I just returned from staying at Bella Vienna for three nights this past week. I will admit that I was taken aback by the entryway, areas between floors and the elevator of the building (not at all boutique-y or 4-star) but I knew the hotel was going to be located on a few floors of a shared building. I also noticed that there was some renovating going on in the building on my floor (floor 5), although I did not hear/see any machines or workers while I was staying there.

The room: Spacious! For all the Americans (and Brits) who complain about compact hotel rooms in Europe - you will not be disappointed. The room was very large, especially considering I requested, and paid for, a single. The bed was very comfortable & I loved the pillows. The bathroom was equally large. The toiletries were only so-so, the towels were not that great and there wasn't a bathtub. The sink, toilet and shower fixtures were very modern, whereas the room furniture was ugly, ugly, ugly!

For those worried about any "stealing" happening here - you can put your things in the safe AND lock the closet doors. The mini-bar, if you use it, has good selection, although the hotel does have a bar upstairs that is open until 11. (If you want to save money, there is a grocery store right down the street, about 2 minutes away).

The staff were all very lovely, friendly and helpful. I made a booking for two nights at once, and then another night two nights later (because I was taking a night off to see Salzburg). When I arrived, they had me down for Wed-Saturday morning, instead of Wed-Friday morning and then again Sat-Sun morning. It was rectified quickly and without any hassle. I did, however, bring confirmation of my booking as "proof" that they did, in fact, have me down on the wrong evening.

The rooms come with free breakfast - although I didn't try it. The rooms also have free Wi-Fi (didn't try) or you can use the computer in the hotel lobby on the 6th floor from 7-11 (when the lobby's open).

The views from my room (504) was really nice and it was really quiet. The hotel is located in a great location - near Mariahilferstrasse - which is near shops, tourist areas, restaurants, coffeeshops and transport (U3 line and a few bus lines). Very convenient to get to via the CAT from airport or either Westbahnhof or Südbahnhof (Ostbahn) stations.

A reminder - be aware that this lobby is closed at 11. Apparently people have had problems checking in when they are arriving late, but I think that one can't miss this important information if they read the websites when they are booking their reservations. Also, while they do have an elevator, there are 6 or so stairs between the main entrance and that elevator - so it's not entirely handicapped accessible.

My point in coming to Vienna was to re-visit the city where I used to live. I wasn't looking for over the top indulgence - just somewhere that felt comfortable, was conveniently located and reminded me of an apartment. For this purpose, Bella Vienna was perfect.