Hidden away behind dark wooden doors, and rather incongruously located next to a tattoo parlour, we entered Das Triest; into a reception area which is full of light. This Terence Conran designed hotel is a former coach station on the route from Vienna to Trieste and surrounds a pretty courtyard garden, perfect for al fresco dining. The bedrooms are also light with high ceilings and a modern simple design. My room boasted a grand total of seven windows and opened onto a sunny garden.

Our visit to Vienna was very brief, just enough time to stroll the short distance from the hotel to the heart of this beautiful city, and glimpse the gothic St Stephens Cathedral, contrasting starkly with the controversial simplicity of Haas Haus directly opposite, which reflects a mirror image of the cathedral.

We could not miss the opportunity to try out one of the typical Viennese cafes which still play an important role in Viennese culture and tradition. Sitting outside in the sunshine and tucking into a piece of sachertorte with a typical “Viennese melange,” the most popular coffee in Vienna, was pure bliss.

As we strolled back to the hotel, a traditional “fiaker,” or horse drawn carriage passed us, with a back drop of beautiful baroque architecture. As we crossed over the “the ring,” the grand boulevard encircling the city, we glimpsed the Vienna State Opera, an enticing promise of how much beauty & culture Vienna has to offer.

Once we had returned to Das Triest, it was soon time to head down to the courtyard to see what the evening menu had to offer. The chef of the restaurant Collio offers a seasonal choice inspired by the region of the same name in Northern Italy. The food was delicious, with a choice of Italian food as well as the traditional Wiener Schnitzel; and was complemented by a very drinkable Austrian red. As it started to get cooler, we moved inside to enjoy our completely unnecessarily indulgent desert.

Our short stay finished in the morning with an excellent buffet breakfast together with a complementary glass of champagne, a final indulgence before all too soon we were on our way back to the airport, hoping for a more leisurely visit to Vienna next time.

Tags: Austria, Das Triest, Hotel of the Week, Vienna | Posted in: Austria, Das Triest, Vienna | Author: Sarah