Courtyard Vienna Prater/Messe

Getting into the city was easy even though the hotel sits outside the center in a quiet area. Walk about two blocks to the train and you can reach the center in 20 minutes or less. From the airport, take the OBB train to Praterstern, change to the purple line, and get off at Krieau. The hotel is to the right as you leave the station. We had everything we needed in a very clean room, and the welcome was warm. Philip always greeted me by name, and Jesus went out of his way to introduce us to other guests from the US. We had a wonderful stay.

The staff were amazing, and the gym was superb. The location worked perfectly for us, whether walking or taking the 15-minute train ride into town. The rooms felt dated, though. Once they update them, this hotel will be superb.

Transportation was easy to reach, and the hotel gym was decent. Beyond that, it was an unpleasant stay, and I wouldn’t return. Even as a gold star member, the service felt equivalent to a 2 star. During an event, music from the first floor was audible and made the walls in our top-floor room reverberate slightly. When I called for ear plugs, the man at the desk seemed nearly insulted and told me to wait it out or turn on the TV. It was absurd that a hotel would not have ear plugs for guests. We also ordered food and called for cutlery. They said no one could bring items to rooms, so I had to go down to the restaurant to ask. I know that’s a first world problem, but a place calling itself 4-star while offering less than 2-star amenities is pathetic. The heating was another problem. The room was 28 degrees inside, and I thought we’d melt. I don’t know if the system is centrally controlled, but the dial didn’t work. When I asked the desk why, they evaded and dismissed the question, then offered to bring a fan. Cold weather outside doesn’t justify extreme overheating indoors.

It’s handy having the train station right next door. The hotel was clean overall, and the staff were friendly and very helpful. The room was quite large, though it could use an upgrade and some renovations. The gym was well equipped.