The Guesthouse Vienna

Glittering palaces, opulent opera houses, spotless glass cases displaying the Austrian Crown Jewels — walking around Vienna, it feels like the whole city is gilded with delicate gold leaf. It’s a formal aesthetic that carries over to the city’s grand hotels, and a standard that makes The Guesthouse, a cool, pared-down hotel with 39 contemporary rooms and suites, stand out in contrast. As the name implies, the Guesthouse isn’t a traditional hotel: staying here is more like having the keys to a spacious designer apartment with a few extra services. There’s no swimming pool, in other words, but guest rooms feature separate living and sleeping areas, espresso machines, and complimentary bottles of wine — that’s bottles, plural.

The hotel is smartly located just where you’d want to be: on a tranquil square a few blocks away from the bustling Kärntner Strasse shopping promenade, within easy walking distance of the Vienna State Opera and the city’s museums and historic cafés. Step through the entryway, past the popular Brasserie & Bakery, and up to your room: with sleek hardwood floors, arty black and white photographs framed over an inviting modern sofa, an adorably cozy reading nook stocked with titles in English, and huge bay windows overlooking the Opera House or St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you might not want to leave. Especially after checking out the bathroom, filled with thoughtful touches like Lederhaas bath products and heated floors and towel racks. A deliciously homey atmosphere and high-end amenities and a walk-in closet with more than enough space to actually unpack your suitcase? Yes, please.