Wonderful report and great photos (as always).

I lived in Vienna for a year, so it took me back. I also have stayed at the IC there, and remember the service being spectacular.

The train (not the overpriced CAT-- sort of the Viennese version of the Hex-- but the regular commuter train) is actually very convenient for accessing the IC from the airport as long as one doesn't have much luggage. But a Mercedes transfer has a bit more style of course!