By beautifulmadam

27/03/2023

HOTEL EXPERIENCES: SO/ Vienna, Vienna | Vanity

Image: Courtesy of SO/Vienna

In these winter dates we want to enter the geographical heart of Europe, and the gateway is Vienna.

Even with the nostalgic Christmas hangover, we landed in a cold city (how could it be otherwise? way) and we headed directly to SO/Vienna. We chose it for its location, architecture and design, signed by Jean Nouvel, one of the greatest architects of our time. Leaning on its Biedermeier and 1900 past, it manifests itself exuberantly in its glass cube, far from constructive traditions but drinking from them. And it is that this building, absolutely modern and rationalist, stands proud in a sea of buildings with tradition that make the city a museum to walk around discovering entire streets of Renaissance styles and, above all, Baroque, such as the RingStrasse. Without forgetting the magnificent examples left by our admired Adolf Loos or Otto Wagner... A great cast of intellectuals walked through its streets, such as the psychoanalyst Freud, but also artists from the Jugendstil movement or Gustav Klimt himself. In short, all this atmosphere, which has been layered through the different eras, makes Vienna seem magical and appetizing. Thus, we enter this glass temple that will host us to discover the warmth of a hotel designed for the guest of the s. XXI, with all the technological comforts that our time can offer. The hall, of more than generous dimensions, is amplified by the diaphanous nature of its container: a space without columns that makes visual transparency its leitmotif, only punctuated by occasional counters that facilitate customer check-in and out. to the room, more of the same, spaciousness in abundance that can be nuanced by movable panels capable of determining more traditional areas or the purest diaphanousness in the Blade Runner style. Here Nouvel repeats the formula used successfully at the Puerta de América hotel in Madrid almost 20 years ago. Precursor formula according to the renowned architect of what living in the future would be like and that the pandemic has proven to be true in its entirety. All the useful aspects of the room without barriers are hidden, thus hiding functions in cupboards and drawers that allow a visual cleanliness that relaxes the look and the feeling of living. A monastic bet in the middle of the 21st century that softens the hustle and bustle of a hectic life and allows us to withdraw into our comfort zone with everything at our disposal. We woke up and went up to have breakfast. We don't give credit. A glass curtain unfolds around the entire building and allows us to look out over all of Vienna. It cannot be true, the glass walls five meters high take over the guest with their transparency and in a tour around the entire perimeter of the premises we locate each monument, neighborhood and park. Breakfast, as you can imagine, goes by with your mouth open and hardly a word. Quite a show that continues in its spa, where we decided to have a sauna, also with views. We showered to go up to dinner and, although the restaurant is still the same as the one we were in that morning, it looks like a different setting. The darkness serves as a backdrop for the thousands of points of light that are scattered throughout the city and that give us a new and surprising image of what we had seen in daylight. To top it off, the ceiling that surrounds the entire room is a giant canvas by Pipilotti Rist, a video-art artist par excellence. Difficult to describe the emotions produced by dining under the stars. For that alone, it is worth visiting Vienna.

What to see?

Hofburg Palace. Located in the historic center, the Hofburg lived in the royal family of the Habsburgs for more than 600 years and was their winter residence. If you visit it you will be able to see, in addition to the old rooms of the kings, the Sisi Museum and the Court Silversmith's. In addition, in another annex to the Palace is the Spanish Riding School, where you can see dressage training from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 12pm. Austrian National Library. Located in the same complex and considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Vienna Opera. One of the most emblematic temples of opera worldwide. The interior of the Renaissance-style building can be toured with a visit that will take you through different rooms, such as the tea room, the Marble room, the hall and the incredible auditorium with capacity for 2,800 people. You can also attend a performance, which will give you a more realistic insight into musical life in Viennese society. When you leave, you will have the Church of the Capuchins a few meters away, one of the great surprises of our trip. In this small Baroque church is the Imperial Crypt,in which the members of royalty rest, among them 12 emperors and 18 empresses, highlighting above all one of the coffins, which is none other than that of Empress Sisi. St. Stephen's Cathedral. It is the most important religious building in the city and where the wedding and funeral of the musical genius Mozart was held. You cannot miss taking the elevator up to its tower to see its characteristic tiled roof and fantastic views of the center from Vienna. City Park or Stadtpark. This English-style park, through which the Wien River crosses, has several places that are worth visiting, such as the monument to Johann Strauss or the Kursalon building. Leaving the StadtPark, you will find the Ringstrasse, a circular avenue of more than 5 kilometers that passes through many of the most visited buildings and monuments in Vienna, which you can explore on foot or by tram. We recommend you go to the Church of San Carlos Borromeo and continue along the avenue until you come across the enormous Greek-style Parliament building, inside which is the Hall of Pillars and the Chamber of the Federal Assembly. Also, do not miss, next to the Parliament, the spectacular facade of the Vienna City Hall. Central Cafe. Have a good cup of hot chocolate or a delicious cake in this cafe, the most beautiful and famous in Vienna. A meeting place for intellectuals and artists of the time, where its decoration and live piano music will take you back centuries. Schönbrunn Palace. Our favourite. Although the visit to its interior with 40 rococo-style rooms are wonderful, what impresses the most about the palace are its huge and well-kept gardens. It is located 8 kilometers from the city center. Hundertwasserhaus residential complex. One of the most surprising visits in which the colorful façade of the houses with wavy shapes and trees coming out of the rooms, are truly crazy. Don't forget to take a look downstairs, there are several shops where you can buy some souvenirs. Belvedere Palace. Baroque in style, it enjoys magnificent gardens on three levels, with large fountains and is made up of two buildings, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. In the Upper Belvedere is one of the masterpieces of painting, "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt.

