There are several Hilton Hotels in Vienna. The Plaza looked the best to me and with rates at around EUR 120 per night was fantastic value during these difficult times.

We travelled from Prague by train – only four hours and EUR 26 for a seat in First Class. We arrived at Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) and then walked five or so minutes (undercover) to the U Bahn metro station Südtiroler Platz-Hauptbahnhof. The metro ticket machine had an English option and we purchased 72-hour unlimited ride tickets for EUR 17.10 per person. Just remember to stamp the ticket in the machine the first time you use it.

Südtiroler Platz-Hauptbahnhof is on Line U1. We took the metro to Karlsplatz and changed to the U2 line, then to Schottentor, where it was just a few minutes walk to the hotel.

The lobby was deserted.

There was one member of staff on reception, we were welcomed as Diamond members and upgraded to a King Executive Room on the ninth floor. Our door had the ‘clean stay’ seal and the TV remote had the ‘clean stay’ wrapper.

There was a small vertigo-inducing balcony with good views.

The bathroom was modern, with a large walk-in shower.

The TV only had BBC World News and CNN as English channels. The bathroom volume control worked!! The wi-fi was reasonably fast, but I had to choose to reconnect every time I used it and that was annoying. There were plenty of power outlets, but, surprisingly, no USB outlets – well except those on the TV and they only power your device while the TV is on.

The air conditioning worked well and was quiet.

There was a safe, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes.

There was no ‘do not disturb’ door sign, but I assumed this because the new ‘clean stay’ policy meant that the room was cleaned once prior to arrival and subsequently only upon request. However, the room was cleaned each day and I’m fine with that.

With only 25 rooms occupied, the Executive Lounge was closed and a temporary location set up close to reception.

Happy hour was 6 – 8 pm. The quality of the food offering was limited but pretty good – enough to have a meal. Plenty of wine, beer and soft drinks, but no stronger alcohol. Self-serve is always an issue with Covid, but there were plenty of hand sanitising stations and napkins available.

There was no breakfast set up in the lounge, but anyone with an executive room was offered a full breakfast.

A face mask was required to enter the breakfast restaurant and guests were expected to wear the mask when visiting the buffet – everyone I saw followed that rule.

The one-way system, buffet was very good, although self-serve – there were plenty of hand sanitising stations, napkins and plastic gloves available. Plates were covered with cellophane. Pastries still loose. We were also offered table service juice and cooked-to-order dishes.

We were able to arrange a modest 1.30 pm checkout on the last day without any problems. I asked the receptionist what room I should book, on my next visit, in order to have a chance of a Diamond upgrade to one of their penthouse suites with a large terrace. I was informed that they don’t ‘upgrade’ to the suites and I’d just have to book one – put firmly in my place there!

Overall a lovely art deco hotel, with friendly staff, trying to maintain facilities, safety and standards during a difficult time – I’d definitely stay here again.

Even operating under Covid conditions. The Hilton Vienna Plaza makes it to the top ten of my list of Hilton Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Hilton Vienna Plaza
Schottenring 11
Vienna, A – 1010, AT

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/viepwtw-hilton-vienna-plaza/