A Return to Academia

Having blogged about my enjoyments in the Austrian capital of Vienna, I have a confession to make: it’s not a cheap place to stay. In fact, Vienna has an awful lot of high spec hotel accommodation, with predictably high prices. So, even with transport costs and eating out coming at a reasonable cost, where to stay and not break the bank?

Fortunately, during the period from July to September, some of the city’s student hostels become Academia hotels. The Academia in Vienna is basic and, it has to be said, has seen better days, but for those of us who just want somewhere for a base during a city break, is ideal. It’s also popular with coach parties, though, so when breakfast gets busy, it really does become a bit of a bunfight. But folks are generally well disposed and the staff keep calm and focused.

Is it just a young person’s place? No. Folks of all ages mingle together, and quite happily too. You have to pay extra for Internet usage, but then, it’s not an expensive place, so that’s not so much of an imposition. You can get as full as you like at the self service breakfast, and at night the obligatory noise curfew means everyone gets the chance of some sleep.

The hotels also serve Salzburg and Graz: getting information and making reservations can be done via their website.