Additional Coverage:
- I paid $300 to spend 2 nights in an Airstream trailer for the first time. I’ll never do it again in a city. (businessinsider.com)
Urban Glamping: A Reporter’s Vienna Airstream Adventure Hits a Few Bumps in the Road
Vienna, Austria – For those seeking a unique twist on travel accommodations, the idea of “glamping” in a luxury Airstream trailer often conjures images of serene deserts or tranquil forests. But what happens when that iconic silver bullet is parked not under the stars, but in a bustling city hotel’s parking lot? One Business Insider reporter recently found out, and her two-night stay in a Vienna Airstream proved to be a mixed bag of charm and unexpected challenges.
The reporter, known for her penchant for quirky, compact lodgings from tiny homes to repurposed wine barrels, embarked on this novel experience in October 2023. She booked the 22-foot luxury Airstream, offered through Airbnb by Hotel Daniel, for $300. The accommodation promised an “atypical” stay, and it certainly delivered on that front.
Located in the heart of Vienna, just a ten-minute walk from the city’s main train station, the Airstream was conveniently situated in the parking lot of the boutique Hotel Daniel. Checking in at the main lobby and receiving a physical key rather than a key card added to the offbeat allure.
Inside, the trailer boasted a minimalist, midcentury modern design. Amenities included a queen-sized bed, a vanity area, and a surprisingly prominent bathtub situated openly at the front of the trailer – a feature the reporter initially expected to be in a private bathroom.
A tiny, enclosed space housed the toilet, which was noted as quite cramped. Thoughtful touches like a light dimmer and charging outlets near the bed, plus a skylight, added to the comfort.
However, the urban setting, while making city exploration easy during the day, proved to be a significant detractor for a good night’s sleep. The reporter noted the trailer lacked typical storage solutions found in other small spaces, making it feel more cramped.
More concerning, however, was the noise from the busy street and, disturbingly, incidents of people banging on the trailer door and attempting to open it during the evenings. While hotel staff offered apologies and stated they’d address any observed disturbances, the noise and lack of privacy ultimately impacted the reporter’s comfort.
Hotel Daniel acknowledged that the Airstream is designed for short, inspiring stays and is situated near a busy street, which can contribute to noise. They also stated they had not received previous complaints about door-banging.
In the end, while the experience offered a memorable and certainly unique way to see Vienna, the reporter concluded that the trade-offs in comfort, quiet, and privacy weren’t worth it for an urban stay. For future city trips, she plans to opt for a traditional hotel room to ensure a more restful night. It seems for this traveler, some glamping experiences are best left to the quiet of nature.