Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere assessment: Glorious worth in Europe

There was so much driving on my choice to ebook the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere for my household’s summertime reunion. It will be the primary time a few of my nieces and nephews visited one other nation. It will be the primary time in a number of years that my cousins would all be collectively. And, it could most likely be the final time all of us may get collectively on the identical time — with the children getting older and going their very own methods (as they need to).

I wished this journey to be particular. I wished to pamper my household but in addition get some worth from our keep. Reserving and paying for rooms for 14 individuals in Europe is not insignificant nowadays and I did not need to remorse my choice on any degree.

The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere proved to be a wonderful alternative for our Austrian getaway. From spot-on prearrival communications, to an genuine, heat welcome, to the most effective suites my husband and I’ve ever stayed in — this lodge and its workers delivered and made our household journey that rather more particular.

What’s the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere?

In April 2019, the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere threw its doorways open and it nonetheless feels extremely contemporary and new. Two buildings, related by enclosed glass walkways, share the ground-floor foyer with a bar, restaurant and occasional store. You may discover considered one of Vienna’s most lovely rooftop bars, Aurora, holding court docket on the sixteenth ground.

On the visible entrance, world-renowned architect Renzo Piano and inside designers Claudio Carbone and Gabriel Kacerovsky took inspiration from the lifetime of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the 18th-century nobleman and visionary behind the constructing of Vienna’s splendid, art-filled Belvedere Palace. In step with his design aesthetic, the lodge blends open areas with works from artists reminiscent of Elisabeth Penker, Eva Beresin, Roland Puschitz, Barbara Mungenast and Oswald Oberhuber.

In brief, the Andaz appears like each a breath of contemporary air and an ode to the previous in a metropolis whose different high-end accommodations are inclined to veer fusty and grand.

Methods to ebook the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere

Andaz’s Vienna outpost is without doubt one of the greatest factors values within the Andaz model’s portfolio. It is the one World of Hyatt Class 3 Andaz lodge in Europe. (Andaz Munich is a Class 5 whereas Andaz Amsterdam, Andaz Prague and Andaz London Liverpool Avenue are all Class 6.) However do not ebook on factors with out first wanting on the money charges, which may be very affordable.

Associated: Probably the most superb Andaz accommodations on the planet

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As a Class 3 property, you may ebook rooms right here beginning at 9,000 factors (off-peak), 12,000 factors on normal dates and 15,000 factors throughout peak durations of the 12 months.

Customary suites, such because the Andaz Suite, may be booked for 17,000,-23,000 factors per night time, whereas premium suites clock in at 18,000, 24,000 or 30,000 factors per night time, relying in your dates. Premium suites on the Andaz embody the Andaz Deluxe Suite, Belvedere Park View Suite, Govt Suite and Penthouse Suite.

If you do not have sufficient Hyatt factors in your account to ebook, you may switch Chase Final Rewards factors to Hyatt immediately at a 1:1 ratio, and Bilt Rewards factors switch at a 1:1 price as nicely.

If you happen to’re not a World of Hyatt Globalist elite who receives free breakfast with bookings, look into reserving your room through a Hyatt Prive journey agent. You may obtain all of your World of Hyatt perks plus advantages together with free breakfast, a one-category room improve when accessible, early check-in (when accessible), late checkout (when accessible) and a meals and beverage credit score. (We obtained a $75 meals and beverage credit score per room booked through Hyatt Prive.)

Associated: 8 causes frequent vacationers love Hyatt Globalist elite standing

These are related advantages as you may obtain when reserving a room through a high-end bank card journey portal reminiscent of American Specific Tremendous Lodges + Resorts. Be aware that the Andaz Vienna is not a part of that program however sister lodge Park Hyatt Vienna is.

If I have been utilizing factors for all of the rooms throughout our keep, I’d have made Visitor of Honor bookings as a advantage of my Globalist standing. Nonetheless, since I used to be paying money, I wished a price that conferred additional advantages to all rooms. Hyatt Prive charges throughout our keep have been 172 euros ($184) per night time for king rooms and twin rooms, 392 euros ($420) per night time for an Andaz Suite, 542 euros ($582) for a Deluxe Andaz Suite (with a rollaway mattress for a 3rd visitor) and 992 euros ($1,062) per night time for the luxury Govt Suite. We used Kristen Nix Journey to ebook since she’s a Hyatt Prive skilled and Jamie Haas of Luxe Journey Professional can also be well-known on this house.

