Having a ball in Vienna
stays in a stately hotel, located in a century-old building in the Austrian capital
The welcome
As my car pulls up to the Park Hyatt Vienna’s stately entrance – the building is 100 years old and was previously the Bank of Austria – the imposing facade impresses with its grandeur; it’s obvious from a block away. As I walk into the five-star lobby, the opulence and sense of elegance are communicated immediately by way of the luxurious carpets and floral displays – I can even glimpse the brilliant chandeliers in the restaurant off the lobby. I am a little early, but this poses no problem, and with the check-in swiftly taken care of, I am on my way to my room.
The neighbourhood
It doesn’t come much more central than this. The hotel sits on one of Vienna’s most historic inner-city squares, Am Hof, in one of the city’s most exclusive shopping districts, the Goldenes Quartier. It’s a short walk from some of Vienna’s famed sites, including St Stephan’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. The property is within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, museums and public transport. The metro is a five-minute walk down the road while the airport is a 20-minute drive away.
The room
I’m staying in a Park King room, which is spacious yet cosy. The bedroom feels a bit like an attic, as the natural light and furnishings give it warmth. It has a writing desk and seating area, and is separate from the bathroom, which has a bathtub, rain shower and dual basins. There’s a walk-in wardrobe in the entry way. I’m impressed by the decor, with its copper artworks and cream colour palette. The Mozart chocolate balls on the coffee table are a nice touch. I am disappointed by the lack of a good view from the room – all I can see is an average-looking courtyard – and much to my dismay I realise that if I leave the shutters open, people walking down the hallway can see into my room.
The service
I’m attended to promptly whenever I seek out a member of staff, and there’s a friendliness I appreciate, too. The food and beverage staff, along with the concierge team, are adequately knowledgeable and helpful throughout my two-night stay. I am slightly put out that at every meal I sit down to on my own at the hotel, I have a newspaper or magazine thrust my way, because as I know from frequently travelling solo, it’s no longer awkward dining on your own.
The scene
The hotel is busy during my stay, and has a mix of leisure and business travellers, as well as many local Viennese who seem to come here mostly for the hotel’s brasserie, The Bank – named in honour of the history of the building. The Am Hof Square is pleasantly active day and night, which flows on through the hotel’s various lounge and dining areas.
The food
The Bank acts as the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Breakfast is served from 6.30am, and consists of a full buffet €35 (Dh135) with choices ranging from fruits to cereals and a wide variety of breads and pastries, to omelettes, eggs Florentine and a Viennese breakfast wiener selection. For dinner I’d recommend starting with the French onion soup €7 (Dh27), followed by the braised lamb shank, which is served on a bed of polenta with jus and peppers as accompaniments €28 (Dh108). And don’t leave without sampling the vanilla creme brûlée €10 (Dh38). There is also Café Am lounge and a cigar lounge.
Loved
The 15-metre pool, which is in the former bank vault.
Hated
That other guests can get a glimpse of me in my room, and that the Arany Spa is fully booked during my stay.
The verdict
A piece of history in the heart of Vienna; a great spot for anyone wanting to explore this historic city on foot.
The bottom line
Park King rooms at Park Hyatt Vienna (www.vienna.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html) cost from €546 (Dh2,117) per night including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi.