The Place
True to form, owner Herr Wiesenthal continues to make improvements to this beautiful hotel. He spent 20 years travelling the world, so he knows what he likes and dislikes about hotels. His ever-growing collection of contemporary art is spread throughout the building – manager Alexandra jokes that they are running out of wall space.
Suites on the second floor are large by city standards; they can sleep up to four with comfort. Nine of the rooms were designed by architect Matteo Thun (all damask wallpaper and crystal chandeliers), and fashion designer Lena Hoscheck decorated one of the suites in retro chic. One suite has a free standing bath, another has a grand piano. A conscious effort is made to assign the right room to each guest.
The hotel occupies the upper stories of a wealthy burgher’s house, and buys up any vacated apartments in the building to create new rooms. The Alstadt is inNeubau, a well-preserved Baroque quarter of the city that is quiet and residential and just around the corner from the museum quarter. It’s just a ten-minute walk from the Ringstrasse and Mariahilferstrasse, which is Vienna’s longest shopping street.
A recent visitor found the atmosphere warm and comfortable, and the staff welcoming and helpful. Nothing seems to be too much trouble, whether it’s booking a limousine to the airport or concert tickets.