The situation is central … sufficient

If you happen to arrive by airplane at Vienna Worldwide Airport (VIE), you may board a practice and disembark on the metropolis’s central practice station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). It is lower than a 10-minute stroll or 4-minute taxi experience to the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere (Arsenalstrasse 10), which is in Quartier Belvedere.

I used to be already within the metropolis staying on the Park Hyatt Vienna so it was a fast $15 Uber experience between the 2 properties. Different members of the family flying to Vienna determined to ebook transportation via the Andaz and it price 55 euros ($59) for an SUV (for as much as 3 passengers and baggage) and 80 euros ($86) for a minivan. It’s also possible to simply seize a taxi upon arrival on the airport and anticipate fares to be round $40.

Whereas the Andaz is not inside Vienna’s famed Ringstasse, a 3.3-mile “ring” highway across the historic Innere Stadt space of the town, it’s inside strolling distance (12 minutes) to the Belvedere Palace. The palace is a serious vacationer attraction, and the advanced additionally consists of a number of gardens and museums. (Hyatt’s Lindner Lodge Vienna Am Belvedere, a JDV property, is even nearer to the Belvedere Palace. Only a 5-minute stroll.)

It’s also possible to take a metro line or tram to the historic a part of Vienna. However Ubers and taxis are comparatively cheap, so we relied on these as our technique of transport.

There are a number of eating places inside strolling distance of the lodge. Nonetheless, that is extra of a enterprise district so it is fairly sleepy within the evenings. If you happen to like to stroll out your lodge door and be in the midst of all the pieces, this isn’t the place for you. However, for those who’re on the lookout for a superb lodge that is only a 20-minute commute to all of the sights you want to go to, this is a perfect dwelling base.

Be aware: If you happen to’re touring to Vienna for the Christmas markets, there’s one on the Belvedere Palace. Or, keep on the Park Hyatt Vienna within the outdated metropolis, which is straight throughout from a market.

Up to date however characterful rooms

The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere has 303 visitor rooms and 44 suites. The excessive variety of suites could partially clarify why Globalists love this property: The possibility of an improve is sort of good, relying in your dates of keep and the capability of the lodge.

All rooms have elegant fishbone-style parquet flooring and are geared up with 55-inch flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, plush robes and slippers, blackout curtains, Illy espresso makers and electrical kettles, irons and ironing boards and — a model normal — complimentary minibar with native treats. The free drinks included water and Austrian Almdudler soda crafted from alpine herbs and beet sugar, in addition to Method chocolate wafer cookies.

Artwork hangs on the partitions, sits on cabinets and stands on the ground, giving all rooms and suites a really Bohemian however upscale vibe.

Friends could request each day newspaper supply, cribs and rollaway beds (in sure rooms).

Rooms

Metropolis view entry-level rooms are 322 sq. ft and include both a king mattress or two twins. These rooms embody an armchair and ottoman plus a small desk and one chair. You’ll be able to see the Belvedere Palace from these rooms.

The subsequent class up consists of neighborhood view king- and twin-bedded rooms which might be additionally 322 sq. ft however have the addition of hovering floor-to-ceiling home windows.

If the view is vital to you, pony up a number of additional {dollars} for the Skyline View King Mattress Excessive Ground or 2 Twin Beds Excessive Ground lodging. The rooms are nonetheless simply 322 sq. ft however they’re on the tenth to fifteenth flooring with monumental home windows and have beautiful views of Quartier Belvedere.

These wishing for a bit extra space ought to ebook the 355-square-foot King Mattress Deluxe that provides a freestanding tub and separate walk-in bathe into the combination.

If you happen to’re touring with youngsters, contemplate the 645-square-foot Household Room, which is definitely two connecting rooms: one has a double mattress and the opposite two twin beds. Most mother and father will agree that having the additional room and two bogs could make or break a trip with the children.

Suites

If you happen to’ve ever wished to splurge on a set, the Andaz Vienna is the place to do it. You’ll be able to typically discover good money charges, or use your factors (or factors plus money) to ebook an ordinary or premium suite.

