Monastic Rule and other Vienna, Austria Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

Staying at the Schottenstift Monastery Guesthouse was the single best thing about my trip to Vienna. I can't imagine any hotel which would have pleased me so much or any more perfect location. The Schottenstift was founded in 1155 and while the gueshouse is relatively modern, the entry through the vast door and up the winding staircase is staight out of some medieval knight-templars tale. There is one triple room here and it is worth booking for two, just for the view.
Directly opening on to the street, every morning I could throw open the windows and savour all the sights and sounds of Freyung and the Christmas market. Waking up to pealing bells was a constant pleasure and coming home each evening to this warm, other-worldy haven right in the centre of everything was a thrill every time. Breakfast is included in the price and while it does not include any hot foods ( like bacon and eggs) there are loads of cheese, salami, breads, cereals, fruit etc.
Rates for 2007 are : Single with bath and breakfast, 60 Euro
Double " " " " 90 Euro
Triple " " " " 108
There is a small extra charge for staying just one night. The Benedictushaus is open to all. though not very many people know about it. Bookings through the website.

Unique Qualities: Firstly it's part of an old Benedictine monastery and you can hear the monks chanting sometimes when coming in or out. Seconly, its location is perfect:right in the centre of the city,close to the Hofburg, Stepandsom and all the other attractions. In short it's different, atmospheric and a completely new experience.

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Theme: Pension/Guesthouse
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: +43 1 534 98
Address: Freyung, 6a, A 1010 Wien
Directions: In the centre of the Freyung Square, near Schottenngasse
Website: www.schottenstift.at

Sticking with the unusual acommodation theme, this time I stayed at the convent of the Deutschen Orden, which is situated in Singerstrasse right next to Stephandsdom. In this building is the order's church, a museum of ecclesiastical treasures, a beautifully decorated hall where Mozart concerts are performed and on the third floor, the guesthouse. Entry from the street is through an arch and the whole complex is built around a large cobbled courtyard.

Guest rooms are bright and comfortable with en-suite and TV and an adequate breakfast is included in the price. This is an excellent choice for a central location but for me it presented some difficulties. As I don't use elevators, climbing 81 steps every time I needed to go back to my room was more than a little exhausting. Getting in at night involved unlocking four different doors before you reached the guest rooms and this I found very tiresome as well - especially on the occasions when the light went out as I fumbled with the keys.

Unique Qualities: The obviously unique qualities of this accommodation are its wonderful location and its history. Mozart once lived here and as a guest you can sit in the courtyard and enjoy the music from the concerts inside. Lying in bed on weekend mornings you can hear, singing from the cathedral and music from the streets. The roof and spire of Stephandsdom are visible at every turn and everything is right at your doorstep.

The other unique quality of this accommodation is that it is not open to everybody. Traditionally,such places are reserved for pilgrims and penitents but I believe that anyone who would enjoy staying in a place like this ( and let's face it, it's not going to suit that many people ) should ring up and ask if it's possible. It is after all a business and if there are vacancies they would probably be open to negotiation. It's worth a try.

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Theme: Pension/Guesthouse
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 00 43 1 512 10 65
Address: Singerstrasse 7/1, A-1010. Wien
Directions: Singerstrasse is right behind Stepandsom Cathedral.
Other Contact: sekretariat@deutscher-orden.at