Spent 1 night in March 2019 during a quick business trip to Vienna. Overall a great option for Marriott elites on a business trip that want quick access to public transportation, good elite benefits with a nice lounge to relax in and all at a relatively good value compared to the hotel located on the Ringstrasse. At this time of year it was also a great value.I've stayed at the Ritz on the ringstrasse and while that is no doubt a nicer hotel in general, the IRS is a better value and the lounge is free.  4 stars overall as the rooms could use a refresh (think mid 2000s US Marriott) but 5 for value.   I would stay here again if on business.

Location

The location of the hotel is very good for business travelers as there is an SBahn station right next to the hotel that has direct trains to the airport, downtown and to the central station. I arrived late at VIE and it couldn't be easier to get here from the airport as the SBahn from the airport stops right next to the hotel.

For tourists the location is probably not as ideal as the Ringstrasse or city center, as it's a decent walk to the city center, but there are plenty of public transport options available.  The area is also pretty quiet so no road or nightlife noise concerns.

Room

As a Ambassador elite I was upgraded without asking prior to check-in from a standard king to a 2nd floor Club Level king located in the separate "Club Lounge" wing of the hotel. 

The Club Level King room was clean and spacious with some nice amenities such as a tea/coffee maker and a free bottle of still and sparkling water. Judging by the TV I would guess it has been 10+ years since the room was updated, so probably could use a refresh although everything seemed clean and not worn out so they are doing a good job maintaining the rooms even if they are somewhat dated. The quality of the bedding, toiletries, pillows, etc. was similar to what you find in a Marriott or Renaissance in the US, so not luxurious, but definitely upscale.  I liked that it had a proper desk/work area as well as a built-in luggage rack near the door.

A Club Level King

Room had a decent desk and chair for getting work done.  TV could use an upgrade.

Entranceway with built-in luggage stand


Complementary still and sparkling water and a fridge below the TV

Complementary coffee and tea setup


First time seeing this room service offering


A nice bedside nighttime wafer treat and welcome card
 

The bathroom was spacious, clean and had a separate shower and tub.  


Single sink and tub


Shower and toilet


The shower had a rain shower head and a hand shower


A nice selection of bathroom toiletries

Elite Benefits

As I mentioned earlier I was upgraded without asking in advance from a regular king room to Club Level King room.    My room also including a nice gift of chocolates and hand written note from the hotel.

The Club Lounge is located on the ground floor of the Club wing of the hotel.  It's on the larger size for a club lounge with several separate sitting areas.   The lounge schedule indicated that they had several different food presentations throughout the day, including afternoon cakes which I was sad I did not have the opportunity to try!

I was only able to sample the breakfast presentation.   The breakfast food selection and quality was very good but not great.  All the standard western breakfast items were available including several warm items.  There was no a la carte ordering or made to order offerings (at least as far as I could tell).  More than fine if you are getting a quick bite on the way to a day of meetings, but not the breadth and quality of food offerings that you might find at a higher luxury hotel.  That said the size and multiple food presentations throughout the day makes this lounge a much better offering than you will find in most US Renaissance/ Sheraton / Marriott hotels.

I've stayed on the Club level at the RC Vienna and that lounge is nicer, but you have to pay $200/night to access that lounge vs. the IRS's free lounge with almost as many food presentations.

I am pretty sure the chocolates and note were an elite-only welcome gift

Front sitting area of the club lounge


Lounge hours and offerings  

Service

I was in and out so quickly that I really didn't interact with many staff at the hotel, but check-in was quick and efficient and the lounge staff were industrious and pleasant. Everyone spoke excellent english.