Radisson Blu Style: The Vienna Hotel No One Has Heard Of
Any reservations I might have had about booking a stay at the Radisson Blu Style hotel in Vienna did not include its obscurity. When asked where we were staying after our first night at the Hotel Bristol, my reply usually brought blank stares or a “didn’t that go out of business?” (Apparently the Radisson Blu Palais did.)
But after our cab driver insisted the address, 12 Herengasse, was that of the Steinberger Hotel (10 Herengasse) I really did start to get worried! But eventually we found it.
Check in takes place in a crowded little area with two desks. My gold status was only slightly acknowledged and no benefits were offered. Later when I went down and asked (after looking it up online) I was told we would get a discount in the bar/restaurant but that we needed to tell the staff when ordering.
If the check in desk in unprepossessing though, the elevator area/bar is extremely hip and modern looking. Low lighting, interesting furniture, and a giant wine wall.
The elevator required a key to access, which increased the feeling of security. The hallways were decorated with giant canvases of famous actresses and actors, a theme carried over into the room.
Though I’ll blame it on jetlag that it was only once we were in the bar area which features a continuous reel of fashion shows that I got the “Style” theme. 🙂
The room was decent. By European standards it was actually quite spacious. The bed was perfectly comfortable. Great large windows and nice black out curtains for nighttime.
Everything felt new, particularly the bathroom with attractive tile in the shower. And an interesting, new (to me) brand for the amenities.
My gold status was acknowledged somewhat in the end — a mini bottle of (pretty bad) champagne had been delivered to us.
Service was ok. When I needed an iron or extra coffee packets they brought it almost instantaneously. But when I wanted help calling a cab or getting advice on sightseeing, everyone was friendly but definitely not proactive.
That first night after we were exhausted from a day of cramming things in and skipping meals, we decided just to get food at the lobby bar which would be faster than the restaurant. (Both were quite empty). Food prices were standard. €8-15, no deals but not awful.
The best things going for the Radisson Blu Style Vienna is the fantastic location (< 5 minutes from the Hofburg or St. Stephens) and the recent renovations which give all the rooms a fresh feel. If the prices are comparable or only slightly cheaper than other hotels like the new Park Hyatt or one of the executive collection Starwood hotels go with them. But if you have the Club Carlson business credit card and can get two for one award nights at 50,000 points, it’s a great way to save money.
I just spent 2 nights , May 2-3,at this hotel and your review is spot on. Even ate in the lounge the first night. Perfect location for central Vienna and 2 nights on points makes it even better.
When you are staying near world famous Cafe cantraal, you don’t need food from lobby Bar or hotel restaurant. I have stayed there for 4 days and let me tell you this, we were treated excellently. It was one of the highlights of our tour. I paid 150k points for 4 nights which includes premium room and full buffet breakfast.
On Monday, I walked by it 3 times before I realized where it was. Once inside it looked nice. I wasn’t staying there but was checking it out for a future visit. It has a great location right in the center of everything. Thanks for the review.
Thanks, I have been waiting to see your take on this hotel.
Have to choose between 2 nights here then a move to Park Hyatt (big splurge with UR points transfer) or 3 nights at IC Vienna (points and free night via the CCard). Thinking that Radisson points are best used out of USA (better properties and choices), but IHG options in US can be better…. 1st world decisions really.