Happy Days in Vienna this Christmas Season
This year I was fortunate to spend some time in Vienna right at the opening of the Christmas Market. There were plenty of wonderful crafts and holiday decoration ideas but most of them were very traditional and safe. On the other hand, I was inspired by the charmingly imperfect decorations at Hotel Das Tyrol.
I was incredibly lucky to stay for a few days in Hotel Das Tyrol. and still can’t forget it! This place is like a delicious dessert- it wraps you up in a glorious and festive mood from head to toe.
Because it was the end of November the hotel was decorated for the holidays most gloriously and effortlessly. Style? Well, they define it as “a touch of Baroque that meets casual laissez-faire.” This is to say in plain English – opulent but tasteful and carefree.
Lovely Boutique Hotel Das Tyrol
When you stay at Hotel Das Tyrol you are literally just a few minutes away from the Museums Quartier, which is a cultural complex with several notable museums, cafes, and small shops. It is designed to appeal to the whole family. If you have young kids they will lose themselves in futuristic and sleek ZOOM- Children’s Museum, and if you like art and design Leopold Museum is right down your alley. Obviously, I checked out the Museum of Architecture with the displays of the new fascinating architectural projects of the city that take your breath away. One way or another, I am certain that your family will find something to do there. Of course, there are small shops and places to eat there. For instance, for breakfast or lunch, we liked healthy choices at a cafe inside ZOOM.
Conveniently, there are plenty of places to eat around Hotel Das Tyrol as well. For a memorable dessert, we chose OBERLAA, and if you want a guilt-free place consider many casual restaurants up the street.
Hotel Das Tyrol is a small boutique hotel that makes a big design statement.
The reception area flows into the bar area, which in turn, flows into the breakfast area. It’s like an open floor plan that makes you feel at home.
Effortless Holiday Decoration at the Hotel
Conveniently, there is an elevator for your suitcases. If you take the stairs your sight catches a row of colorful figurines that make you smile. One more turn up the staircase, and you notice glossy decorative mushrooms.
Surprisingly, in the bar area, I was amused by the cats and fish installation. It is a playful and bright eye candy.
In the bar area, your eye will continue traveling from one-holiday decor composition to another none of which are traditional.
Adding to the festive holiday decor is the display of suspended figurines floating over the whimsical handmade vases. I think that it is very refreshing to see holiday decoration ideas that are accessible to many people and not just high-end exclusive buys. In fact, I am sure that you can find similar tutorials on YouTube. In fact, the whole design is a balancing act between simplicity and sophistication, opulence and long-loved familiar attributes.
When you sit down for coffee or a drink you’ll feel wrapped in luxury and comfort. Red and gold, velvet and mirrors, marble and porcelain- it feels like you are inside a fashion magazine. With bold Attila Adorjan’s artwork on the walls and fabulous tableware, you will discover what it’s like to be pampered.
Our floor was unexpectedly Disney! The bright persimmon energy-pumping color of the carpet picks the same fun shades of the iconic Disney characters. So fun!
By the way, every floor hallway has a different art collection. But somehow it has a common vibe. Because all of it has bold colors and large scale no matter how different it still works together.
Festive Hotel Rooms
Even though our room was not too large it looked much bigger because of the reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, glossy panels, glass, and shiny metal. A cozy leather headboard, generous draperies, and crispy white linens kept me longer in bed. If it wasn’t for the long-awaited exhibitions in nearby Museum Quarters I’d find every excuse to linger in the room.
But when I finally made my way to the Leopold Museum I was glad I did. The works of Josef Hoffman, and Koloman Moser, were displayed as if intentionally to further weave the story for me behind the design inspiration of the hotel. The design inspiration is in Wiener Werkstätte, a Vieneese movement going back to the beginning of the previous century. The exquisite quality of the materials and furniture, hand-stitched leather of the headboards, gold tones, velvets, and luscious curtains draw from the level of sophistication of the old days.
Lighting to Showcase the Festive Holiday Mood
Clearly, in any hospitality venue, the design is as successful as the lighting decisions. Natural light, ambient light, chandeliers, table lamps, spotlights- all of the lighting becomes the main character. And at Tyrol, lighting solutions are fabulous!
You’ll say, “How about all the conveniences we crave when we are away from home?” I hear you. Whether it is an Illy coffee maker with coffee pods, a smart TV with Bose speakers, or a well-functioning walk-in shower I appreciate it all! Did I mention a Dyson hair dryer? Check mark!
Last but not least, there is a lovely spa in the hotel where you can enjoy the sauna and relax.
Needless to say, my head was spinning from all the luxury and inspiration. I am now so inspired by the fresh holiday decoration ideas! that I nurture after the trip. You will be the first to see what I am going to do. Ahh, now I feel it’s a promise so don’t miss my next post.