Globalists can lock in an Andaz Suite by making use of a Suite Evening Award (SNA) to their reservation, pending availability. And, in fact, typically Hyatt elites get bumped as much as a set right here primarily based on stock, even with out utilizing an SNA.

Suites have the identical feel and appear because the lodge’s rooms however have the additional benefit of an upgraded Hyatt Grand king mattress.

As Globalists booked on a Hyatt Prive price, we obtained a welcome amenity that included some enjoyable candies on an artist’s palette, glowing wine and fruit.

There are a number of layouts for the Skyline View Andaz Suites, which vary from 441 to 473 sq. ft. These are normal suites with a king mattress, two chairs and occasional desk and desk with one chair.

Andaz Deluxe Suites have park views and are 678 to 699 sq. ft. That additional house affords you a rest room with double self-importance, tub and separate rain bathe; a half tub; plus a three-person couch and a much bigger desk. (You solely get one armchair, although). This premium suite may be booked to connect with a king room.

The lodge added a rollaway mattress to the lounge so my three nieces may share an Andaz Deluxe Suite.

My husband and I chosen the 1,162-square-foot Govt Suite with Park View. (These premium suites are discovered on the thirteenth and 14th flooring of the lodge.) We cherished the nook room with views in three instructions from these floor-to-ceiling home windows. We may watch individuals boarding the tram strains, look out on the Belvedere Palace and its gardens, see the Prater amusement park’s Ferris wheel and sights within the distance in addition to the outdated metropolis and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The views have been merely gorgeous.

The eating and dwelling areas have been mixed so we may comfortably assemble our group of 14 for drinks and even a full dinner.

The eating desk sat six, there was a spacious L-shaped couch, plus two further chairs and a desk and 65-inch flat-screen TV.

A tufted bench by the door — throughout from a garments valet — was the proper place to drop off jackets and purses.

Two doorways led to the bed room, which was its personal little haven with a chair, ottoman and studying lamp plus a second TV.

An armchair and low desk positioned proper by the free-standing bathtub gave the toilet a very decadent really feel.

The separate bathe was so massive there was by no means an opportunity of bumping your elbows on the wall or glass door whereas washing your hair.

Now, my colleague Tanner Saunders, senior lodge reporter, will assume what I am about to say is blasphemy however … I may have completed with out the fancy Japanese Toto bathroom within the grasp tub. I simply do not want all these bells and whistles. (The half-bath had a standard-style bathroom.)

Associated story: Here is why my favourite lodge amenity is a heated bathroom

The artwork within the suite, although, received us over — particularly a golden bunny that held court docket on the credenza towards the couch. (Professional tip: You should buy the identical bunny sculpture in gold and quite a lot of different colours on the Albertina Museum within the outdated metropolis.) The room was additionally stocked with dozens of books, starting from quirky image books to artwork books to journey guides.

We’d ebook the Govt Suite once more, even when it have been simply the 2 of us touring. We loved it that a lot.

Extra bookable suites embody:

• Belvedere Park View Suite: As much as 656 sq. ft; may be related to a Twin View Room)
• Penthouse Suite: On the fifteenth ground with park view; 2,088 sq. ft; premium suite; may be related to an Andaz Deluxe Suite and Twin Mattress Room
• 2 Bed room Suite: Park views; 1,000-1,021 sq. ft
• 3 Bed room Suite: Prime metropolis views; 1,270-1,323 sq. ft

The eating and ingesting venues will make you need to keep in

The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere has one sit-down restaurant referred to as Eugen21 & Terrace, a espresso store referred to as Bicycle owner and two bars, one within the foyer and one on the rooftop.

Eugen21 & Terrace

Eugen21 & Terrace is the primary restaurant, serving breakfast each day and dinner Monday-Saturday. It is closed on Sundays (the one element I had not anticipated or checked, and its closure did chew into our plans a bit).

Let’s begin with probably the most enjoyable strategy to spend time at Eugen21: the complimentary (for visitors) 4-6 p.m. pleased hour. The timing was good for our group on a number of days once we have been coming back from sightseeing to vary for dinner simply because the Andaz was setting out its unfold.

A purple and white wine have been served each day together with water. The snack choice may have been higher, although. Every afternoon we visited, the identical factor was served: a berry crumble cake.

I had seen different vacationers’ pictures of pretzels and sausages and hoped for extra of that. However, even with the restricted snack choice, it is a good strategy to spend a while with pals. Seating is comfy and most afternoons, we had your complete place to ourselves.

