Günter Restaurant: A Culinary Gem Hidden Inside Vienna’s Ordinary Hotel Chain!

Typically, chain hotels particularly those near major transportation hubs like Vienna’s Westbahnhof (Western train station), feature basic, cookie-cutter ground-floor amenities. These include lobbies, restaurants, and bars that are often plain and uniform, unlike the unique offerings of boutique hotels. However, this norm has been dramatically changed by Paris-based Atelier OLK through their full-scale renovation of the Ibis Wien Mariahilf.

The question posed was clear: Why not transform these large, often mundane spaces, which are ideally located in central and attractive areas, into something more meaningful and visually appealing? This is precisely what the designers aimed to achieve.

Atelier OLK reinvented the hotel’s approximately 10,000-square-foot ground level into the now thriving Günter Restaurant, Bar & More. Their approach was twofold: Firstly, they paid homage to Vienna’s rich design legacy marked by figures like Josef Hoffmann, Otto Wagner, and Adolf Loos who dominated the city’s design scene in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Secondly, they focused on modern-day demands for flexibility, functionality, and comfort, which are essential for fostering in-person social interactions. This transformed area now serves as a third or even fourth space, not just for transient hotel guests but also for local community members seeking such environments.

The design reflects a classic Viennese blend of influences, balancing the minimalism typical of northern European design with the lavishness seen in southern styles like those from Italy and other Mediterranean areas. Atelier OLK’s design is a study in controlled geometry paired with sensual, layered aesthetics. The décor features a restrained use of noble materials, accented by plush red velvets, bold leopard prints, and shiny chrome details.

The renovation began with the removal of drop ceilings that previously made the space feel enclosed, instead opting to expose the mechanical systems such as ductwork to add depth and a sense of grandeur to the area. The redesign included the strategic placement of walls and the creation of alcoves, shaped around the structural pillars of the parking garage above. These alcoves create intimate yet open seating areas, and the space is versatile enough to host karaoke nights, conferences, and talks. A prominent counter in the center of the space serves multiple purposes, including providing breakfast.

The interior design cleverly integrates patterns from the Secession movement with modern touches. The flooring features graphical inlays surrounded by paths, using marble patterns that echo traditional Viennese interior designs. Tiles in black, white, and other hues are arranged to create engaging, structured visual effects. The furniture selections are playful and eclectic, adding a contemporary zest to the space.

The overall atmosphere of the space is both grounded and open, blending practicality with sensory experience. It stands as a hopeful example of how similar properties across Austria, Europe, and globally could be reimagined and revitalized.

Photography courtesy of Günter Restaurant, Bar & More.