National_Geographic_Traveller_UK_June_2017

SLEEP
For eco waios
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
STADTHALLE
Worthy needn’t mean dull. That’s the message
at this family-run hotel, split between a
Victorian building and a new-build ‘passive’
(carbon neutral) wing. Energy comes from
rooftop solar panels; heat from a ground
water heat pump; honey from bees on the
lavender-planted roof; and every breakfast
item is organic. There are no minibars (saving
21 tonnes of CO2 a year), organic toiletries
come in refillable bottles, and the headboards
are made from recycled textiles. The older
building is pretty green, too, with nightstands
made from recycled newspapers, tables from
old books and wardrobes from broom handles.
ROOMS: From €108 (£93), B&B.
hotelstadthalle.at
For ethos
MAGDAS HOTEL
The Magdas hit the news when it opened
two years ago, for being staffed mainly
by refugees and asylum seekers. Run by
international Catholic charity Caritas, it’s
a decent budget option in a pretty location
overlooking the Prater. Rooms are basic
(no TV) but nicely done, with upcycled
furniture and locally-made organic
toiletries — it’s worth upgrading to one
with a balcony when the weather’s nice.
Breakfast is a brilliant, cosmopolitan buffet,
but save room for a mezze lunch, made by a
Syrian chef who previously worked at a top
restaurant in Damascus.
ROOMS: From €67 (£58), B&B.
magdas-hotel.at
68 natgeotraveller.co.uk