Breakfast is included for World of Hyatt Globalists or these reserving an eligible price (reminiscent of via Amex Tremendous Lodges + Resorts or Hyatt Prive). The buffet was strong and value 31 euros ($33) per particular person if not included in your price.

I had simply come from a keep on the Park Hyatt Vienna, which places out considered one of Europe’s most spectacular breakfast spreads so it was robust for me to not examine the Andaz to that. In fact, I most well-liked the Park Hyatt’s breakfast with all of the beautiful cheeses and sausages and veggies and pastries and chive toast, however I nonetheless discovered a lot to get pleasure from on the Andaz.

For those who do not like buffets, you may order off the a la carte menu: contemporary bread and butter or croissants (5.5 euros/$5.89); scrambled eggs (7 euros/$7.49 or 7.50 euros/$8.03 with bacon); omelets, eggs Benedict, avocado toast or waffles (9 euros/$9.63) or breakfast bowls (9-9.5 euros/about $10).

Nonetheless, dinner is the key deal with at Eugen21. On our final night on the lodge, my husband and I dined right here considering it could be a fast “pick-me-up.” It was the most effective meals we had on the journey.

We requested to be seated in one of many cozy inexperienced velvet banquettes and our server was completely beautiful. The fitting steadiness of attentiveness and friendliness.

For appetizers, I selected a scrumptious watermelon gazpacho accented with a touch of wasabi and basil (10 euros/$10.70). It was served with a tasty fennel bread. My husband went with the meat tartare with contemporary chanterelles and crispy capers tucked right into a creamy tarragon mayonnaise (19 euros/$20.34).

From there, I loved probably the most flavorful grilled Iberico pork with pan-roasted inexperienced beans and potatoes with piquillo pepper pesto and watercress (29 euros/$31.04). My husband had the guinea fowl with artichoke, taggiasca olives, preserved lemon and new potatoes (25 euros/$26.90). Each entrees have been, frankly, gorgeous. We really loved the meal and wished we would had room for dessert, which included cherry granita, iced darkish chocolate and pickled rhubarb (all 10 euros/$10.70) in addition to Austria’s well-known kaiserschmarrn pancake dessert with plum sauce for 2 (28 euros/$29.97) and an aged uncooked milk cheese plate (10 euros/$10.70).

Like many eating places in Europe, Eugen21 expenses a per-person cowl cost (4.5 euros/$4.82).

Bicycle owner Cafe & Bistro

We did not dine on the lodge’s Bicycle owner Cafe, however we did stroll via to see the funky decor impressed by — you guessed it — bicycles.

There’s an entrance from contained in the lodge (via Eugen21) and from the surface via the constructing’s aspect terrace.

For breakfast, there are egg dishes like omelets and eggs Benedict, yogurt and fruit bowls, waffles, pastries and avocado toast (objects ranged from 7-9 euros/$7.49–$9.63).

The lunch menu centered on burgers, falafel, salads and sandwiches (9-13 euros/$9.63-$13.91) but in addition provided Wiener schnitzel (29 euros/$31.04), pappardelle (22 euros/$23.55) and some different hearty dishes.

Foyer Bar Lounge

The Andaz’s foyer is colloquially known as “the lounge” and the Foyer Bar Lounge is towards the again of the lounge, near the restaurant. Whereas the hours are listed as 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., we by no means noticed a bartender manning it. Nonetheless, we have been in a position to flag down assist from servers at Eugen21. You should purchase beer, wine, sodas and different drinks.

There’s additionally a espresso machine within the foyer the place you may get a complimentary drink 24/7 and there have been typically cookies set out as nicely.

Aurora Rooftop Bar

The spot you actually need to stake out for a night is on the sixteenth ground at Aurora Rooftop Bar. Impressed by the Northern Lights, the ambiance is cozy and relaxed with seating searching over the town.

Tree stumps function cocktail tables and there is even a firepit on the terrace.

We would made reservations for outside seating at sundown, however sadly, it rained like loopy that night, so we canceled. The drinks menu is in depth, although, and you may order small bites. You may make timed reservations for outside seating and you actually do have to ebook prematurely since locals and vacationers alike go to because of the beautiful panoramas.

