I stayed at the Hostel Ruthensteiner in December 2022 during a Christmas Market research trip. I 100 percent loved this hostel and didn’t have any cons about my stay. Here’s my five-star review.
Changed my Opinion of Vienna
I had been to Vienna on a previous trip to Europe and it honestly wasn’t my favorite city. I was a little hesitant about returning; however, the Austrian capital beckoned me to return when I decided to schedule a Christmas Market research tour in December 2022. Really, how can you go on a Christmas Market research tour and leave out Vienna? You just can’t. Simple as that.
I hoped this time I would have a better experience, and I absolutely did! I attribute a lot of that to my stay at this delightful hostel!
Amazing Location
The Hostel Ruthensteiner is located just a short walk from the Wien Westbahnhof, which is Vienna’s West train station. I appreciated the proximity to the train station because I had just traveled halfway around the world (practically) to get there, and I was exhausted!
Not only was the hostel close to the west train station, it was also within a fairly easy walking distance of Schönbrunn Palace which was convenient since that’s one of the Christmas markets I really wanted to visit. The hostel is in a safe area with shops and restaurants nearby, which also added to its ideal location.
Terrific Interior Layout
The hostel had a huge lounge area in the front of the building with cozy seating with lots of pillows, charging stations for electronic devices, and huge windows. This was just off the reception area. On the other side of this lounge was the bar and the dining area. This area was hopping during my stay. The World Cup was going on at that time so many people hung out to watch the games in the bar.
On the upper floors were the dorms and private rooms. I opted for a private room with my own bathroom because it was only $50 and I thought it might be a good idea to have a guaranteed night’s sleep after traveling so far. My room was tiny, but super clean and cozy. I really liked it.
Amazing Social Experience
What I loved the most about this hostel was the social atmosphere. They host a communal dinner every night that is a “pay what you can” setup. The food is made by the volunteers (see more about that below) and is served around 8pm in the evening. On the night I was there, they made homemade vegan lentil soup with homemade croutons and it was FANTASTIC! I can’t think of a better way to spend a cold winter’s evening than by sitting amongst fellow hostelers chatting about our travels and eating homemade soup! Honestly, this communal dinner idea is a tremendous idea because it gives yet another way for people to socialize.
This hostel also offered different activities every afternoon. On the day I was there, they were doing a walking tour to the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market which was PERFECT since I had wanted to go there anyway!
Until late in the evening, people also hang out at the bar, which is great if you want to participate, or also great if you don’t because the layout of the hostel keeps the noise isolated. I didn’t hear anything from the room I was staying in.
Made-to-Order (Delicious) Breakfast
They offer made-to-order breakfasts for a very reasonable price. I got an omelet with veggies and whole grain toast for about $6. What a fantastic way to start the day!
Absolutely Five Stars
I loved my stay at this hostel and give it five stars! I would absolutely stay here again on my next trip to Vienna!
FAQ: Hostel Ruthensteiner Review
Q1: How was the location of Hostel Ruthensteiner in Vienna?The hostel's location is excellent, situated a short walk away from Wien Westbahnhof, Vienna's West train station. It's also conveniently close to Schönbrunn Palace, making it an ideal choice for exploring the city's attractions.
Q2: What is the interior layout of the hostel like?Hostel Ruthensteiner boasts a spacious and inviting interior layout. The front of the building features a large lounge area with comfortable seating, charging stations, and ample natural light. The bar and dining area are adjacent to the lounge, creating a vibrant social space.
Q3: How were the accommodations at the hostel?The private rooms and dormitories were well-maintained and cozy. There are dorm rooms and privates and both provide a comfortable night's sleep.
Q4: What stood out about the social experience at the hostel?The hostel offers a unique communal dinner every night, where guests can pay what they can for a homemade meal prepared by volunteers. This setup fosters a friendly and interactive atmosphere among travelers. Additionally, the hostel organizes various afternoon activities and maintains a lively bar area for socializing.
Q5: Did Hostel Ruthensteiner offer breakfast options?Yes, the hostel provides made-to-order breakfasts at an affordable price. In this review, it states that an omelet with veggies and whole grain toast was only $6, making for a great way to start the day.