I checked in to an 'Australian' hotel in Austria - here's my verdict

Vienna may not be the exact geographic centre of Europe on the map but it's pretty close, making it a perfect stepping-off point to other Euro capitals such as Prague and Budapest, only hours away by train. But don't rush to venture out of the Austrian capital - it boasts a vibrant cultural scene and some of the greatest historical architecture on the continent. The modern architecture is not bad either, as the bold shapes of the new 48-storey Danubeflats skyscraper attest. The A by Adina Vienna Danube Hotel, which opened in April last year, occupies the first five floors of the tower and is part of the revitalisation of this former industrial area along the Danube River, a 15-minute drive from downtown.

The hotel is in the Donaustadt district. On one side is the Harry Seidler-designed Wohnpark Neue Donau apartments, and on the other, the Reichsbrucke bridge. Two U-Bahn subway stations are a 10-minute walk away - by far the easiest way to arrive. Car access involves a confusing series of underground ramps, which took my taxi driver three valiant attempts just to find the entry.

The serviced-apartment hotel has lavish contemporary styling throughout. A by Adina is the first property in Euripe by Australian company TFE Hotels and the warm tones remind me of the natural landscapes of Australia, with some retro styling adding personality. Lottie's restaurant has an industrial feel with polished concrete, timber finishes and exposed piping, while the walls of windows showcase views of the Danube and city skyline.

There are 120 rooms, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, and all include a full kitchen. I'm in a 70-square-metre one-bedroom apartment with an enormous terrace.

I'm travelling with only a carry-on bag and the bonus is the washer-dryer, in which I run a cycle while relaxing on a comfy sofa in a bathrobe. There are giant TVs in both the bedroom and the living room, and the Dreamcatcher king-sized bed lives up to its name - I sleep solidly, with blackout curtains keeping the 5am sunrise at bay.

Lottie's has a bar and small-plates menu offering contemporary cuisine and a "touch of Australian flavours". Breakfast starts at 6.30am with both a generous buffet and a la carte options. But as good as the light scrambled eggs are, how can you start a day in this city without at least a strudel? Bar food is available from 5pm, and while the menu is small, the Karaage Crispy Chicken and Bao Buns are winners. A good way to wind down the day is with a signature Old Fashioned cocktail on the bar balcony, shaped a little like the bow of a ship.

A sundeck runs the length of one side of the building, and at the pointy end is a heated infinity pool - perfect for catching the sunshine in the afternoon. Off the pool is a high-tech gym, probably one of the largest I've seen in a hotel, with machines, free weights, saunas and steam rooms.

There's no shortage of parks nearby with a riverfront walk, the expansive Donaupark and Danube Island all a stroll away. For a trip to the local shops, it's a 30-minute walk to a Westfield, while downtown attractions are a 20-minute subway ride.

Vienna is stunning and seeing it from a new perspective in this revitalised area adds another element to the experience.

The writer was a guest of the hotel and travelled courtesy of Scoot