Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof

"In September I went on a work trip to Vienna for 4 nights. On arrival, the receptionist could not find my booking. He suggested I was wrong and that I must be staying at a different Novotel as there were many in Vienna. He appeared to read the whole email thread when I showed him the work booking. His colleague then located the booking under my colleague's name. She shouted "Das ist so dumm" and I told her I understand enough German ('that is so stupid') about the work booking being under my colleague's name. She then mocked my colleague's name, which is Slavic. In the morning I tried to charge my phone. As soon as the charger touched the socket, before I could plug it in, long orange flames came out. All the electrics in the room cut out with a thud. At reception they said my charger was probably illegal in Vienna, and that the hotel was full so they could not change my room. They asked me if I wanted to go back to the room (!) to wait for a technician. They did not sympathize or apologize or offer a refund. I went to breakfast while waiting, and was too upset to remember to get a receipt for business expenses. Reception told my colleagues they could issue a retrospective receipt. They were polite to my (white, European) colleagues. When I went to ask for the receipt they were unsmiling and told me to email. I have since called 3 times and emailed 3 times but did not get a retrospective receipt. The breakfast was very nice and the room was clean and large. I was afraid to sleep there after the electrical fault. I assume it was fixed because the Iights were back on, but nobody told me anything. Tomorrow I shall try calling/emailing again for a receipt."

"Great location, if travelling by train! And within walking distance of the main tourist attractions. The room was clean and comfortable but not much space with the sofa bed in use. Breakfasts were good. Staff were friendly and helpful."

"The hotel has an excellent location directly next to Wien Hauptbahnhof, with fast access to local and international trains. The design is modern and appealing. Unfortunately, the stay was seriously undermined by multiple issues that do not align with a 4‑star standard. Major Issues: Mini‑fridge removed: The fridge has been taken out of the room entirely, leaving an empty space. This is not acceptable for a 4‑star property. No telephone in the room: In case of emergency or even a simple request, there is no way to contact reception or room service. Guests must physically go downstairs. This is a clear safety concern. No task chair: Working from the room is impossible. Even budget hotels provide a proper chair for business travelers. No coffee machine: A basic amenity in most 3‑ and 4‑star hotels is missing. they only provided a cattle for hot water . No pen or notebook: Not even basic stationery is provided. No bedside light switches: All lights must be controlled from a single switch next to the door — extremely inconvenient. Carpet and sofa require deep cleaning: Visible stains throughout the room indicate poor housekeeping standards. TV practically unusable: Channels are almost exclusively in Dutch, and all smart‑TV functions are disabled. Guests must rely on their phones for entertainment. Breakfast overpriced: While breakfast is decent, €30 per person is excessive for a hotel offering such limited in‑room comfort. Staff Response: The staff appear trained to give scripted, dismissive answers to these issues. For example, they claim that a task chair or mini‑fridge is “available on request,” which feels more like an excuse than a real solution. These are basic amenities that should already be in the room, not optional add‑ons."