On my solo trip this spring, I stayed for 6 days in Vienna at the Rick Steves-recommended Pension Kraml the first week in May.
LOCATION: Great location in Vienna, between two subway lines. Easy to get to the Ring and right off the busy pedestrian through way, Mariahilferstrasse. This was not a bad neighborhood, I saw no strip joints in the area and had no issues walking after dark. There were people out and about, with cafes nearby.
PENSION: The pension has no elevator so you will need to walk at least one floor up, where the reception is. The building is typical of the area and the breezeway entry is notable for the prints on walls, and piped in Vienna waltz music which will welcome you every time you come and go.
ROOM: This was the biggest room I had on my entire trip. It was a double with en suite bath and toilet. I was on first floor (one floor up). I was pleased to have gotten a double room as there was no suitcase rack and I used the 2nd bed for maps and suitcase. I could spread out and relax. Room included an armoire with ample room for all my clothing to be easily stored on shelves and hangers. And, the hangers can be removed for using in bathroom for laundered items. There was a desk and chair in the corner, two chairs opposite, a very odd (kidney) shaped small center table, which was difficult to use for take out meals. But overall the room and bath were excellent, cozy. The bath also had a metal rack with three poles where you can hang clothes to dry.
SLEEP There was no nighttime noise. I stayed there five nights. I got better sleep here than any other accommodation. The bed was comfortable, and it was quiet during the day as well. I caught up on sleep here.
BREAKFAST Breakfast venue is through adjacent outside entry in same building. A lovely and hospitable breakfast every day. Lovely dining room. Good rolls, yogurt, fruit, cold cuts, juices, hard boiled eggs, cereals, etc. My only complaint for my entire stay here: Poor coffee! Very weak. This was the only place where I did not drink all the coffee in my little carafe. It was a shame, because the friendly, welcoming and warmly smiling girl there also brought milk that was steaming in its own carafe. I would go and get coffee outside as this was not sufficient. However, the positive side was that it made it possible to try coffee elsewhere, rather than being already caffeinated to the max.
HOSPITALITY: Very good. Mr. Kraml went out of his way to help his guests. I saw him take a large plastic bag of Thai food up to his room one morning to nuke it for a group of Asian ladies who had brought it from a restaurant. He helped me with ideas for spending some down time at a park. He also carried my suitcase (did not ask him to!) downstairs upon my departure, and with a sprained thigh muscle, that did not go unappreciated.
OVERALL: 9 (out of 10). Very professionally run establishment, great transit location, low key area if you don’t want to stay in the higher energy Ring. And a lot cheaper. The price, for what you are getting, just cannot be beat. This is the one place I will definitely return to (and hopefully by then the coffee will be up to par). Plus, I’m not nearly done with Vienna – an unforeseen new love. I will just have to try and get the same room again. (#9)
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