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Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof

★★★★★

Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof solves the two biggest headaches of a family city break: getting there and fitting everyone in. The hotel stands at Canettistrasse 6 in the new quarter that has grown up around Wien Hauptbahnhof, the city's main railway station, about 300 metres away, so arrivals by train from the airport or from other European cities end with a two-minute walk rather than a taxi ride. The Belvedere and its Klimt collection are around 800 metres away, a pleasant ten-minute walk, and from the station the U1 reaches Stephansplatz in a few stops, while tram D runs to the Ring. The hotel is rated four stars and describes itself as family friendly, and it backs that up with two dedicated family room types, one for two adults and one child and one for two adults and two children, alongside a range of standard rooms and two categories of suite. Rooms follow Novotel's practical modern style, with good space, workable desks and the reliability that matters when you are travelling with children. The restaurant, THE FLAVE of Vienna, serves an a la carte menu and a Share and Eat option that suits families who like to graze, and there is a bar for a quiet drink after the children are asleep. A highlight is unusual for a station hotel: a fitness area on the 19th floor with a sauna and steam bath, where you can unwind after a day of museums with a view over the city. The hotel is eco-certified and sustainably managed, and a public car park is located near the property for those arriving by car. The surrounding neighbourhood is modern rather than historic, with shops, supermarkets and cafes in and around the station, which is practical for families who need supplies.

Who it suits: families above all, especially those arriving or leaving by train or planning day trips by rail, for example to the Wachau or Salzburg; travellers who value convenience and predictable comfort over historic charm; and art lovers who want the Belvedere within walking distance. Couples on a budget who like modern hotels will find it good value too.

Living in it: book a family room directly if you need space for two children, and ask about Novotel's family policies on children's stays and breakfast, which can make a real difference to the final bill. Use the U1 from the station for the old town and tram D for the Ring and the Belvedere. Visit the 19th-floor sauna in the evening for the view. The station concourse has a good choice of food and supermarkets, which is useful for picnic lunches and late arrivals.

Value: rates are typically mid-range for Vienna, lower than in the old town for comparable space, and the location saves on transport costs and stress. Remember that Vienna's accommodation tax rose to 5 percent of the room price from 1 July 2026 and is set to rise to 8 percent from 1 July 2027, so check whether it is included in your rate. The trade-off is atmosphere: this is a modern quarter, not the Vienna of Baroque lanes, but that is fifteen minutes away by U-Bahn.