25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier

For many centuries, Vienna’s had a reputation as a creative center, and one entirely deserved. There is, however, some issue as to the volume of respect that’s paid to figures, styles and movements of the past. Which is why the mere existence of a hotel like 25hours is a welcome relief. Say what you will about Vienna’s hotels — many of them are quite extraordinary indeed — but few of them handle their aesthetic affairs with so light a touch.

The location, just west of the city center, places 25hours adjacent to the museum district and the Neubaugasse shopping quarter, in a spot that appeals perhaps more to Vienna’s hip young creative class than to opera-history obsessives. Not that there’s anything wrong with being an opera-history obsessive — but for the duration of your stay you’ll be steeped in post-modern whimsy rather than Romantic drama.

In fact there is a historical inspiration at work here: that of Vienna’s famous circuses. Which goes a long way towards explaining the riotous colors and the generally maximalist interiors. There’s a restaurant and a wellness center on the post-opening agenda, and already open is the Dachboden, a top-floor all-day lounge that doubles as a particularly convivial sort of open-plan workspace.