Vienna in winter follows its own unique rhythm. As the city begins to glow with festive lights in November and December, the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and the elegant ball season commences in January, a special magic unfolds. Hotel MOTTO, located directly on Mariahilfer Straße and just steps away from Spittelberg and the MuseumsQuartier, serves as the ideal starting point to experience the city in its most glittering form.

 

Art Meets MOTTO: Franz West at ALBERTINA Modern
At Hotel MOTTO, art is not merely decoration; it is part of its DNA. Anyone walking through the staircase will encounter one of the rare Lemur heads by Franz West—an iconic sculpture reflecting the spirit of the house.
For the 2026/2027 season, this connection deepens: From November 6, 2026, to March 29, 2027, ALBERTINA Modern is dedicating a comprehensive exhibition to the exceptional Austrian artist, entitled "Franz West – The Revolution of Sculpture."

  • Exclusive Special: Hotel MOTTO guests receive a 20% discount on admission to the exhibition.
  • Recommendation: A visit to ALBERTINA Modern is perfectly complemented by discovering the "sibling piece" back at the hotel—art experienced right in the heart of life.

 

Advent Magic: From Imperial Splendor to Neighborhood Vibes
From mid-November, Vienna transforms into a Christmas wonderland.

  • Vienna Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (Nov 13 – Dec 26, 2026): The city’s largest market provides the grand "wow-moment." A visit at dusk offers the most beautiful view as the park and City Hall begin to glow.
  • Spittelberg Christmas Market (Nov 13 – Dec 23, 2026): Located in the immediate neighborhood of the hotel, these winding Biedermeier alleys offer crafts and regional punch—an authentic experience with local flair.
  • Art Advent at Karlsplatz (Nov 13 – Dec 23, 2026): For those seeking alternative Viennese flair and high-quality craftsmanship, this is the place to be.

 

Rainy Days in Vienna: Culture and Coffee House Combinations
A grey winter day is no reason to retreat in Vienna; rather, it’s the perfect opportunity for the city's two great strengths: art and coffee house culture. Proven combinations for such days include:

  • Belvedere & Klimt: A morning with Gustav Klimt’s "The Kiss," followed by a "Melange" in a nearby classic coffee house.
  • Albertina & City Center: A tour of the Albertina collections, a stroll past the State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, rounded off with coffee and cake.
  • Imperial Vienna: A visit to the Spanish Riding School and the Hofburg makes one quickly forget the weather outside.
  • Plan B: If the rain persists, Therme Wien offers the ideal wellness retreat with warm thermal waters and extensive sauna landscapes.

 

Cinema Magic at Spittelberg
For cozy winter evenings, the FILMHAUS – Cinema at Spittelberg is highly recommended. This charming arthouse cinema is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
•    MOTTO Moment Extra: Between November 2026 and March 2027, guests receive free popcorn with their movie upon presentation of their room card.

 

January to March: Ice Skating and Ball Season Fever
After the holidays, the city transforms into a stage for movement and elegance:
•    Wiener Eistraum (Jan 22 – March 07, 2027): Over 10,000 m² of ice and the spectacular "Sky Rink" make Rathausplatz one of the most beautiful skating rinks in the world. 
•    Viennese Ball Season (Jan – Feb): January and February are all about tuxedos, evening gowns, and waltzes. It is the time not just to sightsee, but to actively experience Vienna in its magnificent halls. The hotel team is happy to assist with preparations for the big night.

 

Sound of the City: Highlights at the Stadthalle
Winter also offers high-caliber musical experiences at the nearby Wiener Stadthalle:
•    Tokio Hotel: November 15, 2026
•    Parov Stelar: December 04, 2026
•    Die Fantastischen Vier: February 06 & 07, 2027

 

Hotel MOTTO: A "Home Away from Home"
A perfect winter day ends where it began: on Mariahilfer Straße. After the winter explorations, the cozy warmth of the rooms or a drink at CHEZ BERNARD Restaurant et Bar awaits. Over dinner with a view of Vienna's illuminated rooftops, one truly understands why winter is perhaps the most beautiful time to get to know this city.
À bientôt in Vienna.


Click here to book your winter stay directly
P.S. Enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2 – for stays in January and February 2027.