Alma Boutique-Hotel

Located on a quaint, cobblestone street, Alma Boutique-Hotel was opened in 2008 in an Art Nouveau-style hotel building that dates to 1913. This chic hotel may be tight on public spaces, but it leaves a sleek, artistic impression. The vibe is minimalist, emphasized by streamlined white furniture, bulb pendant lights hanging from the ceilings in the lobby and breakfast room, and gold carpeting throughout. It’s a striking design, yet it's subtle, with touches like quotes in golden san-serif font printed along the hallway walls. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, and draws mainly couples. 

Alma Boutique-Hotel is located in a touristy area in the center of the city, a mere two blocks away from the canal that divides Vienna's core, Innere Stadt, from Leopoldstadt, the neighborhood by the Danube. The surrounding streets in both neighborhoods are filled with restaurants and shops, and many of the city's star attractions are within walking distance. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a six-minute walk away, while Hofsburg Palace is a 14-minute walk from the hotel. The popular shopping street of Karntner Strasse is a 12-minute walk away. The closest tram stop is a four-minute walk away, and the nearest U-Bahn stop is about a two-minute walk. It's a 22-minute drive to Vienna International Airport. 

The Alma Boutique-Hotel's 26 rooms are smartly designed with a predominantly white-and-gold color scheme with black accents. Beds have glossy-black headboards with white linens and gold bed runners. Walls feature golden stencils of angels or fairies. Some rooms are more spacious than others, and to maximize space, wardrobes with cubby holes have been added. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. However, they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Two Suites offer views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Most of the bathrooms are covered in an overwhelmingly bright fire-engine red with showers or shower/tub combos, Naturals toiletries in wall dispensers, and hairdryers. The Deluxe Rooms differ in that they have more of an open-floor bathroom plan with polyplex whirlpools; their sinks face the main room. Toilets are separate and private, and the showers, also separate, have glass doors that look out into the room. The hotel caters to women travelers with a Ladies Choice package that includes specialized minibars, women-size slippers, yoga mats, and a stash of "emergency" feminine products like nail polish and tampons, among other small perks.

Like many boutique hotels, Alma Boutiqe-Hotel lacks the big amenities of mega-chain properties. It does serve a breakfast buffet, included in the rates, with pastries, cakes, fruit, cereals, sausage, cheese, yogurt, muesli, and juice. Coffee and tea is free all day in the lobby, while Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There’s a small rooftop terrace with a cozy couch and great views of the rooftops. The hotel provides discounted parking at a nearby garage.