Michael Turner
Immediate recommendation: For short stays leave large suitcases at the property’s reception (many budget-chain locations charge about €3–€5 per item per 24 hours) or use the automated lockers in Vienna Central Station concourse, available 24/7 with typical rates of €3–€6 per 24 hours depending on size.
The hotel is approximately 250–350 meters (3–5 minutes on foot) from the main station exit serving long-distance trains. Standard check-in often begins mid-afternoon; if you arrive earlier, request a tagged hold at reception to avoid paying for a locker. If you need guaranteed access to your belongings outside reception hours, opt for station lockers or a private storage provider with extended opening times.
Security recommendations: Carry passports, cash and electronics with you rather than leaving them in stored cases. Use a small padlock for a station locker or a tamper-evident strap for checked bags, and photograph the locker number and payment receipt. For oversized items or sports gear that won’t fit into standard lockers, contact the staffed left-luggage desk at the station or a nearby specialist service.
For multi-night stays reserve a private room instead of a shared dorm to keep cases inside a locked unit. Alternative options near the station include app-based drop-off points and local shops offering daily storage from roughly €4–€8; always check opening hours, maximum item dimensions and exact pricing before committing.
On-site baggage storage – concrete steps and fees
Use the reception storage for same-day drop-offs and demand a dated receipt plus a numbered tag for every bag; retain photos of tags and the contents you leave behind.
Typical price ranges: locker boxes small €2–3 per 24 h (approx. 40×30×15 cm), medium €4–5 per 24 h (approx. 55×40×20 cm), large €6–8 per 24 h or a per-item deposit model €3–6/day; oversized items commonly incur an extra charge and weight limits tend to be 20–25 kg per item.
Ask reception about liability caps (many desks limit compensation to around €50–€150 per item), whether CCTV covers the storage area, and which payment methods they accept; request a signed claim ticket and check whether valuables can be placed in a hotel safe instead of left in communal storage.
Confirm collection windows: if the desk closes overnight you may need a coded locker or an arranged late pickup; reclaim always requires presentation of ID plus the claim stubs, and late retrieval may trigger an extra fee or daily extension charge.
Backup options: station-operated lockers and third-party drop-off services (examples: Stasher, Nannybag) typically charge €5–12 per day depending on size and location; reserve online, show the booking QR code at drop-off, and verify maximum accepted weight (commonly 20–30 kg) before arrival.
Packing recommendations: use a labelled outer tag and a sealed luggage belt or cable tie, wrap fragile items in clothing, keep electronics and travel documents with you, photograph contents for insurance purposes, and bring compact rain protection such as a best ladies golf umbrella.
Where on-site storage is located and daily opening hours
Use the self-service lockers on the ground floor beside reception; they are available 24 hours a day for immediate access. Lockers come in three common sizes (approx. small 35×35×60 cm, medium 45×45×80 cm, large 60×40×100 cm) – measure bulky items before accepting a space.
For oversized pieces and long-term deposits use the staffed baggage counter at the same reception area; staffed hours are 07:00–23:00 daily. Drop-offs are accepted until 22:00; retrieval from the staffed counter is possible up to 23:00.
Locker procedure: select size, pay at the terminal or with card contactless, receive a PIN or barcode receipt; keep the receipt for retrieval. Staffed counter procedure: present photo ID, receive a tagged claim ticket and a written deposit receipt; rates charged per 24-hour period.
If you arrive outside staffed hours, plan to use a self-service locker (PIN access). For fragile, valuable or unusually large items request acceptance at the staffed counter during opening hours and note any handling restrictions printed on the deposit receipt.
Locker sizes, weight limits and maximum storage duration
Pick a locker whose internal dimensions exceed your bag’s longest, tallest and deepest measurements by at least 5–10 cm; suitcases larger than 80×50×35 cm should be handled at reception as oversized items.
Available compartment types and typical capacity:
- Small (daypack/handbag) – internal approx. 35×30×55 cm (≈55–60 L). Max recommended weight: 15 kg / 33 lb. Fits 20–40 L backpacks, small duffels.
- Medium (cabin case) – internal approx. 55×40×30 cm (≈66 L). Max recommended weight: 25 kg / 55 lb. Fits standard 55×40×23 cm cabin cases or two medium backpacks.
- Large (checked suitcase) – internal approx. 80×50×35 cm (≈140 L). Max recommended weight: 35 kg / 77 lb. Fits most checked suitcases placed upright.
- Oversize / special items – dedicated storage for items up to ~120×80×40 cm; weight limit normally 40–50 kg / 88–110 lb and requires staff assistance.
Maximum permitted storage times and actions if you need longer:
- Standard locker allowance: up to 7 days. After day 7 additional daily fees usually apply or the property will require registration of the items.
- Short-term extended storage: 8–30 days is commonly available via reception with a paid long-term rate and a signed form listing contents and contact details.
- Long-term holds beyond 30 days often require a special arrangement; unclaimed property past the agreed period may be removed or disposed of according to house rules and local regulations.
Practical handling and restrictions
- Do not place perishable food, valuables (documents, cash, electronics) or hazardous materials in lockers; keep valuables with you or ask reception for secure storage options.
- For heavy items near the weight limit, store them at reception to avoid overloading mechanical locker doors; declare anything exceeding the stated limit.
- Label stored items with your name, phone number and pick-up date; keep the receipt or access code until you reclaim your belongings.
Quick checklist before locking
- Measure longest × tallest × deepest sides and compare to locker internal dimensions.
