magdas HOTEL Vienna City

magdas HOTEL describes itself as Austria's first social business hotel. Its aim is social impact rather than profit: it creates jobs for people with refugee experience and trains future skilled workers in the hotel and restaurant trades. Guests get a comfortable, affordable place to stay and the knowledge that their money supports a good cause.

The Vienna City hotel occupies a former priests' residence on Ungargasse in the third district, and its 85 rooms make use of upcycled furniture and materials from the original building. The look is simple, warm and individual, with plenty of reused pieces and bright accents rather than identical chain-hotel décor. The building is cooled using geothermal probes and holds the Austrian Ecolabel, which makes it a good choice for travellers who care about sustainability.

The hotel's restaurant, Lokal Vienna City, uses many organic and regional ingredients and serves breakfast and brunch along with other meals. It is a relaxed place to start the day before heading into the centre.

The hotel suits budget-conscious couples, solo travellers, families and anyone who likes the idea of a stay with a social purpose. Service is friendly and personal, and the staff come from many different countries, which gives the place an international, welcoming feel. A second magdas hotel near the Prater is being renovated and is due to reopen in 2027, so make sure you book the Vienna City location on Ungargasse.

Ungargasse runs through the third district between the Ring and the Belvedere. The Stadtpark and the Belvedere are both a few minutes' walk away, and Rochusgasse station on the U3 and the Wien Mitte transport hub, where the City Airport Train and S-Bahn arrive from the airport, are within easy reach. From the hotel you can walk to the Upper Belvedere in about ten minutes and to St. Stephen's Cathedral in around 20, or explore the Rochusmarkt and the cafés of the Landstraße district on your doorstep.

Rates are moderate for a central location, and booking directly through the hotel's website is the most straightforward way to see current prices and support the project. Vienna adds a local accommodation tax to hotel bills, so check whether your quoted rate includes it. The neighbourhood is residential and calm, which makes for quiet nights, while the old town is close enough to reach on foot or by a short ride on public transport.