elaya hotel vienna city center, Trademark by Wyndham

From our top floor deluxe room, we had a lovely view over the rooftops towards the Cathedral, and it was a peaceful place to stay for our three nights. The sights, Christmas markets, and city center were all an easy walk away. The room was clean, modern, and comfortable, with a very good bed. The pillows were lumpy, though, and could do with replacing. Staff were consistently friendly and helpful. The bathroom was spacious and stylish but had nowhere useful to put toiletries, so we left our wash bags on the floor. Also, the glass panel above the bed let bathroom light fill the room at night. Still, we enjoyed our stay and would happily return to Vienna.

Sarah at the morning reception deserves a special thank you. She greeted me warmly when I arrived, offered coffee and water while I waited, and went out of her way to get my room ready quickly. Her kindness, friendly personality, and lovely smile are a real credit to the hotel, and I can imagine guests returning for her hospitality. The hotel itself is beautiful and quiet, with a spacious, very clean room. Its location is excellent, just steps from Stephansplatz. I highly recommend it.

The hotel is right in central Vienna, which made it easy to explore the city and beyond. Staff were helpful, and the room was a good size, clean, with a comfortable bed. The pillows were very soft, so we had to ask for extra ones. Breakfast was basic, and we often had to ask for items to be replenished as they were slow to do so. I also would have liked a kettle and tea in the room, since there was only a coffee machine. Still, it was a good hotel, and we'd stay here again if we return to Vienna.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and other options nearby, and the location is convenient for the main shopping area. But the receptionist came across as cold, and the scent at reception was overpowering. In winter, with no air conditioning, the room felt stuffy and had poor air circulation. That made the stay uncomfortable. The lighting was also too dim, with just three lamps, which made getting ready difficult. I wouldn't come back, mainly because of the service and lack of fresh air in the room.