Hotel Furst Metternich

Hotel Fuerst Metternich is a grand hotel, full of traditional glamour in the public areas. Guests enter through a mahogany-paneled corridor and up a grand stone staircase framed by gold-detailed arches and vast marble pillars. Rooms and hallways are filled with antique furniture, and hung with intricate chandeliers, while the walls display prints by famous Austrian artists like Gustav Klimt. It's a beautiful, historic hotel that -- like many of the city's buildings -- has a museum-feel to it. It's a member of several historic hotel associations. The American Bar is a great hang-out and has a lively atmosphere with Sinatra-style music, and walls covered in photos of famous faces, mainly Hollywood stars. It's a busy hotel, popular with mature travelers and young couples looking for a traditional base on a budget. It's worth noting that although there are elevators inside the hotel, the main building is accessed by steps so won't suit travelers with limited mobility.  

Hotel Fuerst Metternich is in a good spot, especially for tourists looking to hit the shops. It's on a quiet side road, just a few minutes from Mariahilfer Strasse, one of the city's top shopping streets. Along with shops, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and supermarkets locally, and the city's aquarium is a five-minute walk. Nightlife and attractions in the Museum Quarter are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Guests who enjoy exploring on foot can reach the historic sights in the city center in around 30 minutes. Otherwise, Neubaugasse subway and tram stops are less than a five-minute walk away and connect into the center in a matter of minutes. It's a 10-minute walk to Pilgrimgasse subway for trains to attractions on the outskirts of the city center, like Schonbrunn Palace and Zoo, with a transit time of about 30 minutes door-to-door. Getting to the airport is pretty straightforward, too. Buses and trains connect Neubaugasse to Wien Mitte station for the direct airport train. The trip takes about 40 minutes all in, or it's about a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

Many rooms at the Hotel Fuerst Metternich are in need of some updating. They're nice and big, but the decor is stark and dated -- especially the dark red and black furniture. It might be worth opting for a street-side Superior Room if possible, which have a softer, more homey finish with bold wallpaper and chandeliers. All rooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel doesn't have air-conditioning, which is common in the older hotels in the city. Fans are provided in the hotter summer months. Bathrooms have a simple white finish, most with a shower only. Some superior rooms have shower/tub combos, and all have hairdryers and toiletries. Some rooms have nice views of the picturesque street. 

Features are limited at Hotel Fuerst Metternich. The hotel offers a daily continental buffet breakfast served in the American-style bar, Club Barfly's -- but guests complain prices are high for the simple spread. The bar itself has a good selection of whiskeys and cocktails, plus the hotel's own sparkling wine, and a nice buzz in the evenings. There's a guest computer in the lobby with internet connection, and space to relax in the sitting room. The front desk provide luggage storage, and staff will assist with local parking and taxis. Wi-Fi is free throughout.