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Hidden away on a Vienna sidestreet in a primarily residential neighbourhood is the lovely Hotel Altstadt, a gem of a small hotel where the art of hospitality takes on various shapes and colours. Vienna is home to several famous palace hotels. Still, for travellers who prefer more intimate establishments with a personal touch without sacrificing high style, Altstadt rolls out the red carpet, literally, up the impressive staircase that serves as the entrance to this home away from home.

Hotel Altstadt Library Suite.

Ideally located a short stroll from the beautiful Museums Quartier complex, the Natural History Museum, and the Imperial Palace beyond, Hotel Altstadt provides a convenient base for exploring the many famous attractions of Vienna while also allowing guests insight into the city’s less touristy existence. Within the hotel, the public spaces and the various rooms and suites are decorated with whimsical works of modern art that imbue the building with fun and relaxation. The ultra-friendly staff add more enjoyment to the Altstadt experience; the unusual Reception area and its indoor metal entrance arch are harbingers of the originality in this hotel founded by art collector Otto Wiesenthal.

Vienna is, of course, home to many beautiful museums; staying in one of Altstadt’s rooms is like staying in the museum of modern art in keeping with the contemporary sophistication that defines Vienna in the 21st century. Complementing the city’s historical architecture perpetuates Vienna’s tradition of encouraging the avant-garde. The Museumsquartier complex often presents exhibitions that would raise eyebrows in more parochial cities, and a general sense of live and let live imparts a feeling of well-being among the Viennese, who know full well why their city is often ranked number one in the world for quality of life.

Hotel Altstadt bedroom.

Vienna’s many indoor attractions and cosy cafés are great for visits in the northern winter. The famous Conditorei Sluka, one of Vienna’s most celebrated cafés, has operated its original location behind the Gothic-style City Hall (Rathausplatz) since 1891. While the larger Sluka on the pedestrianised Kartnerstrasse is much more crowded, this more intimate location is appreciated by Altstadt guests, who are glad to know of its existence close to the hotel. The cherry strudel has to be tasted to be believed.

Hotel Altstadt recently unveiled a rooftop deck, in full glory in sunny weather, as a place to relax with a glass of wine and a good book or enjoy the sunshine in a quiet atmosphere. This addition to the hotel came as part of its most recent renovation and acquisition of an adjacent building that expanded the property to 62 rooms and suites, all different in sizes and styles that range from the classic Viennese ambience of the Otto Suite to the designer suites of Matteo Thun, with an eclectic mix of interiors in between; the Library Suite, for example, put the former fire exit stairs to ingenious use. There is no rush to leave the building in the morning, though, when the expansive breakfast area sees a wide array of foods catering to various dietary needs and preferences to start the morning right. No matter the time of day, no one should ever leave Hotel Altstadt in a rush; indeed, it is with regret that I have to leave at all.