Adina Hotel Vienna Belvedere review, Austria: Apartment-style vibe with a rare indoor pool

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Adina Hotel Vienna Belvedere review, Austria: Apartment-style vibe with a rare indoor pool

By Kerry van der Jagt
Adina features one of only seven hotel swimming pools in Vienna.

Adina features one of only seven hotel swimming pools in Vienna.

THE PLACE

Opened in April 2021, the Vienna Belvedere is the first Adina Hotel in Austria and part of the growing TFE collection (the company is based in Australia). Comprising 134 rooms divided into 115 studios, 17 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments over seven floors the hotel offers the flexibility of apartment living with the comfort of hotel services including buffet breakfast, daily room cleaning and 24 hour reception. Over a two-night weekend stay in the Austrian capital, I put the Adina tagline, "your other address" to the test.

THE LOCATION

Kitchenettes and clothes washing facilities make this studio a home away from home.

Kitchenettes and clothes washing facilities make this studio a home away from home.

In the modern Quartier Belvedere of the 10th district Favoriten, the hotel sits between the Belvedere Palace, Schweizergarten park and the new Vienna Main (Central) Station. Living like a local, I quickly master the efficient U-Bahn, with its colour-coded platforms, and tram system, to whizz me to the main attractions of the historic city centre in less than 10 minutes. The out-of-the-limelight location might seem a tad bland, but after a hectic day sightseeing, returning to a quiet neighbourhood is a blessing.

THE LOOK

The lobby combines a slick residential vibe with a welcoming hotel feel with clean lines, tanned leather and blonde timber for a bright and modern space. The reception area is casual and incorporated into the lobby lounge/central bar. Beyond the lobby bar is "the pantry" and dining area where breakfast is served each morning. A small but well-stocked bookcase is a thoughtful addition. The most dramatic feature is the indoor cobalt-blue pool, with its feature wall of turquoise tiles. Concealed behind glass doors the quiet retreat also houses a gym and sauna. And yes, that is a mural of a boxing kangaroo.

THE ROOM

After a long-haul flight from Australia, my studio room, which includes a fully-equipped kitchen and living/dining area, is a home away from home. There's a Leysieffer coffee capsule-machine plus a selection of teas. The bathroom is well appointed with Fair Trade amenities, hair-dryer and makeup mirror. Although a studio is the smallest of the hotel's configurations (28-32 square metres) it is spacious and functional with lounge and table. Complimentary high-speed WIFI is a given. The larger apartments have separate bedrooms, with the two-bedroom (58 square metres) also having a second bathroom and terrace. A washing machine and drier is an unexpected bonus (meaning no wet togs in my luggage). The Scandi-style twin duvet is so lightweight and comfy I want to smuggle it home.

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THE FOOD

The buffet breakfast is substantial and varied, not an after-thought, as can be the case with apartment hotels. No other meals are offered. There are future plans to install a lobby store selling snacks and basic provisions. Fortunately, the headquarters of the Erste Group is across the road, meaning the area is well serviced by restaurants, cafes and bars. The neighbourhood hero is the Japanese restaurant IKI, which offers dining for lunch and dinner, as well as an online shop "IKI to go" for pickup. Be warned, it is closed on weekends (boo). For the best goulash in town head to Kaffe Alt Wien on Backerstrasse, not far from St Stephen's cathedral.

STEPPING OUT

Having the World Heritage-listed Belvedere as my local palace means I visit not once, but twice. A five-minute stroll brings me to the Upper Belvedere (Klimt, Rodin and van Gogh), the Lower Belvedere (art from the Middle Ages) and the glorious gardens between the two. The Museum of Military History is across from the Schweizergarten park. Be sure to visit the newly-opened Albertina Modern, easily accessed by the underground (U1, U2 or U4) to Karlsplatz/Oper. The Vienna City Card (24, 48 or 72 hour duration) includes unlimited travel on the city's public transportation network plus numerous discounts.

THE VERDICT

With its friendly staff, warm ambience and proximity to Vienna Main Station (servicing city, interstate and international lines) the new Adina Hotel Vienna Belvedere is an outstanding and affordable choice for leisure and business travellers.

ESSENTIALS

Studio rooms start from €99 ($145) a night, with breakfast extra. Adina Hotel Vienna Belvedere, Canettistrasse 3, Vienna, Austria, 1100. See adinahotels.com

HIGHLIGHT

The indoor swimming pool, one of only seven hotel swimming pools in Vienna, offers a welcome respite after a busy day out.

LOWLIGHT

Apart from the Belvedere Palace, the area offers little of the charm the imperial city is famous for.

OUR RATING

★★★★☆

Kerry van der Jagt stayed as a guest of TFE Hotels and travelled courtesy of Avalon Waterways and Austrian National Tourist Office. See avalonwaterways.com.au; austria.info/en

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