Vienna is a city that enchants. Those who have been there before know. Vienna is also the “greenest city in the world.” Few people know this. In fact, it ranks 1st among “green” metropolises and for that alone is worth a trip. But even the first cold winds, hot chocolates accompanied by a slice of cake and workers starting to hang Christmas lights wrap the Austrian capital in a magical atmosphere.
So here are five reasons-including Vienna Design Week 2020-to return to Vienna this fall and discover it as you’ve never seen it before.
Vienna, the city, which has won the trophy for the world’s best place to live for the second year in a row, has been ranked the world’s greenest city: here art, nature, culture, music and precisely “bon vivre” come together in an incredible mix, enlivening the Austrian capital. The perfect starting point for getting a taste of city life is the centrally located Hotel Beethoven Wien, a former pleasure house that is now a Design-Hotel with bohemian charm and a recently opened adjoining Bar that complements the intentionally hedonistic offerings of this establishment.
The hotel is a five-minute walk from the Austrian capital’s most important museums and the “MuseumsQuartier,” one of the world’s largest exhibition complexes. Cross the street to the “Kunsthistorisches Museum,” the museum of fine arts, and the “Naturhistorisches Museum,” the museum of natural history, from the old town with St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the presence of the Naschmarkt, the herb market with more than 120 stalls selling fruits and vegetables, spices and curiosities from all over the world, and plenty of gourmet restaurants-the Hotel Beethoven Wien – Vienna **** allows for sightseeing without the use of vehicles.
Formerly a house of tolerance, the Hotel Beethoven Wien, has been transformed with wisdom, taste and creativity by its owner Barbara Ludwig, into a Design Hotel, where each room tells a story, rooted in the city’s past. Overnight stays start from 47 euros for two people with breakfast and tea, coffee and Viennese pastries in the afternoon with the “3 for 2” package. Barbara, the owner, knows all the trendiest addresses in Vienna inside out and speaks perfect Italian, plays the piano for his guests, and offers tips and suggestions to make each stay a unique moment.
At Hotel Beethoven Wien, the city itself and its history are breathed into every detail. Each of the 6 floors is declined with a different theme related to Viennese tradition and culture: Viennese literary cafes (second floor), the Secession (second floor), music and Ludwig van Beethoven (third floor), theater (fourth floor), famous people of Vienna (fifth floor), daring Viennese women of the turn of the century (sixth floor).
Design objects and lamps, original Secession posters and wallpapers, curious furnishings, and stylish details from all over Europe give personality to the rooms and rooms. The owner’s desire during the renovation of the hotel from the beginning was to imprint each room with a characteristic uniqueness, always having as her priority the comfort, relaxation and satisfaction of her guests, who come from all over the world.
FIRST REASON – A unique lifestyle. At the Hotel Beethoven Wien you meet the most diverse people: you feel accepted, welcome and pampered from the first moment. Regardless of age and social class. A true condenser of paradoxes where objects of current Design are skillfully juxtaposed with Biedermeier furniture.
A balance composed of a formal mix of certain elements of Viennese tradition revisited in a contemporary key and minimalist architecture, emphasized by plays of light and color, lamps by the most famous Designers, elements from the private collection of owner Barbara Ludwig, a Viennese AOC, fused with a skillful use of materials and styles, which make a stay at the Hotel Beethoven Wien, An out-of-the-box experience.
The 47 rooms absorb within them all the elegant and somewhat ironic charm of Vienna.
Spread over 6 floors, they definitely stand out from each other and are thus able to satisfy the tastes of the varied clientele. From vintage accommodations to Classic Selection and Salon Zimmer. Bright and all completely renovated from top to bottom, they have every amenity: from bathrooms with separate toilets, bidets, extra-large showers, professional hairdryers, Magdalena’s cosmetics-a line created by a Tyrolean pharmacist, exclusive and 100 percent organic, bathrobe and slippers-to the espresso machine.
SECOND REASON-The brand new LUDWIG BAR. Opened on January 23, 2020 in an area that is a crossroads of exotic gastronomic delicacies and is now a pulsing nucleus of Viennese nightlife, Bar Ludwig is inspired by the Viennese café tradition, cleverly revised and corrected by the creative flair of architect Gregor Eichinger, internationally renowned food-designer Ido Garini, along with the expertise of barmaid Isabella Lombardo and bar and event expert Paul Rittenauer.
The drink list, which features a wide and sought-after selection of international, classic and creative cocktails, is inspired by Vienna’s history and musical works, while the large bar, the well-stocked bottle rack, the immense rosewood table and the terrace are the stage for barmaid Isabella Lombardo, the ideal setting where small masterpieces of mixology are born, blending traditional techniques and innovative modes of expression, with home-made distillations and infusions based on typical regional herbs and essences sourced from the nearby Naschmarkt.
THIRD REASON-Green Vienna. Vienna is one of the greenest cities in the world: almost half of the city is occupied by green areas that provide countless parks, forests and even agricultural land. A wealth of outdoor activities and Viennese water make Vienna not only the most livable city, but also a habitat valued not only by humans.
A visit to the Augarten public park, which occupies an area of 52.2 hectares and provides intrinsic distancing, is not to be missed. It houses Vienna’s oldest Baroque garden and is located in the city’s second district. In addition to a manicured parterre with large flower beds, the French-style garden also offers an extensive area crisscrossed by shady avenues of chestnut, elm, linden, ash, and maple trees.
As with almost all of Vienna’s public gardens, entry is not permitted at night, as the five entrances are closed (from nightfall until early morning: times vary by season and are indicated on metal plaques hanging at the entrances).
FOURTH REASON – Vienna Design Week. During Vienna Design Week, now in its fourteenth year, Vienna becomes a design hub. In collaboration with museums, manufacturing companies and Viennese designers, the festival offers multiple ways to approach the topic of design, offering events, exhibitions, installations, guided tours and workshops.
Vienna Design Week transforms Vienna for ten days into the “City Full of Design” with events-this year including virtual ones-running at a rapid pace from September 25 to October 4, 2020. The full program can be downloaded here: www.viennadesignweek.at
FIFTH MOTIVE – “3 for 2” – Beethoven Special – from 47 Euro per person. Vienna as you’ve never seen it. An amazing promotion! Until December 26, 2020, guests have the opportunity to stay overnight at Hotel Beethoven Wien – Vienna at particularly attractive rates. By booking 2 consecutive nights, the 3rd is free. You thus have the opportunity to extend your stay by one night – at no additional cost!
A hearty breakfast is included, herbal teas and treats in the afternoon, and to welcome you, owner Barbara Ludwig uncorks a bubbly. Also included is a voucher for a visit to the Albertina and the brand new Albertina modern. This promotion is valid for all categories and applies to both single occupancy and double occupancy of the room. Reservations can be cancelled up to 48 hours before arrival.
HOTEL BEETHOWEN VIENNA ****
Papagenogasse 6, 1060 Vienna (AUSTRIA)
Tel. +43 (1) 587448 20
info@hotelbeethoven.at
www.hotel-beethoven.at
