Magnificent example of Habsburg-era architecture
Overlooks bucolic Rudolfspark in a quiet and residential neighborhood
A 10-minute walk to St. Stephen's Cathedral
Classic rooms with free bottled water, flat-screen TVs, and minibars
Buffet breakfast with plentiful yogurts, granolas, and scrambled eggs (for a fee)
Small bar for drinks and limited food menu
Free tablets with tourist info and access to digital newspapers
Free Wi-Fi throughout
A small conference room is available
Nearby private parking (for a fee)
Bland room decor and small bathrooms
Breakfast costs extra
No on-site restaurant
This three-pearl hotel is set in a residential area overlooking Rudolfspark, north of Vienna's First District. The hotel was built in 1890 and its imperial, Hapsburg-era facade is marvelously intact, though interiors are more modern and combine clean lines and warm colors. Sixty-six rooms feature classic, but bland, decor and minibars. Typical for an urban hotel, there's no pool or parking, but there are some nice amenities including free use of tablets that are loaded with tourist-friendly apps, a small bar, and an ample buffet breakfast that offers gluten-free options (for a fee). It's within walking distance to St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the train station is seven minutes away on foot. Guests wanting to be closer to Vienna's center should check out Hotel Das Tigra, which also serves free breakfast.
Scene
Historic architecture paired with contemporary style
Like much of imperial Vienna, the K+K Palais Hotel building was originally owned by an emperor (though it was mostly a home for his mistress). Much of that history remains -- at least from the outside. The entry combines the beautifully preserved facade with a clean-lined fenestration pattern. In the reception area, creamy marble floors join the lobby, small bar, and seating areas, each of which features blond woods and classic furnishings with jewel-toned fabrics. Pendant lamps hang over the reception desk. The dining area is separate, and closed off after breakfast is served, though the bar does have a small menu. Most of the guests here are couples on vacation who spend little time in the hotel after the morning meal, and it's mostly a clean and quiet place to sleep at night.
Location
Located in the First District, in a residential area that's close to restaurants and attractions
The immediate area surrounding the hotel is residential, but cafes, shops, and attractions are nearby. It's a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen's Cathedral, a 10-minute walk to the Imperial Palace, and a 16-minute walk to the Albertina Museum. The MAK Museum of Applied Arts is also 16 minutes away on foot, and there are several art galleries in the area as well. For guests who wish to travel outside the First District, there are two U-Bahn stops seven minutes away on foot, either east or west of the hotel. The Vienna International Airport is just 23 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Bland rooms lack a wow factor but have minibars and heated bathroom floors
Rooms at the K+K Palais Hotel are mostly spacious and they differ little in terms of underwhelming decor. The overall look is drab, with a brown and maroon color palette and small prints hung on the walls. Beds come in twin, double, king sizes, and triple configurations are available. Extras like minibars, flat-screen TVs, free bottled water, kettles, and high quality furniture all make for welcome touches. Upgraded rooms provide more space and park views. Small bathrooms feature vessel sinks and heated floors. Most bathrooms have simple showers, but more expensive rooms come with shower/tub combos. Toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided.
Features
Buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi, plus helpful tourist-friendly tablets to borrow
Features here are limited, though on par with Vienna's three-pearl options. The highlight is the breakfast buffet, which includes scrambled eggs, cold meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, gluten-free options, and coffee. The meal isn't included in room rates, though it can be purchased when reserving the room. There's also a small bar with a limited menu. Though the hotel draws mostly couples, there's a small business center and conference room. Wi-Fi is fast and free, and guests can borrow a tablet with tourist-friendly apps. There's also nearby parking, for a fee, as well as bicycle rentals. The hotel offers babysitting services and pets may stay for an additional fee.