Hotel MOTTO Vienna Marks Five-Year Journey Blending Historic Heritage, Parisian Design and Luxury Experiences

Hotel MOTTO, one of Vienna’s most distinctive boutique art and design hotels, will celebrate five years of hospitality, creativity and cultural experiences on 1 October 2026. Located on the famous Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna’s 6th district, the property has established itself as a unique destination where historic architecture, modern design, culinary innovation and artistic expression come together.

Since opening its doors in 2021, Hotel MOTTO has welcomed more than 213,000 guests and created a strong presence among both international travellers and local visitors. The boutique hotel, along with its popular restaurant CHEZ BERNARD and organic bakery MOTTO Brot, has become recognised for delivering a lifestyle-focused hospitality experience that blends Vienna’s traditional charm with a contemporary European character.

The hotel’s achievements include receiving a Michelin Key in October 2025, recognising its distinctive design, service standards and overall guest experience. During its first five years, Hotel MOTTO has hosted nearly 1,400 birthday celebrations and at least seven marriage proposals, becoming a backdrop for important personal moments and memorable occasions.

Beyond accommodation, the property has also created a successful culinary identity. CHEZ BERNARD has served almost 400,000 lunch and dinner covers, while MOTTO Brot has produced more than 190,000 freshly baked croissants, bringing a Parisian-style bakery experience to the heart of Vienna.

Hotel MOTTO Celebrates Anniversary With Exclusive Joie de Vivre Cocktail

To mark its fifth anniversary, CHEZ BERNARD has introduced a special limited-edition cocktail called “Joie de Vivre”. Created exclusively for Hotel MOTTO’s milestone celebration, the cocktail reflects the hotel’s philosophy of embracing enjoyment, creativity and meaningful social experiences.

The anniversary drink offers a fresh interpretation of the hotel’s signature cocktail and combines Hendrick’s Gin, Beefeater Gin, cucumber syrup and lychee liqueur. With its floral notes and light character, the creation has been designed as a celebration drink that represents the spirit of Hotel MOTTO.

Guests visiting CHEZ BERNARD for a limited period will be able to experience the cocktail while enjoying the restaurant’s distinctive atmosphere, rooftop views and culinary offerings.

The anniversary celebration also brings attention to the remarkable history of the building itself. The property has been connected with hospitality for more than three centuries. In 1665, it first opened as The Golden Cross Inn, beginning a long tradition of welcoming travellers and visitors.

From 1872 until 2021, the building operated as Hotel Kummer, becoming an important social meeting place in Vienna. Over decades, it attracted writers, artists and musicians who contributed to the cultural identity of the property.

The historic building also holds a special connection with Austrian music history, as it was the birthplace of composer Josef Strauss in 1827. Its cultural significance was further recognised through its association with literature, including its connection with John Irving’s novel The Hotel New Hampshire.

Historic Vienna Architecture Blends With Parisian Design Inspiration

Hotel MOTTO’s identity is strongly shaped by its architecture and interior design. Developed by renowned Vienna-based Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects, the hotel combines classic Viennese elegance with Paris-inspired style and modern artistic influences.

The interiors create a unique atmosphere by combining luxurious materials, vintage details and unexpected creative elements. Fabric-covered walls, patterned carpets, decorative tiles, distinctive furniture and artistic lighting contribute to the hotel’s theatrical personality.

The design concept also incorporates inspiration from historic Paris interiors, including original pieces connected with the former Hôtel Ritz Paris. This creates a visual connection between two European cultural capitals known for their architecture, art and hospitality traditions.

The hotel lobby introduces guests to this design philosophy immediately. Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, the space features golden lamps, traditional serving carts, floral wall coverings, artistic mirrors and striking chandeliers.

The building’s original architectural character has also been carefully preserved. Renaissance and Baroque influences combine with Gothic and Byzantine details, while historic towers, domes and decorative façade elements continue to define the property’s appearance.

CHEZ BERNARD Becomes a Culinary Landmark Above Vienna

At the centre of Hotel MOTTO’s dining experience is CHEZ BERNARD, located on the seventh floor of the property. The restaurant combines modern Austrian cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences, creating a menu focused on quality ingredients, organic produce and carefully prepared dishes.

The restaurant’s glass dome allows natural light to fill the dining area while surrounding guests with greenery and elegant design details. The eighth-floor rooftop terrace provides an additional space for guests to enjoy drinks and meals while taking in views of Vienna.

CHEZ BERNARD has developed into a popular social destination throughout the day. The restaurant and bar welcome guests for coffee, lunch, dinner and evening experiences, supported by specially created beverages and music from Viennese DJs.

Sustainability is also an important part of the hotel’s approach. Its signature Brewdi beer is produced using surplus bread from MOTTO Brot, transforming leftover bakery products into a unique beverage while supporting waste reduction efforts.

On the ground floor, MOTTO Brot brings a refined bakery experience inspired by Parisian traditions. The organic bakery creates sourdough breads, pastries, croissants and desserts using locally sourced ingredients. The combination of wood details, golden accents and high ceilings creates an elegant environment for visitors seeking fresh bakery products and quality coffee.

Wellness Facilities Add a Relaxing Dimension to Hotel Experience

Hotel MOTTO extends beyond food and design by offering wellness facilities designed to provide guests with relaxation and balance during their stay.

The hotel’s 65-square-metre fitness and wellness area includes a rain shower, relaxation room with fresh spring water, unisex sauna and private steam bath.

The fitness area is equipped with modern facilities including a stationary bicycle, treadmill, weight bench, free weights and yoga mats. Guests can also access additional wellness experiences through nearby partners, including Pilates, yoga classes and boxing sessions available through advance arrangements.

These facilities complement the hotel’s wider focus on creating a complete lifestyle experience rather than simply providing accommodation.

Art Collection Defines Hotel MOTTO’s Creative Identity

Art remains one of the most important elements of Hotel MOTTO’s character. Across guest rooms and public areas, artworks, photography and illustrations create an environment that encourages visitors to explore different perspectives.

The hotel features the distinctive work of fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla, whose elegant silhouettes appear throughout the property. Mexican photographer Victoria Barmak contributes meaningful photography celebrating visibility and representation for the LGBTQI+ community.

Artist Sasha Knezevic, also known as SASA, has transformed eight guestrooms with his signature graffiti-inspired artwork. His bold mirrored-wall designs and creative quotations add a playful and unexpected element to the guest experience.

Hotel MOTTO Continues Vienna’s Tradition of Creative Hospitality

After five years of operation, Hotel MOTTO has developed into a destination that combines accommodation, gastronomy, architecture, wellness and art under one concept.

With 91 rooms and suites, CHEZ BERNARD restaurant and bar, a rooftop terrace, MOTTO Brot bakery, wellness facilities and an extensive art collection, the hotel represents a modern interpretation of Vienna’s historic hospitality culture.

As it reaches its fifth anniversary, Hotel MOTTO continues to showcase how heritage buildings can be transformed into contemporary destinations while preserving their historical importance. The property’s journey reflects Vienna’s evolving tourism landscape, where travellers increasingly seek experiences that combine culture, creativity and authentic local character.