BTilke

Trying to finalize hotel for upcoming (late Feb.) Vienna trip. At the moment, I am debating between Le Meridien, the Ambassador and the Grand (formerly ANA Grand). I have stayed at the Grand before and enjoyed it but it's the most expensive of the three. The Ambassador is slightly more expensive than Le Meridien (175 euros v. 150 euros) but has a better location (a location that's hard to beat!). Le Meridien has a fitness center, though. I could go cheaper and stay at the Sofitel, where I stayed last year, but while the hotel room was fine and the staff were very helpful, I'm not crazy about its location.
Any feedback from Fodorites who have stayed at either Le Meridien or the Ambassador? I have already looked at TripAdvisor.
Please don't suggest the KVU. It's a lovely hotel, but not my type. And I need a hotel with a business center because I may have to do some work while I'm there (a vacation before a conference in early March). The Marriott is a possibility, although I'm not crazy about that green green green lobby.
Thanbks!

shirleyvonhaven

Hilton Vienna is either new or totally
re-done.
Good location. good food, all the
American amenities which I happen to
like,,,Expensive, but worth it.
Great jazz downstairs.
Walk to everything.

molker

While I have not personally stayed at LeMeridien( I live in Vienna) several associates have. Their comments were most positive.
LeMeridien has a good location with parking just beneath it if that is a consideration.Nearby to the Opera.
Hotel boasts a good restaurant,( perhaps not as good as Morwald at the Ambassador), wellness center and pool and more services than the Ambassador.
They seem to more attuned to the needs of the business traveler.
The only negative comment was about the modern decor as some want the " Empire" feeling.
As for the Marriott- still the same thing with some updated decor. To me, many better hotels at equal or better prices.

LeMeridien has had " Business Specials " including breakfast, free local calling and business services at
an attractive discount.
I do not know if this was just an offer when hotel was new. Ask about it.

molker

Re Hilton- it has reopened after a long period of renovation. Yes, all new, but other hotels have better locations and
lower prices. Even the Jazz Club is overpriced compared to others in the city.
I can only comment - typical Hilton.

BTilke

Thanks, Molker. I will probably go with the Meridien. I actually like that modern decor. It reminds me of the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, where I stayed (very happily!) in November. I don't care for the Hilton's location and have yet to stay at a Hilton that I really liked, so it's not on my list. I've got fingers crossed that I'll also be staying at Le Meridien during the business portion of my trip (I think the company requested it, but rooms are assigned by the convention service, so who knows)--won't have to unpack and repack.
I do like Morwald's and will try to work in a meal there on this trip (along with Meinl am Graben, Steierereck--I want to try the new location--zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer, and a few others).

molker

Message BTilke. Good choice at LeMeridien

You may want to try the restaurant at Palais Coburg. The former chef at Meinl
moved there when it opened. Expensive -but good

tedgale

I stayed at the Meridien for 3 nights in late January 2004.

We had a good weekend rate on an executive class room, which was all I could have hoped for. Very spacious, well appointed room looking over a square beside/ behind the Ring. The bathrooms are legendary for chic and luxury.

The location could not be improved upon, IMO. Across the street is my favourite restaurant, the large and lively Palmenhaus, housed in the former royal Palm House -- good value and thoroughly cosmpolitan in decor, cuisine and clientele.

I looked into but did not use the health club -- predictably pristine yet little-used from what I could see.

Definitely recommended.

BTilke

I saw on the Expedia.co.uk web site that I can get it for 4 nights at £104 pounds a night with the 5th night free (deluxe room with the free minibar bit), bringing the price down to about £83 a night--that makes it definitely cheaper than the Ambassador and the Grand. Have to prepay for that rate; guess I'll just cross my fingers that I continue staying there for the business part of the trip (when somebody else will be picking up the tab). Thanks for the feedback.

sfowler

The Marriott is just another faceless hotel chain. I'm a fan of the SAS Radisson Palais. Nice ambience, super staff and modern amenities.

molker

Message BTilke:

If you arrive before february 27th and like art- look to the Reubens Exhibits.

Three museums have combined to show more than 100 works by the painter. A combination ticket is available.
One participant is the Liechtenstein Museum( 9th District -easy to reach by the " D" strassenbahn ) one of the best private art colections in the world housed in a recently renovated Palace.

