tradition-steeped institution that is the circus. From the lush velvet curtains, to the stacks of vintage suitcases and crocheted lampshades, the rooms have wow factor and are fun departure from some of the sterile, cookie-cutter rooms we may be accustomed to.
With a name like the “Mermaid’s Cave,” you can’t help but pay a visit to the spa. Spanning 2691 square-feet, the spa boasts a sauna, steam bath, fitness centre and lounge with hanging rocking chairs set against a backdrop of unique artwork by Berlin illustrator Olaf Hajek.
1500 Foodmakers patio.
While indulging in traditional Viennese fare is a must, the 1500 Foodmakers Restaurant serves up some killer Italian cuisine. In the morning it transforms into an incredible breakfast buffet with something to satisfy all palettes and preferences (bonus points for the bottles of local kombucha!). The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar with sprawling terrace and the best views of Vienna, and a summer “burger garden” with refreshments served from an Airstream trailer.
XL-Room with private terrace.
The Experience: The 25hours is more than just a hotel, it’s a social hub, a community and a work of modern art. Every corner of the hotel is a feast for the senses. My room was cozy, the bed was comfy and I felt at home overlooking Vienna off my sprawling terrace. The showstopper was the outdoor bathtub, which while appearing oddly placed was pretty darn cool.
As a fan of those who take steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and being more green, we appreciated the natural, organic amenities from Stop the Water While Using Me!, an innovative brand committed to encouraging people to save water.
What was particularly noteworthy is the hotel’s attention to the details; from the FREITAG rucksack sitting by the front door to use throughout the duration of your stay, to the yoga mat neatly rolled up on the shelf. They really have thought of everything and go to great lengths to cater to various lifestyles. The “jogging corner” fuel station in the lobby stocked with fresh fruit, grab & go snacks and canteens of lemon and cucumber water was a nice touch. The lobby kiosk (open 24hrs!) chock full of local goodies and wares came in handy as a place to pick up some cool souvenirs to take home.
Stop the Water While Using Me bathroom amenities.
The free multi-device Wi-Fi throughout the hotel made mapping out my sightseeing routes and sending snaps of my cool digs to family back home a breeze while chilling to some tunes on the iHome sound dock.
All of my meals at 1500 Foodmakers were homeruns and the staff made the experiences memorable. Sit at the bar! It’s the best seat in the house for some fun chatter and food pairing suggestions from the wait staff. We relished in the European way of taking time to enjoy your meal as an experience. There’s no rush to get your check and this is a place you’ll want to take your time in.
If a trip to Vienna is in your future, allow this to save you hours surfing the net for hotels and scrolling through TripAdvisor reviews. The 25hours Hotel is a sure thing.
1500 Foodmakers interior
Good To Know: The hotel offers free MINI rentals and bike rentals, so if you’re looking for a fun, stylish way to see the city this is the way to go. While cabs are readily available, certain credit cards can be problematic. As a bonus, the hotel offers airport transfers for a flat rate that can be added to your bill, eliminating the headache of fumbling with cash or worrying about credit cards.
Room to Book: Without a doubt go for the XL Room, with a panoramic view of Weghuberpark and the claw-foot soaker tub on a private terrace. Who wouldn’t want to chill in the tub with a glass of bubbly taking in the beauty of Vienna at night?
Price: $$
Where to Find:
25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier
Lerchenfelder Straße 1-3
1070 Vienna
+43 15 21 51 0
25hours-hotels.com
*All photos courtesy Stephan Lemke for 25hours Hotels, stephanlemke.com.
