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At the tail of very commercial Kärtnerstrasse, just two blocks from the Opera and 10 minutes from the Stephansdom, the Hotel zur Weiner Staatsoper may be a bit down at heel. Nonetheless, its charm, warmth, and value entice. With a friendly staff and rates that are quite competitive for such a central location, the Staatsoper—family-run since 1977—is a respectable choice for visitors who want a prime location over all else.
The imposing neo-baroque exterior of the 22-room hotel dates back a century. We liked the small external terrace and garden for enjoying breakfast. Also noteworthy are the lobby and internal common areas, which have the marble floors and carpeting of a tony Upper East Side townhouse. Smiling concierge Clivia is a 20-year veteran of the Staatsoper, and can coordinate just about anything.
The hotel's singles, doubles, and triples are sprinkled over a few floors. While all are decorated in the showy Viennese style of white and pink, coordinated with the pomp of the exterior, rooms are an exercise in style over function. Bathrooms are small, and the singles (which overlook an airshaft) are so cramped they require a five-sided bed.
In our view, it's worth paying extra for the bigger rooms, which are pleasant and quiet—even the ones overlooking the street. As is the case with some three-star properties, there's no Internet access, though rooms do have satellite television and fans. Web purists, note that the Staatsoper cannot be booked online.
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