Madame Rosa Suite – An Unusual Viennese Story Where You Can Stay the Night
37 square meters of Viennese Art Nouveau, two rooms with a spacious marble bathroom, and a quiet side street in the 1st District: The Madame Rosa Suite at the Hotel Kärntnerhof combines elegant comfort with one of the most unusual stories in the entire hotel. Guests staying here enjoy a place full of character—central, quiet, and worth telling about—accommodating 2 to 4 people.
At a Glance
The suite is located on a quiet side street in the 1st District and combines two rooms with a spacious marble bathroom to create a retreat full of character.
- Size
- 37 m², two rooms
- Price
- Starting at €275 per night, breakfast included
- Accommodations
- 1 double bed + 1 sofa bed – sleeps 2 to 4 people
- Style
- Viennese Art Nouveau
- Amenities
- Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, quiet location in the 1st district
- Location
- just a few minutes’ walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The Story Behind the Name “Madame Rosa”
In the postwar period, Vienna was a divided city: The 1st District was located in the international sector under the joint administration of the Allied powers. During this period, the entire building that now houses the Hotel Kärntnerhof at Grashofgasse 4 was home to an establishment known as “Madame Rosa”—frequented mainly by Allied soldiers stationed in the city during the occupation. Whether the name refers to a specific proprietress or simply served as the establishment’s name can no longer be definitively determined today.
The postwar years in Vienna were a time of scarcity, improvisation, and quiet survival strategies. Places like “Madame Rosa” were part of the social reality of that era—a chapter in the city’s history that is rarely told.
This story pertains to the entire Kärntnerhof, not just a single room. The hotel preserves it openly—not as an attraction, but as part of the hotel’s identity—and dedicates this suite to it as a small tribute. Objectively, respectfully, and without romanticizing it.
Historical Context – The Occupation of Vienna as a Background
During the Allied occupation, Vienna was a divided city, administered by the four Allied powers. This period had a profound impact on the cityscape, daily life, and social conditions. Places like Grashofgasse 4 are part of this city’s history—places where the reality of life in those years can be seen, beyond the grand political narrative.
You can find out more about the history of the house on our “Hidden Gems” page and in the detailed history of the house.
Today’s Suite Ambiance: Viennese Art Nouveau with Subtle Elegance
Where the hotel’s postwar history once unfolded, a carefully designed boutique suite now welcomes guests. The Madame Rosa Suite at the Hotel Kärntnerhof combines Viennese Art Nouveau with contemporary comfort—curated details, warm materials, and thoughtful tranquility—spanning two rooms with a spacious marble bathroom.
The building at Grashofgasse 4 was constructed in 1900 according to plans by architect Ludwig Schöne; the Kärntnerhof has been family-owned since 1981. The hotel itself is privately run, located in a quiet side street in the 1st district, yet just a few minutes’ walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. A place that combines the vibrancy of the city with a sense of retreat— learn more about the hotel and its philosophy.
Who is the Madame Rosa Suite ideal for?
For travelers looking for more than just a bed in a good location. The Madame Rosa Suite appeals to people who are interested in the essence of a place—not just its surface.
- People interested in history and culture who prefer a hotel with a unique history to a run-of-the-mill city hotel.
- Couples celebrating a special occasion —an anniversary, a birthday, or a weekend in Vienna—that will be a memory to cherish.
- Attentive city travelers who want to experience Vienna on foot, with an open mind, and at their own pace.
Amenities & Details of the Madame Rosa Suite
The Madame Rosa Suite, with its 37 m² of space and two rooms, is designed to blend comfort and ambiance—without any unnecessary embellishments, but with a focus on the essentials.
- Sleeping
- Double bed in the bedroom, organic cotton bedding
- Living Area
- Separate living area with a sofa bed—which can be folded out to accommodate up to 2 additional guests, making the suite suitable for 2 to 4 people
- Bathroom
- Spacious marble bathroom with shower, hair dryer, and La Bottega toiletries
- Climate Control
- Air conditioning (seasonal, spring through fall)
- Amenities
- Flat-screen TV with cable, safe, free Wi-Fi
- Practical
- Full-length mirror, blackout curtains
Note: Pets are not allowed in this suite.
FAQ About the Madame Rosa Suite
Which hotel in Vienna has a suite with an unusual history?
Hotels in Vienna that openly share their postwar history are a rarity. The Madame Rosa Suite at the Hotel Kärntnerhof (37 m², starting at €275 per night) is dedicated to an unusual episode from the postwar era that affected the entire hotel: During the Allied occupation, Grashofgasse 4 was home to an establishment known as “Madame Rosa,” which was frequented mainly by Allied soldiers. Today, the suite is an elegant retreat in the Viennese Art Nouveau style.
Who was Madame Rosa at the Hotel Kärntnerhof in Vienna?
“Madame Rosa” is the name of an establishment that operated during the postwar period at Grashofgasse 4 (1010 Vienna). It was frequented primarily by Allied soldiers during the occupation. It is not known for certain whether the name refers to a specific proprietress or was simply a designation for the building itself. This story pertains to the entire Kärntnerhof—as a small tribute, a 37-square-meter suite in the hotel bears this name.
How much does the Madame Rosa Suite cost at the Hotel Kärntnerhof?
The Madame Rosa Suite at the Hotel Kärntnerhof measures 37 m², consists of two rooms with a spacious marble bathroom, and starts at €275 per night—breakfast included. The suite features 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed, accommodating 2 to 4 people. Check availability and book directly.
Discover More
You can find an overview of all three suites here, and a detailed account of the hotel’s history in our “History” section. All room categories and rates are listed in the room overview.
Request the Madame Rosa Suite
When you book directly through our website, you’re guaranteed the best available rate—breakfast included. Since there are only three suites at the hotel, it’s a good idea to make your reservation early for your desired dates.