Hotel Snapshot
In Vienna’s up-and-coming Spittelberg neighborhood, Hotel Altstadt sits behind the doors of a grand 19th-century townhouse that’s as full of history as it is personality. Built in 1902, the building was reimagined in the 1990s by Viennese art collector Otto Wiesenthal, who wanted a place where art didn’t just hang on walls — it shaped the entire experience. The result is part gallery, part guesthouse, and entirely one of a kind.
There are 62 rooms and suites, and not a single one looks the same. Each was designed by a different creative — names like Matteo Thun, Atıl Kutoğlu, and Lena Hoschek — so guests might stay in something sleek and minimalist one visit, then bold and colorful the next. Original works by Andy Warhol and Brigitte Kowanz line the halls, giving the whole place the feel of a lived-in gallery. Fittingly, it’s tucked just behind the MuseumsQuartier, close enough to walk right into the heart of Vienna but far enough to still feel like a local secret.
Design & Character
Altstadt doesn’t feel like a typical hotel; rather, it feels like stepping into a lived-in apartment building that happens to be filled with great art, which is exactly what it is. The 19th-century bones are still intact, with high ceilings, parquet floors, and tall windows that flood each space with light. But the interiors bring that history to life with bright colors, contemporary artwork, and furniture that mixes styles and eras without ever feeling staged.
Each floor has its own character. One might be sleek and modern, another warm and eclectic, but they all share the same relaxed vibe. The hotel’s art collection ties it all together, with pieces by Andy Warhol, Brigitte Kowanz, and Gottfried Helnwein hanging alongside works by up-and-coming local artists.
The Rooms
The rooms at Hotel Altstadt Vienna are all about personality. There are 62 in total, and not a single one looks the same. Each was designed by a different creative (like architect Matteo Thun, fashion designer Atıl Kutoğlu, and local favorite Lena Hoschek) so every space has its own look and feel. Some are punchy and colorful, others sleek and pared back, but all share that unmistakable Viennese touch.
The Food & Drink
The dining scene here is relaxed and casual, but also delicious. Breakfast is the kind of meal that makes mornings worth getting up for. Served in the cozy, light-filled salon, it’s less buffet and more spread, with freshly baked breads, local cheeses, fruit, eggs made to order, and drinks including juices and Prosecco. The ingredients are organic and locally sourced wherever possible, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. If you’re around in the afternoon, don’t miss the hotel’s signature ritual: complimentary tea and homemade cake.
Later in the day, the vibe shifts to the Altstadt Bar & Salon, where guests can grab a coffee, sip an Austrian wine, or have a nightcap. There’s no formal restaurant, but the hotel makes that part easy. The staff is happy to suggest (and reserve) nearby favorites in Spittelberg and the MuseumsQuartier, where the city’s best cafés and wine bars are just a short walk away.
The Amenities
Altstadt keeps things simple, but everything it offers feels thoughtful. There are free bike rentals for exploring the city and a rooftop terrace open in warmer months with views over Vienna’s rooftops. The hotel may not have a spa or gym (yet), but its personality and connection to the neighborhood more than make up for it.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Right in Spittelberg, Vienna’s 7th District, this hotel is perfectly placed between local life and the city’s biggest cultural landmarks. The MuseumsQuartier, home to the Leopold Museum and MUMOK, is just around the corner, and the Ringstrasse is a 10-minute walk away.
The neighborhood itself is one of Vienna’s coolest, with cobblestoned streets, independent galleries, and cute boutiques, shops, bars, and cafés dotted around. Stop by Glacis Beisl for a long lunch in its hidden garden courtyard, then wander up Mariahilfer Strasse for shopping or through Spittelberg Gasse for boutiques and street art. For coffee, Café Sperl is a local institution, while Das Möbel Café pairs espresso with great design. In the evening, the area comes to life with restaurants and bars that feel more local than touristy. You’re right in the middle of it all, with Altstadt making Vienna feel like home.
Fast Facts
Address: Kirchengasse 41, 1070 Vienna, Austria
Vibe: Art-filled townhouse with classic Viennese charm and a creative edge,
Rating: 4-star
Starting Rate: Around €300 per night
Room Count: 62 rooms and suites
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: It feels like you’re in someone’s art-filled apartment.
Dining: Breakfast, afternoon tea and cake, Altstadt Bar & Salon for drinks and light bites
Amenities: Rooftop terrace, free bike rentals, concierge service, pet-friendly rooms
Nearby Attractions: MuseumsQuartier, Mariahilfer Strasse, Leopold Museum, Café Sperl, Spittelberg Gasse
Airport: Vienna International Airport
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