BTilke

Will the show still be going on the 27th or is the 26th the last day?
Funny that you mention the Liechtenstein museum. I learned about it recently and it's at the top of my must-see list this the year. Also the folk arts museums, and a few other spots I haven't yet had time to visit. I suppose I will revist the Kunsthistoriche museum and possibly the Belvedere. If Elisabeth is playing, I may go see that again.
Will check out the Radisson as well although so far the Meridien looks like the best bet. Have you tried Steirereck at the new location? Has anything opened up in A Tavola's space next to the Kaiserin Elisabeth? It was closed on my last trip.
Tedgale, we hosted a dinner party at the Palmenhaus last year and had a good time. It was on a Saturday night, so we got to watch all the date night action there.

molker

Message BTilke:

Re Liechtenstein- to my knowledge the Reubens closes at the end of the day on February 27
Check
www.liechtensteinmuseum.at for more information

Elisabeth is still playing at least until April 2005 Daily except Wednesdays

Steirereck was still renovating the building in the park the last time I checked. The renovations did not start when they had planned and seem to be more extensive than they wished. I guess good things take time!
Perhaps if my friend Viennese , the restaurant "Guru",is out there somewhere, more information can be found

Enjoy your days in Vienna

viennese

Did I hear anybody call my name ?

Regarding hotels Molker gave the best advice. He is as reliable as always! (And as gentle as always...)

Steirereck is said to open its new location in the Stadtpark on January 24. There will be a "light" cuisine from 11:30 am - 4 pm. The Steirereck restaurant will be open Monday to Friday from 7 pm. A new part called "ess.bar" (composed of the words "essbar = eatable" and "bar&quot will be open from 5 pm. And there will be the "Meierei" from 2 pm till midnight - Meierei is the name of the original building where milk and dairy products were sold. A lot of choices for every taste and purse!

Steirereck phone numbers: +43/1/713 31 68, +43/1/718 00 80

molker

Message: Viennese-

As informed as ever!

Happy to see that we all survived the New Years festivities!

Graf , finally back to his normal habits after all the fireworks!

BTilke

Thanks to all of of you. I will have a total of 11 days in Vienna and only 4 of those will be fully dedicated to work, so I have plenty of free time. And even the work portion of the trip includes some pluses like a party at the Sacher (perhaps it's moved due to the renovation work this year), a Vienna Boys Choir performance, a concert at Musikverein, etc., so Vienna has become one of my absolute favorite work/leisure destinations.
I'm hoping for snow like there was during last year's winter trip.
Will add Palais Coburg to my restaurant list. Thanks again.

molker

Message: BTilke - regarding new Steiereck- a recent news article reports that new restaurant is fully booked until April ?
If you are looking to dine there call to see if any availability exists

BTilke

Thanks, will ask the hotel concierge to see if they can squeeze me in. I'll try for lunch instead of dinner, it might be easier. The first time we ate at the old location, we were able to book a lunch table one day in advance. I can imagine though that everyone wants to try the new location.
Thanks again for the heads up.

molker

For BTilke - check this hotel when you visit Vienna

A new hotel just opened at a unique location- Herrengasse 12- just across the street from Cafe Central.
This is a perfect location for those touring.
The Hofburg, Burg Theater, City Hall, Spanish Riding School, St Stephens, Museums,Opera are all within a short walk.
The Graben and Kohlmarkt shopping is also nearby.
contemporary design.
The U-3 U-bahn and bus lines 2A and §A are at the Door.
The hotel has 78 air conditioned designer rooms, , bar , restaurant and fitness center.
Double room 140 euros with breakfast

BTilke

Yes, I'll look it up, thanks, but what is the hotel's name? I will pass it on to a friend of mine. He's coming to Vienna for the same conference I'm attending. The travel coordinator at his office is jealous that he's going to Europe and spitefully stuck him in an out of the way cheap hotel. Most of the central hotels are now booked up for the conference period, so he's finding it hard to change.

molker

Sorry!

Hotel name- Style Hotel Vienna

Tel: 43 (0) 1 22 7800
Fax: 43 (0) 1 22 78077

website( still under construction)
www.stylehotel.at