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A few blocks from the Stephansdom, the three-star Hotel Kärntnerhof looks like a faded beauty from the outside, just the kind of find that we Cheapos love. On pedestrian-only Grashofgasse, it is abutted by a beautiful restaurant with a garden terrace. At first glance, Kärntnerhof appeared to be uniquely promising, exuding as it does the feel of a hotel frozen in time from the 1970s—right down to the groovy yellow signage.
Unfortunately, the hotel's rates are very much in line with modern times, in part no doubt thanks to recent renovations. While the location is great, there are other hotels in the Innere Stadt that offer superior value in the way of creature comforts.
Most of the 44 rooms have undergone renovations in years past; the bathrooms, with a mix of tubs and showers, sparkle. Of an average size, renovated rooms lack much in the way of defining features. They're modern without being "modern," though the beautiful wood floors do remain. Larger, older rooms hint at what the Karnterhof used to be; these were our favorites. All rooms feature wireless and satellite television, but for the rate at hand they are a bit austere. Televisions, to provide one example, are a bit small.
Don't miss the terrace on the roof with great views of the city. Another plus: the impressive staff friendliness. But for a building that was constructed in 1890, we can't help but wish that a bit more history were on display here.
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