There’s additionally indoor seating and we didn’t want reservations to pop by for a drink or two earlier than bedtime. The bar opens at 4 p.m. and closes at midnight (1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday).

The indoor vibe is darker and extra moody and there is an enclosed hearth as a focus.

Mocktails are 12 euros ($12.84), cocktails are 16 euros ($17.13) and “bartender’s alternative” is eighteen euros ($19.27).

The health middle and spa will hold you busy

A number of members of my household visited the 24-hour, 4th-floor health middle and spoke extremely of the standard of the Technogym gear and good atmosphere with home windows searching over the Schweizergarten.

The spa, additionally on this ground, affords a sauna, steam tub with ice fountain and rest room. We did not have time for a therapy, however choices included all the standard suspects. Quite a lot of massages, together with deep tissue or rest, price 125 euros ($134) for 50 minutes or 180 euros ($193) for 75 minutes. Sizzling stone massages have been extra at 220 euros ($235) for 75 minutes and 250 euros ($269) for 90 minutes.

Causes the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere won’t be for you

The Andaz Vienna am Belvedere is interesting on many ranges, from the worth available utilizing each factors or money, to the art-filled suites, to the keen workers and wonderful Globalist recognition. Nonetheless, there are a number of the explanation why this might not be an ideal match for you.

• Vienna’s historic websites are a 20-minute drive, or a 50-minute stroll, or require public transportation.
• This quiet enterprise district will not be a buzzy space to take the heartbeat of the town.
• The lodge’s signature Eugen21 is closed for dinner on Sunday, which could put a damper in your plans.

Accessibility

The Andaz Vienna has six accessible rooms with extensive doorways and roll-in showers that are perfect for these in a wheelchair or utilizing different assistive mobility units. These rooms even have alarms to sign for assist if the visitor requires it.

Alternate options to the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere

Vienna guests are spoiled for alternative in the case of accommodations. You could find dozens of fantastic properties starting from finances to luxurious ends of the spectrum. Listed below are another choices to take a look at:

• Park Hyatt Vienna — That is the gold normal (nearly actually because it’s housed in a former financial institution) for Hyatt loyalists. Situated in a phenomenal historic constructing within the outdated metropolis, the lodge’s extremely polished workers sees to your each want. Eating venues are wonderful and there is a pool within the spa. You may spend extra (in both money or factors) on the Park Hyatt than the Andaz, although. Award nights begin at 25,000 factors.
• Lodge Imperial, A Luxurious Assortment Lodge, Vienna — We loved lunch at Cafe Imperial at this lodge inside Vienna’s Innere Stadt and I might like to return to remain on the lodge. Due to its participation in Marriott Bonvoy, you may snag a room from 50,000 factors per night time. Summertime charges are increased at round 70,000 to 80,000 factors, so this could possibly be a implausible use of a credit score card-related free night time certificates that you may “high up.”
• Rosewood Vienna — Eric Rosen, TPG’s director of content material, loved his latest keep on the new Rosewood Vienna. Whereas expensive, it is price it for these searching for top-notch service.
• Lindner Lodge Vienna Am Belvedere — If you happen to’re on the lookout for a lodge that is a good higher worth on factors than the Andaz, contemplate JdV by Hyatt. It’s extra of a finances property nevertheless it’s additionally close to the Belvedere advanced and begins at simply 3,500 World of Hyatt factors per night time. Do not anticipate the high-end touches or keen service that is a trademark of the Andaz Vienna, although.

Trying out

Would I return to the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere? Sure, completely. Whereas we had a problem with room service one night, that was the one service blip (which the lodge made proper) on an in any other case wonderful journey — and that is throughout eight rooms and 14 individuals throughout the extremely busy summer season season.

The worth on the Andaz Vienna — utilizing both factors or money — cannot be denied. It is the most effective offers within the metropolis.

We cherished the suites and even the base-level rooms have been spacious and delightful. Our group, which included a museum curator, particularly appreciated the artwork within the foyer, within the lodge’s hallways and in our lodging.

However, most significantly, the workers was really beautiful. Everybody on the entrance desk went out of their strategy to greet my members of the family upon arrival and make them really feel at dwelling. They provided ideas and recommendation all through our journey and have been by no means low on smiles. Past the fantastic lodging and scrumptious meals, that is what really set this keep aside.

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