Set in an Old Government Building, This New Hotel Is One of Europe’s Coolest Stays

Arriving at my hotel is always one of my favorite parts of any trip for two reasons: Both I’ve made it, and I love a dramatic lobby welcome moment (Rosewood Washington D.C.’s darling library and Cliff House’s namesake craggy views overlooking the Atlantic in Cape Neddick, Maine, both immediately spring to mind).

But when I stepped into The Hoxton, Vienna in spring in Vienna, Austria, not only did I feel welcome, but as if I was teleported to another era. The double-height lobby is flooded with natural light and surrounded by original travertine-clad walls and terrazzo flooring. Outfitted with ruby red sofas, statement 1950s-inspired armchairs, lush greenery, and mid-century modern lighting, I felt I could very well be in the former home of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

I was, since this 1950s modernist building was the one-time headquarters of the country’s economic engine. Before checking in, I couldn’t stop myself from schlepping my bags up the glitzy back-lit staircase to the rear of the lobby so I could imagine myself reporting to work in this grand old office.

Once I checked in and settled in my “Cosy Neighbourhood” room, I wandered downstairs to grab a matcha latte before a leisurely amble around the Landstrasse neighborhood. Over my drink, I was intrigued to learn more about all the impressive art I spied around the property. Sterling Art curated artwork throughout the public spaces (and guestrooms), taking different sources of inspiration for various areas. Personally, I was obsessed with a giant abstract botanical piece by Austrian artist Rini Spiel in the lobby, as well as an oil painting of the Konzerthaus facade by local artist Rudolf Fitz. (On that swanky staircase I referenced above, The Hox Gallery — a dedicated space to showcase local emerging talent, gracing the walls of the grand central staircase — will soon open with local contemporary artist Ju Schnee, who pays homage to AI and augmented reality in the unexpected medium of oil paintings.)

While Austria’s capital city kept me busy with museums, parks, and more than a few of the country’s signature coffee houses for the five days I was in town, I fell in love with the property’s matcha latte and espresso, so I started each of my morning’s here. (If nursing a cuppa in the morning, I recommend chasing your go-to beverage with Viennoiseries, a croissant, or pain au chocolat from the hotel’s breakfast menu). Shout out to the hot tip from Imran Shaik, the hotel’s admin manager, who sent me on my way to Asian gourmet superstore The O.M.K. on Hoher Markt, the “big sister” of the flagship store on Praterstrasse for sushi, donburi, and more matcha for lunch — when I finally peeled myself away from that stellar lobby bar, caffeinated and content, that is.

Here, my review of The Hoxton, Vienna.

The Rooms

I stayed in the “Cosy Neighbourhood” room, designed for two adults, even though I was traveling solo for the hotel’s opening festivities. To combat jet lag, I hopped immediately into the luxe rainfall shower for some cold water to jolt me awake. After I got out, I appreciated the room’s open wardrobe, so my clothing was organized for my stay. Despite my best efforts, a cat nap ensued on the ridiculously comfy queen-sized bed. When I awoke, one look out the floor-to-ceiling windows to the inviting streets of the Stadtpark district had me ready to get out there and hit the town.

In total, the hotel has 196 rooms; categories run the gamut from “Shoebox” (very snug; designed for one adult) to “Roomy,” which accommodates two adults with a king-size bed (or two single beds, if preferred) and a seating area. Design-wise, think geometric rugs, warm wood, a neutral color palette with unexpected pops of color, say, on the curtains or in the form of a green tile backsplash. All rooms are dog-friendly. And more bonus points for blackout blinds for sweet slumber, though I still always travel with my Manta Sleep eye mask, anyway, out of habit (when you know, you know).

Food and Drink

The food-and-drink department at Hoxton Vienna comprises a lobby and coffee bar, the Bouvier restaurant with a terrace, the poolside rooftop bar Cayo Coco, and a basement speakeasy bar called Salon Paradise.

Cayo Coco on the roof is where you want to be in warm weather. While they don’t have a full menu, the venue pays homage to Cuba through various snacks, Cuban cocktails (and wine and beer), and a tropical energy thanks to the pool above.

For something reminiscent of Vienna’s homegrown bar culture, head to Salon Paradise, which is all about that exclusive underground club aura, complete with live music performances and a lineup of new-wave jazz artists.

To round out the mix, there’s Bouvier, a European bistro where Chef Dieter Stamminger selects top-notch locally sourced products from Joseph Brot, Windisch Wurst, and Domäne Wachter. The menu changes with the seasons, but on my recent trip, I couldn’t get enough of the “Nicoise” panzanella with Cantabrian anchovy, tomato, boiled egg, green beans, red onions, and leek vinaigrette, a delightful medley that combined spring’s requisite onion with charred baby artichoke, shallots, and toasted bread.

Activities and Experiences

The rooftop pool and bar are the crown jewels in terms of experiences here. There’s also a gym location through a partnership with Penthouse Sports, a Vello bike partnership, and on-site art at Hox Gallery. In town for business? Hoxton Vienna has two event spaces: the Auditorium and The Apartment, the latter of which can be used for meetings and the former designed for larger groups.

Accessibility and Sustainability

While ADA compliance in Austria does not follow the same standards as in the U.S., The Hoxton, Vienna, hotel building is ADA-compliant in terms of wheelchair accessibility, with accessible entrances, bathrooms, and dedicated accessible rooms. Given that the hotel is housed in a historical building, room size, and maneuvering space might not meet ADA standards, so if you have any questions, call to inquire in advance of your booking.

The Hoxton, Vienna, is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint. To that end, it makes guests aware of environmental practices and policies such as changing linens, washing towels, etc. Currently, The Hoxton hotel brand has commitments to replace all single-use plastics from its hotel rooms by 2024, has monthly carbon emissions monitoring in place, obtain Green Key sustainability status for all hotels by 2026, and has signed up to work with Klimato to reduce food waste, and more “good actions.”

Location

Hoxton Vienna hits all my major requisites when it comes to a hotel’s locale: It’s near a lovely park, within a half-hour or less walk to museums and other major attractions, and is situated in a neighborhood that beckons you to spend an afternoon (or two) to ditch scheduled programming and wander. It took me under 10 minutes (including the elevator ride) to meander to the ornately landscaped Stadtpark. There, I set up shop reading The Interpretation of Dreams by nearly-native son Sigmund Freud (when in Rome) on a bench by the pond. At Stadtpark, you’ll gape at the world-renowned Johann Strauss II monument. And on the way back to the hotel, carve out an hour or two to scope out boutiques and hidden café bars. Given Vienna’s extensive (and dog-friendly!) public transportation network, you likely won’t need to rent a car for your time here. Learn more about Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, wiener schnitzel, and celebrated Christmas markets in Travel + Leisure’s city guide.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Hoxton, Vienna is part of the “Dis-loyalty” Ennismore Hotels membership program gives guests bigger discounts for going to a new property.  Starting at $18 per month, guests get 50 percent off every newly-opened property, 20 percent off their first stay at the 90-plus hotels in Ennismore’s portfolio, 10 percent off food and drinks at any of the hotel’s more than 175 venues, a daily free barista-made drink on-property, and more.