To know me is to know I LOVE Christmas markets. Especially the ones in Europe. So after hearing me going for years about them, my friends Sheila and John were game to go to Vienna.

It was a little colder then I thought it would be for November but it was lovely all the same. I openly admit that I am a hotel snob. I love my points. So I tend to stay at places that will increase my point balance. We booked into the Hilton Stadtpark. I arrived literally seconds before a tour group pulled up. The tour leader was quite upset that I was being addressed before him and 100 of his closet friends. The lady at check-in was lovely, apologized for the rude tour leader and gave me some chocolates. That was the best part of my stay. The “upgraded” room smelled like it had been smoked in. I was tired so I didn’t think much of it. It was clear that they had used something to try to mask the smell, but it almost made worse. When I asked to be moved room, I was told it was not possible since housekeeping was gone for day. So I did what I had to do, I opened the window. Such a bad idea.

It was quite cold and windy, so the markets were not quite as enjoyable as previous visits. But it was nice all the same, to be able to visit them with friends.

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Given that it was so cold, it’s a wonder that we went hat shopping. And well did you know Vienna is famous for furs? No shock there, did I mention how cold it was?? Well when in Rome……

Well it turns out that sleeping in smoking room, even the windows open was not a good idea. I managed to get a WICKED sinus/chest infection. Lesson learned, next time fight for a new room and move to another hotel….

Until next time……