Tag Archives: Austria

Hotel Lamee, Vienna

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There are plenty of grand and expensive hotels to choose from in Vienna, but I chose to stay at a smaller, more characterful hotel while in the city for a short weekend break. Hotel Lamee is a stylish boutique venue, one of the hand-picked design hotels in the city. Arriving into Vienna international airport late at night we were relieved to discover how quick and easy the taxi ride to Lamee was. Just steps away from the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansplatz), Hotel Lamee and its nearby sister hotel Topazz are very centrally located and ideal for business or pleasure trips. From the hotel it was easy walking distance to the major sites, shops and cafes.

We were in Room 62, a glamorous and stylish double room. The room was cosy and comforting, filled with luxurious materials: satin, velvet and silk. Decorated in rich reds and creamy golden hues it certainly had a regal look. In the main space a huge bed with plumped pillows took precedence in the centre of the room. Beneath the windows a small coffee table and two armchairs were ideal for relaxing. Through the glass partition wall the indulgent bathroom included a big marble bath, “his and hers” sinks and a shower room. A circular mirror offered light on the wall. Fluffy towelling robes hung temptingly on the walls. Initially we assumed there was no TV, but eventually we found the cinematic flat screen that rose from the leather piece of furniture at the foot of the bed.

We slept soundly, enjoyed numerous hot baths and really took advantage of this lavish living space. My only issue was the temperature system, which seemed to really struggle to regulate the room. We were far too hot at times and the air-conditioning unit refused to cooperate despite the kind efforts of the staff. Eventually we resorted to opening the window to let in some cold fresh air.

Breakfast is served in an intimate dining room on the first floor. A selection of pastries and cereals were available as well as more filling hot a la carte dishes. The food was tasty and fresh, and the eggs and bacon got a particularly good review from my friend. We spent the early mornings here, flicking through guide books and sipping strong coffee and orange juice. We didn’t have time to sample the other food and drink venues on site but they come highly recommended. On the ground floor Bloom café offers Austrian dishes eco-friendly wine. Spilling out onto the street it is a buzzing eatery to sit at with friends. At the top of the building the rooftop garden offers amazing views over the city, sit and enjoy a drink whilst looking at Vienna from another perspective.

With sumptuous bedrooms and luxurious amenities, Lamee Hotel is a lovely place to return to after a long day exploring the streets of Vienna.

More information and book a stay at Hotel Lamee here.

Many thanks to the Vienna Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Edvard Restaurant, Vienna

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It seems fitting that in a prestigious city like Vienna there are many restaurants to suit a cultured clientele. Edvard is one of the top in this category, located in the outstanding Kempinski Hotel, this One Michelin starred restaurant serves immaculate dishes using the finest local meat and fish.

Sashaying through the ornate lobby, we made our way to the dining room and were seated at a table near the front, behind us the other tables were all full. We found the waiters to be discreet and charming which ensured the dining room mood was civilised and sophisticated at all times.

Immaculate tiny amuse-bouche tasters were brought to us, arranged with the utmost care, followed by wonderfully warm crusty bread, and indulgent canary yellow butter. A tempting tasting menu offers 4 or 7 courses, which can be paired with wine. We opted for the extravagant a la carte menu which features fresh and exciting flavour combinations. I loved the simplicity of the menus, decorated with lovely little food related illustrations.

After a glass of extra bubbly Champagne, our complex starter arrived. We both ordered the Beets with cream cheese, herbs, pumpernickel and malt – a dish that arrived on two plates each. The food was a rich palette of reds and maroons, with varying textures and shapes. I particularly liked the oriental style beetroot rolls which were presented entwined in an alarming snake-like jelly. Then on the slate plate, a thin malt biscuit topped with vibrant beetroot sorbet and pretty edible flowers; a group of unusual tastes that tasted light and herbaceous.

For main course we tried two opposite recipes. The codfish with white carrots, black rice, mussels, yuzu and coriander was an ethereal dish. Clean and healthy, a perfect option for a dieter. The fish was perfectly cooked and the green vegetables and sauce gave a kick of seasoning. My venison with topinambour, apple, hibiscus, brussel sprouts and cacao was a sinfully luxiously option on the other side of the table: silky smooth meat and vegetables paired with sweet chocolatey crumbs and apple puree – it looked as beautiful as it tasted, a rainbow of hues.

And for dessert, some serious chocolate. Described as ‘Textures of Valhrona Chocolate’ I knew this would be focussed on one ingredient. The pastry chef had fun with this dish creating as many textures as possible: chocolate jelly, mousse, ice-cream and biscuit. It was a powerful and rich pudding and I was glad we had only ordered one to share. The intense flavour was contrasted slightly by red berries, though I still craved a dollop of thick cream.

Edvard is an occasion restaurant, ideal for smart business meetings or special celebrations. The food here is innovative and interesting, a treat for the tastebuds. Chef Philipp Vogel offers a range of dishes that are far less traditional than the restaurant appears.

More information and book a table here.

