When it comes to the very best hotels in Vienna, travellers are spoiled for choice. But if you’re someone who prioritises a boutique feel with a heritage link, then Hotel MOTTO Vienna needs to be on your radar. We recently visited the Austrian capital, and were impressed by the designer details at this trendy hotel in the city’s 6th District.
While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions were our own.
Hotel Motto Vienna review
Hotel Snapshot
Name: Hotel MOTTO Vienna
Location: Mariahilfer Straße 71a, Vienna, Austria
Hotel opening year: 2021
Vibe: Parisian elegance meets Viennese whimsy
Best for: Design lovers, boutique hotel hunters, and slow mornings with pastries from Motto Brot
Number of rooms: 91
Website: www.hotelmotto.at
Wellness facilities: Small fitness centre and sauna
Family amenities: Cots are available on request, and connecting rooms can be arranged in advance
Price: Starts from £220 per night
Step inside this art-filled stay
Figures by fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla beckon guests in
Set in a historic building that has housed different hotels across three centuries and that was the birthplace of Josef Strauss, son of the famous composer Johann Strauss, you’ve got to wonder what the walls would say if they could talk. A blend of architecture is on show here, from Renaissance to Baroque, and even Gothic elements. The hotel’s facade, originally constructed by top artisans of the Vienna Artisan Craft movement, cuts a particularly striking figure on our arrival.
Hotel MOTTO Vienna isn’t your average city stay; it’s part cocktail lounge, part design fantasy, and all heart. From the moment you glide through the heavy velvet drapes in the lobby, it feels like stepping into a chic private club rather than a hotel check-in. The welcome drink, a sparkling strawberry lemonade, sets an uplifting tone for our stay.
With interiors by Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects, the hotel’s aesthetic blends Art Deco vibes with punchy punk rock flair. Think jewel tones, fringed lampshades, and plenty of brass accents.
Alongside the playful spaces, art sits right at the heart of the property, from fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla’s figures that dance along walls to the bold graffiti of SASA, AKA Sasha Knezevic, which can be found in both rooms and public spaces. This is the perfect Vienna stay for guests who appreciate creativity around every turn.
The rooms and suites
Our Deluxe Room was always a joy to return to after a day of exploring the city (Photography: Oliver Jiszda)
We stayed in a Deluxe room, room 110. The space is particularly cosy, with bird-patterned fabric walls in green, a dusky pink velvet sofa, and matching lamps crowned in emerald fringe. It strikes that perfect Hotel MOTTO balance: intimate yet grand.
While the room isn’t huge, it’s very cleverly designed to feel luxurious and warm. Each space feels layered and personal, as if it had been styled by someone who truly loves interiors. The shower unit is cleverly disguised by mirrored doors, with the addition of a heavy curtain to close off the space if preferred. Surprisingly, the bathroom vanity sits smartly in the main living space, built into a set of drawers that resemble an antique apothecary cabinet. The toilet is hidden away behind a door that features a faux porthole window and includes playfully patterned tiles on the floor. I loved the fact that the TV disappears behind a mirrored box (a thoughtful touch for design purists), while a DIY cocktail tray invites you to play mixologist, complete with shaker, citrus, and a recipe booklet that guests can take home as a souvenir.
The bathroom is smartly designed to amplify the space (Photography: Oliver Jiszda)
The minibar deserves a mention of its own: Austrian sweets, such as Manner wafers, Soletti pretzel sticks, and Zotter chocolate, make an authentic local treat lineup. Collagen eye masks and condoms accompany the Saint Charles bath amenities, a wink to the hotel’s playful but practical side.
Our only slight letdown? The robes. Though we loved the hoods, they lacked the plush, oversized quality expected at this level. Towels too felt undersized, and we vote bath sheets should always be non-negotiable at hotels.
Dining & drinks
Light pours into Chez Bernard, making it the ideal space for breakfast, lunch and dinner (Photography: Oliver Jiszda)
Start the day at Chez Bernard, where breakfast is served to an R&B instrumental soundtrack, Whitney Houston and The Weeknd reimagined through jazz tones. Regular readers will know that I always prefer an à la carte start to the morning rather than a buffet, and the selection here is truly delectable. The goat cheese and pickled salmon Saint Martin dish was a standout, plus the tea infusions of fresh herbs have inspired me to create my own at home.
Come dinner, reserve a table early; the buzz is real here. Watching the sunset from a window seat, perfectly cooked sturgeon on the table, you quickly see why this spot has become a local favourite.
Be sure to hit up Motto Brot early to ensure you get your hands on their epic sweet treats (Photography: Liz Perdacher)
For sweet-toothed guests (like us), Motto Brot, the in-house bakery, is can’t be missed. The cherry and almond pastry was so good, we went back for three, with one even returning to London with us to make the memory linger longer.
And don’t miss the rooftop bar, lush with greenery and glowing at night, this small space catches the sun and is the perfect place for a post-work preprandial.
Frequently asked questions: Hotel MOTTO Vienna
Hotel MOTTO is situated on Mariahilfer Straße, one of Vienna’s most vibrant shopping streets, a short walk away from the MuseumsQuartier and Naschmarkt. It is in Vienna’s 6th District.
Breakfast at Chez Bernard can be added to your room rate and is highly recommended for the local produce and clever playlist alone.
Yes. You can park your car at the nearby public garage for a special hotel price.
While there’s no full spa, you’ll find a well-equipped fitness area, a sauna, and in-room wellness touches like collagen eye masks.
Vienna’s cultural landmarks, such as the Opera House, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Karlsplatz, are all within walking or train distance.
Yes. The hotel can provide a complimentary baby cot or sofa bed for children under 6 years of age in the Deluxe Rooms or Junior Suite. For families of up to four guests (2 adults and 2 children under 12), the hotel offers the option to book two connecting rooms in the Deluxe Room category, subject to availability.
The verdict
Hotel MOTTO Vienna is one of those rare finds that feels equal parts glamorous and grounded. Between its considered design details, thoughtful local touches, and sensory experiences, from pastry crumbs to velvet textures, it’s a love letter to individuality in the heart of Vienna.
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