Best Western Premier Harmonie Vienna ★★★★

It is not often that travel, dance, and art slot together in perfect harmony, but at the Best Western Premier Hotel Harmonie, this intersection of culture and luxury seamlessly unites to create a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of Vienna. With a city so entranced by music and design it is no wonder that the hotel’s general manager and her team have managed to tap into the idea of motion and movement on a number of levels. It is this visionary art concept that sets the Harmonie aside from the rest, helped along by its stunning setting inside a historic Otto Wagner building.

Inside, the hotel is equally as stylish, reflecting the sumptuous charm of Vienna at every turn. Designed by Viennese architects Hoffelner and Parter collaborating with Peruvian artist Luis Casanova Sorolla, it oozes a modern and natural décor that reflects both its position as a boutique hotel and its ethics as an eco-friendly accommodation.

Aside from its unique insight into dance and art, the Harmonie’s popularity is bolstered by its exceptional location down a leafy side-street in the Serviten quarter (also known as Vienna’s ninth district). From this trendy hotspot, I could easily walk to many of the major attractions, as well as soak up the local life in this quieter part of the city. Nearby, there were plenty of churches, museums, galleries, shops, and cafes to keep me busy, but I always enjoyed returning to the Harmonie and its peaceful ambiance.

My room reflected the ideologies of the Harmonie as a whole, featuring calm, neutral colours and lively art dashed across the walls. Plush furnishings gave it a homely feel, whilst the views looked out across the stunning neoclassical architecture of the area. At the heart of the hotel, the cosy lounge area was the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring. The laidback bar area featured jazzy furniture and a library filled with classic and contemporary books – there was even free tea between 3pm and 6pm.

It is not just art and dance that the Harmonie promotes, though. It is also a keen green hotel, holding certificates for sustainability, organic produce, and allergy friendliness. The on-site mini-market sells a range of local goods, whilst the delicious breakfast buffet is piled high with top-quality organic foods from Vienna and the surrounding regions. When I over-indulged in sticky pastries, fresh meat, and warm, homemade bread, I worked it off in the small, stylish fitness studio before hitting Vienna’s streets in search of history and hidden hotspots.

Vienna is a city bursting with culture, from its endless dedication to opera music and its host of high-end galleries and museums, it brings a rich past effortlessly into the present day with a design-led edge. The Best Western Premier Hotel Harmonie tapped into both sides of the coin, bringing together the stylish charm of modern-day Vienna and the cultural nuances of dance, painting, and sustainability. Basically, it was the perfect place to stay for a weekend mosey around the Austrian capital.