Originally Posted by
Aldebaran
Tomorrow, December 5th, it is scheduled to open the Spark by Hilton Vienna Donaustadt, a rebranding of the previous 4 stars hotel Bassena Wien Donaustadt, although I have some doubts that this will happen, because while yesterday it was possible to book rooms from 5 December at prices around 120-130 euros, today they are no longer available and the first availability starts from 6 January 2025, with prices around 80 euros for the entire month of January, which I consider correct for the period and type of structure. Strangely, in the first week of February I see prices of 200 euros which would seem disproportionate to me for the type of hotel.
As I am currently staying exactly at Spark by Hilton Vienna Donaustadt today (first day of "opening", but I knew that and booked that night via Hilton App) I can confirm, that the opening happened. My first impression is, that there are quite many things to work on:
- the check-in process was a rather manual one (based on filling out all personal details paper-based) and really slow, seems like the agents at the FD were supervised and guided through the new system by Hilton staff,
- the front-desk had to check, if the reservation had been probably paid in advance - so the honoring of "Bassena" reservations seems to be quite complicated,
- from the reaction of some guests standing in front of me at check-in, I am not sure if the former brand "Bassena" nor the current brand "Spark by Hilton" informed the guests about that rebranding beforehand, they seemed to be a little bit surprised that it's no longer a stay at "Bassena".
Originally Posted by
Aldebaran
Of the 5 Spark hotels described above I struggle to find a common denominator and a homogeneous positioning on the market.
I completely agree with you after having read the other messages regarding "Spark". Now, currently in my room I am under the impression, that the rooms at Spark Vienna Donaustadt feel a little bit "better" than e.g. at the Hampton Vienna Messe - the room is slightly bigger, there is a mini-fridge and a capsule-based coffee-maker available, the bath-room feels (and is) bigger as well. The extra-amenities in the bathroom (nail-file, sewing-kits) might probably vanish as soon as the old "Bassena"-stock runs out. Did I mention that you have a tablet (SuitePad) in your room with all the information you might need (ok, parts of that still lead to "Bassena")? Does that fit within the "average" level of Spark?
But: no complimentary breakfast here, neither if you are Gold, Diamond, or Nice™
Today's room-rate was really a little bit "off" compared to those of other Hilton's (including brands) available in Vienna today if you bear in mind what you would have probably got there. But being here at such an "opening" provides a great insight into matters of hotel industry, brand management and franchise. Definitely worth it.