The historic Hotel Altstadt Vienna, known for transforming its rooms into living works of art, continues its tradition of artistic innovation with two new designer rooms by celebrated Viennese-born, Milan-based designer Arthur Arbesser. Created in collaboration with prestigious Austrian furniture maker Wittmann, the rooms offer guests a refined fusion of Viennese charm and Italian flair.
© Wittman
Located in a 1902 building at Kirchengasse 41, the boutique hotel has long been a sanctuary for art and design lovers. Since its founding in 1991 by Otto E. Wiesenthal, Altstadt Vienna has collaborated with numerous renowned creatives to realise Wiesenthal's vision: 'Design a place in a way that makes you want to spend your own time there.' The hotel today features 62 uniquely curated rooms and suites, each one reflecting its designer's perspective on Viennese hospitality.
'It was a great pleasure for me to design two rooms – with strong colours and patterns mixed with design classics, e.g. by Josef Hoffmann or Friedrich Kiesler. The result was a real "Viennese-Milanese" blend,' said Arbesser.
In Room 14, Arbesser's aesthetic draws on the rich legacy of Viennese Art Nouveau, using a deep, intense blue and saffron yellow palette as the foundation. A striking element of the room is the FLOWERS fabric, developed with Wittmann, used on the SPRING bed and bench – an homage to Josef Frank. Iconic Wittmann pieces like the KUBUS armchair and FLEDERMAUS chair (both designed by Josef Hoffmann) underscore the Viennese influence, while Jaime Hayon's STICKS tables harmonise with the vibrant interior. Milanese flair is evident through the inclusion of the QUADERNA desk by Superstudio, the IMBUTO lamp by Luigi Caccia Dominioni, and the playful Snoopy lamp by the Castiglioni brothers. Arbesser adds: 'I love hotels – especially when they have charm and flair – like the Hotel Altstadt in Vienna.'
Room 30 continues Arbesser's exploration of geometry, anchored by a striking black-and-white glass cube bathroom crafted by Josef Göbel of Styria. Inspired by the cube motif, the room features colourfully lacquered, deconstructed cube bedside tables and a chessboard-inspired CHESS carpet. The ATRIUM sofa from Wittmann reflects a modular, block-based design, while touches of Bauhaus and Wiener Werkstätte are seen through furniture pieces like Marcel Breuer's LACCIO table, Charlotte Perriand's LE GRAND BLEU lamp, and Friedrich Kiesler's mint FREISCHWINGER chair. Two artworks by Austrian artist Xenia Hausner complete the space.
'The Hotel Altstadt Vienna creates a wonderfully individual and inspiring environment in which our furniture comes into its own. Guests experience Vienna in an atmosphere that combines design, art and hospitality, we are proud that Wittmann furniture is part of this special hotel,' said Alice Wittmann.
Room 14 is available from €235 per night, and Room 30 from €244 per night.
More information:
Wittman
info@wittmann.at
www.wittmann.at