On the Ringstrasse in Vienna's First District, the city's tourist heart
Walkable to tourist sites like the Vienna State Opera and Hofburg Palace
Gorgeous rooms with chic, contemporary decor
In-room features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars
Rooftop pool with city view -- a rarity in Vienna
Three Viennese restaurants include a members-only salon
Modern fitness center has cardio equipment and free weights
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Open-plan bathrooms create privacy issues
Breakfast not included in rates
No coffee- and tea-making facilities
No room service
The 188-room four-pearl Grand Ferdinand is a refreshingly modern option at the edge of Vienna’s bustling First District. Highlights at this chic four-pearl property include a rooftop pool (a rarity in Vienna) with views over the city and three Viennese restaurants -- one of which is an exclusive members-only salon. Contemporary rooms have some of the chicest decor we’ve seen in the city, though are on the small side and have open-plan bathrooms that make them best-suited for couples. In-room amenities include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, but there are no coffee-and tea-making facilities. There’s plenty of quality competition in the area, but the style will be a bit stuffier. For a traditionally elegant stay travelers could consider the landmark Grand Hotel Wien, though it’s not as stylish and rates are higher.
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Scene
Contemporary and cool, with traditional Viennese touches
Refurbished in 2015, the Grand Ferdinand offers refreshingly modern decor in the sea of traditional -- and often stuffy -- hotels that fill the city's First District. That’s not to say the hotel doesn’t appreciate the tradition and history of its Ringstrasse location; classic details are just implemented in a subtle and contemporary way. Lobmeyr chandeliers adorn the ceilings of the hotel's light and elegant public spaces; rooms have a chic blue-gray palette with fashionable fixtures; and the cuisine is traditional Viennese with a modern twist. Adding to the exclusive atmosphere, the Grand Etage on the rooftop has echoes of a Viennese private salon and is for hotel guests and members only. There are a couple of instances of style over substance; rooms lack basic coffee- and tea-making facilities yet some have Champagne bars, and -- bizarrely for a hotel of this standard -- there’s no room service. This is a hotel aimed at couples, particularly due to the open-plan bathrooms in the guest rooms. For its location and quality, the Grand Ferdinand is a good value versus the top-end landmark hotels in the area.
Location
On the architecturally-splendid Ringstrasse in the heart of Vienna, at the edge of the First District
The Grand Ferdinand has a prized location on Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse, which is lined with grand late 19th-century buildings and some of city’s best-known sights. This entire part of town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and marks the edge of the tourist-friendly First District. The hotel sits on Schubertring, close Ringstrassen Galerien's upscale shopping (a three-minute walk away) and Stadtpark Vienna. In fact, from here travelers can walk to many of the city's attractions. It's a five-minute walk to the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein, and 10 minutes to the Albertina Museum, Secession Building, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Kohlmarkt Street, with luxe brands such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, is a 15-minute walk away, as is the Hofburg Palace. The Schonbrunn Palace can be reached in a 13-minute drive or 25-minute train ride. U-Bahn stations at Karlsplatz and Stadtpark, both a five-minute walk from the hotel, make for easy access to other parts of the city. Expect a 20- to 30-minute drive to Vienna International Airport.
Rooms
Tasteful and elegant rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, though bathrooms are less than private
Rooms at The Grand Ferdinand are some of the most attractive we’ve seen in Vienna. They're clean-lined and contemporary, with a blue-gray and white color scheme, wooden floors, and fashionable details like strap mirrors and pendant lights. Some rooms have exposed joists and parquet flooring. Each room features a king-size bed and lounge chair, and includes amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and minibar. The lack of coffee-and tea-making facilities or room service is disappointing. Bathrooms are largely open-plan -- particularly in the Standard Rooms -- with marbles ink sand a metro-tiled rainfall showers in the bedroom area, plus separate monochrome toilet cubicles. Standard Rooms start at 215 square feet (20 square meters), while Comfort Rooms are 270 square feet (25 square meters) and add Champagne bars. Suites feature living areas, swivel TVs, second wall-mounted TVs, and claw-foot bathtubs. They also have a double-length balcony. For excellent value, the hotel also has eight-person dorm rooms with bunk beds, which are done out in a glossy mahogany with vibes of "The Orient Express."
Features
A rooftop pool that's a rarity in Vienna, plus three restaurants serving traditional-with-a-twist dishes
The Grand Ferdinand has something rare for Vienna; a small rooftop pool that features impressive views over the Ringstrasse. The pool is surrounded by a garden terrace with wicker chairs and loungers. In the summer, the area is open late, making it a great spot for post-swim drinks looking out over the lit-up rooftops. The hotel has three traditional Viennese restaurants. Meissl & Schadn specializes in schnitzels, while the street-level Gulasch & Champagne is a cozy spot for coffees and lighter bites. On the rooftop, Grand Etage is in the style of a modern Viennese private salon and offers an exclusive atmosphere for hotel guests and members only. Breakfast costs extra, and there’s no room service. A modern gym includes cardio equipment and free weights, but there's no spa. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Valet and self-parking come at a fee.
