Tried & Tested

Hotel check: Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom

23 May 2013 by Jenny Southan

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A minimalist, new-build block with two psychedelic ceilings created by artist Pipilotti Rist that can be seen from the ground as a blaze of colour. The hotel opened in December 2010 and was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

As well as the ground-level reception, there is an integrated design store that also spans the first, second and third floors. The interiors of the hotel are monochrome grey, black and white, and features include Vienna’s first vertical garden, and diamond-shape glass walls that reflect the pattern found on the roof of St Stephen’s cathedral. Magnificent city views can be found from the higher floors of the five-star property.

Le Loft, Sofitel Vienna

WHERE IS IT? On the north bank of the Danube on Praterstrasse. It is a 15-minute walk to the main square, Stephensplatz, and 20km from the airport.

ROOM FACILITIES Bedrooms are located on floors six to 17 and have three colour schemes – white, black or grey. I was in a 37 sqm city-facing Luxury room in grey, though would have preferred a white room as found it somewhat industrial and subdued (but at least it wasn’t black). Even the concrete floors were painted grey, and there were no rugs to give a feeling of warmth.

Standard amenities include Hermès bathing products, free wifi (though a bit slow), a Bose Wave music system, Nespresso machine, free minibar with juice and water, robes, slippers, and a good-size workdesk. You need to phone down for an iron/ironing board and there was a kettle in my room but it didn’t work so they had to send up some hot water.

I had requested a DVD player and this was provided without a problem. My room also had a 42-inch flatscreen Philips TV, a bath and walk-in rainshower, comfortable bed, and a sliding door that separated the bathroom from the bedroom, though only two-thirds of the way, which would be less than ideal if you needed privacy.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Le Loft is located on the top floor (18) and features a dramatic kaleidoscopic ceiling designed by artist Pipilotti Rist, and wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on to the city skyline. It’s a truly stunning venue for all-day dining or drinks in the central raised bar area. The cuisine served is Alsatian, with dishes such as frogs’ legs, duck foie gras, pâté en croute, roasted wild boar and sweetbread of veal Viennese style. A four-course tasting menu costs €68 or with wine pairings for an extra €40.

In the morning, a breakfast buffet is laid out with a range of pastries, yoghurt, fruit, cereal, eggs, cold cuts and bread. Coffee and tea are served by friendly waiting staff. I dropped by the bar one evening for a nightcap and was impressed by the general buzz about the place and glowing roof of multi-coloured autumn leaves and abstract video installations. Along with the cityscape, it really was quite a spectacle. The cocktail list is extensive – the delicious Le Loft special (18th Floor) is made with Absolute vodka, elderflower and apple juice, sugar and lemon. Room service is 24 hours.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are nine meeting rooms named after famous architects on the fourth floor of the hotel. All have free wifi and natural daylight that pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows and the diamond-panelled glass walls of the building that create an atrium space on one side, with views up to one of Rist’s colourful ceilings. Le Courbusier is the largest, seating 100 people theatre-style, while the others can seat between 12 and 20 delegates in a boardroom set-up. There is also a business lounge and library on the first floor.

LEISURE FACILITIES The on-site So Spa has five light-filled treatment rooms, while the nearby 24-hour, fifth-floor fitness centre (you need to access it with your keycard) has Technogym equipment, free weights, Kinesis machines and a slanting glass roof with lots of natural light. Joggers can easily cross the road and run alongside the Danube River.

VERDICT A cutting-edge business hotel with a dramatic, unconventional design concept. It won’t be to everyone’s taste but if you want a modern alternative to Vienna’s many traditional top-end hotels, this is a good option. Experiencing Le Loft restaurant/bar is a must, whether you are a guest or not.  

FACT FILE

HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 156 rooms (Classic, Superior, Luxury) and 26 suites (Junior, Prestige, Signature).

HIGHLIGHTS The panoramic top-floor restaurant/bar, and striking art and architecture. The views of the city, the free wifi and minibar (soft drinks only) and Hermès bathing products are also plus points.

PRICE Internet rates for a fully flexible midweek stay in July started from £227 for a Classic room.

CONTACT Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, Praterstrasse 1; tel +43 1906 160; sofitel.com

Jenny Southan

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