Many thanks to the Vienna Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Things to do in Vienna

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There aren’t many countries in Europe I haven’t been to, Austria was top of my to do list, and in particular a visit to Vienna. Steeped in history and tradition this beautiful capital city much has its own character and style, despite the neighbouring countries that land-lock Austria. Their heartfelt fight for independence in the past has made the locals proud of their heritage and I noticed this enthusiasm throughout the city. The grandeur and elegance is immediately noticeable in the architecture, the regular ballroom dancing events and, of course the cake culture, which we whole-heartedly embraced! Music and art are unforgettable elements to the Viennese culture, many tourists visit just to indulge in the opera productions at the magnificent opera house or to marvel at the impressive art collections. I factored in a mix of prominent sites and hidden gems into my itinerary, and have highlighted my favourite finds below.

To Sleep

Hotel Lamee – this stylish boutique venue is one of the handpicked design hotels in the city. Centrally located, with sumptuous bedrooms and luxurious amenities, it was a lovely place to return to after a long day exploring the streets of Vienna.

To Eat

Edvard – Located in the outstanding Kempinski hotel this one Michelin star restaurant serves immaculate dishes using the finest local meat and fish from the lakes of Austria. Sit back, relax and enjoy the culinary masterpieces presented to you by the charming waiters.

FiglMueller – This renowned restaurant is known in Austria as the home of the schnitzel. Cosy and always bustling with hungry tourists and locals, make sure you book ahead or be prepared to get a take-out schnitzel and eat on the street like I did!

Neni at Naschmarkt – a trendy café in the midst of the weekend flea market, Neni’s offers delicious Middle Eastern fare by a Tel Aviv chef. Sit outside (blankets are found on the seats) and enjoy the food while soaking up the bazaar-like atmosphere.

Hotel Sacher – a trip to Vienna is not complete without a slice of the Hotel Sacher Chocolate Torte. Rich and dense it is best enjoyed with a dollop of thick cream.

To Drink

If Dogs Run Free – named after the famous Bob Dylan song, this stylish bar in the 6th district has a great vibe and serves tasty cocktails. Run by a few creative and zealous guys the bar has become a popular hang-out for young trendsetters.

Halbstadt – this little bar was a lucky late discovery for me in Vienna. Known for mixing the best cocktails in town we headed there for a final drink on Saturday night when the place was just beginning to warm up.

Weinorgel – I didn’t realise how wine-proud Austrians were until I visited this little wine bar. Sit at the smoky bar and enjoy a glass of the local wine whilst enjoying the basket of monkey nuts (the floor is coated in the nut shells).

Caffé Couture – a modern and hip artisan cafe offers easily the best coffee in Vienna. The coffee has a smooth luxurious taste poured with precision by the masterful baristas.

Demel – this famous pastry shop and chocolaterie was founded in 1786 on the Michaelerplatz and is still a classy institution today. Order the classic indulgent hot chocolate with freshly whipped cream and then spend your spare change in the beautiful shop (best known for the violet sugary sweets and ultra-thin chocolate ‘cat’s tongues’).

To See

Mozart’s House – The Mozarthaus Vienna was Mozart’s residence from 1784 to 1787. This building in Vienna’s Old Town, not far from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, is his only surviving Viennese residence and is now a museum holding many illuminating information and documents about his life and work in Austria.

Vienna State Opera House – this World famous opera house produces major productions all year round with staggering variety and top talent. Tickets sell out fast, but you can queue on the day for €3 standing tickets or attend a short tour round the building to see the splendour of the venue.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum – this palatial museum houses some of the most important artwork in Austria, currently showing an exhibition of Velaquez alongside the remarkable permanent collection.

To Shop

Shopping with Lucie – Lucie is a wondrous woman who hails originally from NYC. In 2006 she set up this inventive company to fill a gap in the market and has since offered tours that shed light on the ateliers and artists of Vienna. Tailor-made tours offer insight into the beautiful handmade, luxury and traditional products, clothes and jewellery that live in the backstreets. Below are a few shops I discovered thanks to Lucie’s recommendations.

Lena Hoschek – this is a wonder emporium of unique clothes and accessories made for strong and stylish women. Lena Hoschek’s designs are dark and glamorous with an emphasis on the femme fatale look.

Park – this smart fashion boutique is a kind of concept store. Stocking a carefully curated selection of designer and street brands alongside on-trend furniture, footwear, magazines, perfume and art books. I bought a small bottle of the fragrant Austrian perfume, Wendy and Jim, and also loved the Park’s own brand coloured cashmere hats.

Muhlbauer – this minimalist shop has been providing the Viennese elite with beautiful headwear since 1903. Try on the timeless hats, perfect for keeping your head warm in the cold winter weather.

Das goldene Wiener Herz – the name translates to ‘the golden Viennese heart’. These traditionally-shaped wine glasses are decorated with old-fashioned designs and motifs and make a lovely gift. The balloon glasses have a gold rim and a gold heart on the bottom, whilst the bulbous stemless glasses have a pretty vine illustration.

To Do

Sofitel Spa – this sleek skyscraping hotel is very striking thanks to designer Jean Nouvel who has given the building a futuristic look. Head up to the minimalist spa and let the therapists pamper you while you look out over the city.

The Wiener Riesenrad – this 64.75-metre tall Ferris wheel is at the entrance of the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt, the 2nd district of Vienna. Featured in the famous “The Third Man” film this iconic wheel is a must for tourists. Relish the opportunity to ride on one of the oldest operating wheels in the world and take a photo to remember the extraordinary view.

Many thanks to the Vienna Tourist board for their help with this trip, more information here.