10 June, 2016
"Been to one, been to none" is the motto of the lively 25hours Hotel chain (also part of Design Hotels). In fact the only bit that's remotely 'chain' about the 25hours hotels group is their consistency in service and product.
The hotels pride themselves on being part of local ecosystems and 25hours Hotel Vienna is no exception. Located in the seventh district, its decor is inspired by the circus - an important part of Vienna's heritage. While the hotel is no great beauty from the outside, once inside you'll fall instantly in love with how much fun it is. The lobby is a good representation of the rest of the hotel - industrial-chic interiors are punctuated by bright primary colours, swinging chairs, a kiosk selling useful and entirely useless (but amazing) souvenirs and a photo booth.
Very decently priced and popular with locals and tourists alike, the 25hours Hotel Museumsquartier is a fantastic base for young travellers.
The average rooms are well-sized but beware of sharing with people who you don't know very well because cupboard space can be limited and the bathroom is pretty open. There are bigger suites as well which come with a kitchenette. Each bedroom has a unique circus-themed illustration behind the bed and comes with some amusing accessories, like condoms or a door sign that has 25 different options for keep out or come in.
Taking place at the groundfloor restaurant 1500 Foodmakers, breakfast at 25hours hotel Museumsquartier is a serious affair. They offer a big continental and cooked spread featuring lots of yoghurt, fruit, cereal and eggs - you will not go hungry. Don't be surprised to see your neighbours eating french fries and drinking prosecco.
1500 Foodmakers is very popular with locals as well as guests, so make sure you book in advance if you can. It has the feel of a Californian eatery but serves healthy portions of decent Italian food: pizza, pasta and salads. When it's warmer, they open up windows to Weghuberpark and an extra 80 diners can sit outside. Don't bring your parents, the music can be quite loud.
Yes and it is fantastic! Dachboden on the rooftop is a regular spot for quite beautiful locals creatives clad in Acne and APC. In fact, it's so popular that they are expanding it inside and out.
While the hotel's amenities may not be extensive, they are perfect for a short stay. They have parking under the hotel and free bike rental as well as two Minis to rent free of charge. The basement is home to the Mermaid's Cave - a chill-out area with a sauna and steam room which is (slightly oddly) in the same room as the gym.
The hotel is very reasonably priced and you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. It's one of the best options for young people visiting the city.
Next to the hotel you'll find the MuseumsQuartier. It is the eighth largest cultural area in the world and houses plenty of restaurants such as the Glacies Beisel, as well as a plethora of bars and of museums. Be sure to check out the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art), the Leopold Museum (contains the world's largest Egon Schiele Collection) and Kunsthalle Wien (an exhibition hall for contemporary art). Keep strolling and you're at the beginning of Vienna's longest and most important shopping street, Mariahilferstrasse. Rooms from £82 per night.