What to eat?

Shiki. This Japanese is headed by a Viennese born in Tokyo and whose grandfather founded the Seiko watch brand. He was a violinist and conductor used to traveling the world and eating at the best restaurants. One day six years ago, he decided to express his Asian feelings in a culinary way, making an interpretation of the food of the rising sun in the heart of the Austrian capital. This is how he got his Michelin star in 2017. Without a doubt, if you come to the city of music you cannot miss it. Silvio Nickol. This Michelin star has a style that is not easy to forget. Its sometimes daring combinations are designed down to the last detail, combining creativity and respect for manufacturing in the culinary tradition. With a more than enough wine list, it is worth highlighting the high-quality service. Steirereck. It is one of the best gastronomic emblems of the city. From his kitchen, the young chef Heinz Reitbauer proposes a renewed vision of Austrian cuisine without fear of foreign influences.

What to buy?

Swarovski. Without a doubt, the famous Austrian crystal brand is a claim for lovers of brilli-brilli. Here you will find three different stores a few steps from each other dedicated to home, collector's jewelery and costume jewellery. The prices are worth it for those who want to add reflections to their day to day. Art Nouveau accessories. Austria in general and Vienna in particular, have a strong heritage related to Art Nouveau and Modernism, so buying a decorative item inspired by these artistic trends can be a really successful gift. Among the most interesting gifts are those that are closest to their originals in pattern, material, and shape. Some examples are: bags and accessories, with original prints by Josef Hoffmann, porcelain cups, coffee sets or vases. Snow Globes. We know, maybe you think that a snow globe is a bit simple and a bit cliché, but the reality is that if you are thinking about what to buy in Vienna, this is a perfect gift. Because? Because this typical decoration item was invented in Austria more than a century ago. Augarten porcelain. Whether you visit the Hufburg Palace, a fancy café, or a local Viennese home, chances are you'll come across some traditional Augarten porcelain. These items are produced in the second oldest porcelain factory in Europe,across the Danube channel. The best china items you can get are jewelry boxes, small decorative figures, plates, or coffee sets. Artisan chocolate. Although they do not have the fame of Swiss or Belgian chocolates, Austrian chocolates have a very high quality and are truly delicious. Of the many good shops where you can buy chocolate in Vienna, perhaps one of the best is Bonbons Anzinger. Here they make all their truffles, sweets and chocolates by hand, creating ideal chocolates to give to a loved one when you return from your trip. If in addition to a souvenir, you want to treat yourself, you can stop and have a hot chocolate while you discover everything that this store has to offer you. schanpps. Although the most popular drink in Austria is beer, Schnapps occupies a very important place in the local culture. This brandy can be distilled from fruits and herbs. The most popular are the apricot and plum one, without forgetting the mega popular Jägermeister, which is nothing more than a spirit distilled from herbs. We hope that you do not abuse this last recommendation and that you enjoy this beautiful city, its buildings and its music. oh! and that it makes you less cold than us...

HOTEL EXPERIENCES: SO/ Vienna, Vienna | Vanity

Images: Courtesy of SO/Vienna

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