Short trip to Vienna – to a waltz in Vienna

The Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer in Vienna: tips & impressions for individual travellers

There are places that move with the times yet manage to preserve the beauty of the past. Places steeped in history and brimming with emotion. Vienna is one such place. In this city, it's worth seeking out treasures from the past to experience the true, world-famous Viennese charm. And sometimes, these gems are right in the heart of a city's vibrant life. Sometimes tucked away, sometimes at a crossroads. Like the Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer. A privately run city hotel that has been welcoming international guests since 1901, it stands out with its timeless, charming details from another era, inviting guests on a brief journey back in time to Vienna's past without sacrificing modern comforts. The perfect accommodation for my short trip to Vienna.

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Weekend breakfast with regional specialties and live music

After arriving on a weekend morning, I was able to fortify myself with the generous and delicious buffet. In addition to classical live music accompanying the delightful weekend breakfast, the boutique hotel also offers a free introductory waltz lesson for its guests. The hotel breakfast truly exceeds all expectations! Many regional specialties and typical Viennese delicacies are offered. Above all, guests will find plenty of healthy food and drinks, such as delicious smoothies, fresh fruit, and refreshing turmeric water. It's great that vegetarians are also catered for and have a wide selection of breakfast options.

Afterwards, I made myself comfortable in the lovely patio, the hotel's courtyard, and immediately spotted Eos, the hotel's fluffy VID (Very Important Dog). Who needs VIPs when you can have such a beautiful, large, and affectionate Viennese court dog like Eos lying next to you? I've been toying with the idea of ​​getting a dog myself for quite some time now. As a frequent traveler, it's wonderful to know that there are also dog-friendly hotels like the Hotel Donauwalzer, where dogs are warmly welcomed!

The room: A real VIENNA ORIGINAL

My room wasn't long in coming, and shortly after check-in, I already had my key in hand. I particularly appreciate that guests receive a classic, elegant key rather than a card. My room is located on the fifth floor, where all the so-called VIENNA ORIGINALS rooms are also located. The VIENNA ORIGINALS comprise 13 rooms in total, each dedicated to a typical Viennese traditional company and designed in collaboration with that company. This makes each room unique and reflects the special character of a Viennese original. For example, there's the Snow Globe Manufactory, the Ottakringer Brewery, the Mühlbauer Hat Manufactory (which I even had the pleasure of visiting later), and many other unique properties.

The Café Landtmann with a view over the roofs of Vienna

I was fortunate enough to stay in the light-filled and spacious Café Landtmann room , which is dedicated to the traditional Viennese café. With its view over the rooftops of Vienna, it was perfect for me to work and relax. The room is lovingly furnished with a keen eye for the little details that give the café its charm, both elegant and cozy. After unpacking a bit, I set off to explore the hotel. On each floor, all connected by an old, elegant spiral staircase, you'll find musical instruments, sheet music, or gramophones.

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Explore Vienna's old town on foot

The Viennese waltz is literally everywhere you look. Not just in the hotel. What the tango is to Buenos Aires, the waltz is to Vienna: the whole city seems to be enlivened by music and movement. Be it in the architecture or at a hotel reception desk. Music is omnipresent in Vienna. And that's a good thing. A little later, I set off on foot to Vienna's Old Town to get a first impression. And "impression" is the perfect word, because what I saw there was truly more than just impressive. Be it the Volksgarten , the Austrian National Library , the Vienna City Hall , the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral , or the Burgtheater : I've rarely seen so many sights all at once and so close together!

I didn't even know where to go first, I was so overwhelmed. So, for the next few days, I embarked on an intensive exploration: from the old town to the Danube Canal , to the Prater amusement park and the Viennese universities . Every morning, I fortified myself with a relaxed breakfast of fresh smoothies, waffles, and delicious desserts served in glasses, before continuing my exploration of Sissi's legacy and the fascinating Austrian Empire.

The Viennese originals

A visit to the WIENER ORIGINALE was a particularly nice experience. With the Fiacre by Sissy Ringl we headed towards the old town to the first station "To the Black Camel". The traditional Art Nouveau house has been the fine address for gourmets, artists and connoisseurs since 1618. Behind the funny retro logo with the black camel, a representative brand has emerged that offers all kinds of delicacies. After our stop we continued to hat manufacture Mühlbauer. A visit could not have been more suitable for me, after all I am and live Petit Chapeau.

For me as an absolute hat lover (I counted, I currently own 15 hats) it was a real highlight to get an insight into the production of handmade, unique hats. The many different, high-quality materials, the exciting development process from the puristic form to the finished hat and the traditional history behind Mühlbauer make this Viennese manufactory unique. In the meantime, Mühlbauer counts greats like Yoko Ono and Brad Pitt among their loyal customers. The international market has long since been conquered and the demand for the special, lovingly crafted hats is increasing rapidly.

 "A man who does not eat chocolate misses life." Frederic Morton

The next stop at Altmann & Kühne literally sweetened my day! There, I had the opportunity to sample their traditional, exquisite mini pralines – also known as Lilliputian confections. The recipe is free of artificial additives but bursting with flavor, and has been for over 100 years. Now a listed historical monument, the confectionery remains in its original condition and attracts chocolate lovers from all over the world every year. The lovingly designed packaging, such as small chests of drawers, hat boxes, or caskets, has long been a distinctive trademark. The Viennese affectionately call them "Naschkasterln" (little sweet boxes).

What I particularly appreciate about the concept of the WIENER ORIGINALE is the desire to continue to strengthen traditional companies in the present because they are closely linked to the culture and identity of the city.

Because it is precisely companies with history and heart that make a cityscape really beautiful, unique, interesting and clearly set it apart from the mishmash of today's retail chains. Such companies shape a whole attitude towards life. And the WIENER ORIGINALE prove that it really works. That people are really interested in traditional companies with a long and exciting history and are happy to come back.

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The next day I visited the butterfly house and was absolutely amazed. I had never seen so many different sizes and beautiful butterflies before. It was truly enchanting! The butterfly house is definitely worth a visit just for the experience of seeing so many colorful butterflies all at once.

In the evening, I headed to Vienna's famous Naschmarkt to fortify myself and, of course, indulge in some treats before my upcoming photoshoot with the wonderful Sophie from Sophie's Travelblog . Afterwards, we met at the Albertina Museum for a magnificent sunset, where, despite the summer heat, we managed to take an incredible number of beautiful photos in a very short time.

Schönbrunn Palace: With Sachertorte and coffee in the Gloriette in the palace garden

To conclude my trip, I visited the legendary Schönbrunn Palace . Over coffee and Sachertorte, I enjoyed the wonderful view from the Gloriette overlooking the magnificent park. My trip to Vienna was definitely a complete success, filled with many happy moments, both big and small, which not only made me love the city but also sparked a strong desire to return. And it wasn't just the city itself, but also my accommodation that contributed to this wonderful experience.

The Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer, with its elegance and warmth, drowns out the city's noise. Many of the most beautiful sights are within easy walking distance, there's a tram stop right in front of the entrance, and the subway is just a few meters away. I love accommodations that are authentic and charmingly convey the spirit of a city to their guests. And here, I felt the heart of Vienna, through and through!

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