- Weigh bulky items if possible; do not exceed the locker’s posted weight limit.
- Remove perishables and separate valuables; take a photo of the packed contents for your records.
How to reserve, pay and access lockers step-by-step
Reserve a locker online at least 1 hour before arrival to secure a unit and receive a digital access code or QR ticket.
Reservation and payment
1. Open the station’s locker portal or on-site kiosk, enter desired date and pickup time, then choose a free unit ID shown on the map or list.
2. Provide contact details (email or phone) – the system will send a QR code or numeric PIN and a transaction reference immediately after payment.
3. Pay with contactless bank card, EMV chip card, Apple Pay / Google Pay or with cash at the kiosk if available. Keep the payment confirmation email and screenshot of the QR/PIN until retrieval.
4. Reservation hold commonly lasts 30–60 minutes before expiry; extensions or refunds depend on the operator’s terms displayed at checkout. Save the transaction reference for disputes and refunds.
5. Check recommended carry options before storing: best luggage for flying overseas.
Access and retrieval
1. On arrival, locate the assigned unit number shown in your confirmation. Present the QR code at the locker scanner or enter the numeric PIN on the keypad to unlock the door.
2. If you paid at a kiosk, a printed ticket with barcode and PIN will be issued – retain it until you have reclaimed your belongings.
3. Typical PIN length is 4–6 digits; digital QR access generally expires at the end of the paid period. Photograph or save the code to avoid delays.
4. If the code fails or is lost, contact the on-site service desk immediately with your transaction reference and photo ID; staff will verify payment and may manually release the unit after identity checks.
5. After opening, remove all items, close the door firmly and keep the receipt until the payment record clears your bank or card statement. Overstays are billed per additional day or hour as stated in the posted rules; missing payment may block retrieval until settled.
Security tips: Photograph contents before storing, do not store high-value items such as passports or irreplaceable documents if the operator’s policy excludes compensation, and confirm insurance or liability limits on the terms screen.
Options and fees for oversized items, bikes and sports gear
Register bicycles and bulky sports kits at reception before handing them over; below are concrete options, charges and mandatory handling steps.
Fees
Bicycles (standard): €8 per day – €30 per week. Foldable bikes may be placed in a large compartment at the daily rate. E‑bikes: additional handling fee of €12 plus requirement to remove the battery or show battery documentation.
Oversized items (items too large for largest on-site compartment): €10 per day per piece. Applies to trunks, large boxes, musical instruments exceeding typical locker dimensions. Long‑term monthly rate: €70 per item (minimum 14 days).
Ski and snowboard equipment: €5 per day per set. Boards and skis must be bagged; boots counted as one set. Surfboards and paddles: €12 per day or arrange special storage in advance; kayaks/canoes require a bespoke quote.
Drop-off, payment and retrieval
Step 1: Present the item and a photo ID at reception; staff will check size/weight and assign the correct storage option. Step 2: Pay immediately by card or cash; a receipt and numbered tag are issued. Step 3: Attach the tag to your item and keep the receipt for collection. Step 4: Collect by presenting the receipt and ID during reception hours.
Rules: heavy items above approximately 25 kg incur a one‑time handling surcharge of €8. Batteries (e‑bike or power tools) must be removed and carried separately or shown with manufacturer instructions; otherwise storage will be refused. Declare high‑value items at handover to receive a written note of condition – an extra service fee of €6 applies.
Liability: staff perform condition checks on receipt; any damage or loss claims are processed on presentation of the receipt and ID. For unusually sized or valuable gear, pre‑arrange storage by phone or email to secure space and a precise quote.
Use the end-of-platform lifts and the south concourse elevator for the quickest, safest transfer – expect 3–6 minutes on foot (≈200–350 m); do not use escalators with wheeled bags.
Choose the barrier-free route: follow signs to the station underpass, take the lift to the concourse level, then exit through the southern plaza toward the station-front budget hotel (street crossing protected by traffic lights). End-of-platform lifts are located at both ends of the tracks and access the same concourse level; using them avoids stairs and crowded escalators.
Single-person transfer (step-by-step)
1) Pack compact: keep one hand free for a strap or trolley handle and keep documents in an exterior pocket. 2) Use a small foldable trolley rated ≥100 kg; wheel the bag onto the lift, face forward when exiting. 3) Enter the lift first, position the trolley flat against the wall, secure brakes. 4) Exit at concourse, follow painted pedestrian route to the south exit, cross at the signalized crossing, and roll along the paved plaza to hotel entrance. 5) At any flight of steps, use the lift or ask station staff for assistance; never attempt to run bags up stairs alone.
Two-person lift and group transfer
For heavy cases above 20 kg assign one person to balance the load and a second to guide and clear the route. Use shoulder straps or carry handles rather than gripping single zipper pulls. When passing through automatic doors, one person should hold doors open while the other moves the case; keep the case on the same side as the person holding the door to avoid twisting. If crossing the tram lane, wait for the tram to pass and use the marked island.
| Method | When to use | Estimated time | Quick notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-of-platform lift + foldable trolley | Solo travellers with rollable bags | 3–6 minutes (≈200–350 m) | Low effort; avoid escalators; trolley capacity ≥100 kg advised |
| Two-person carry (no trolley) | Bulky or heavy cases >20 kg | 3–7 minutes depending on stair use | Use lifts where possible; coordinate turns and door holds |
| Station porter or staff assistance | Very heavy or fragile items | Depends on wait time; usually 5–15 minutes | Request help at information desk; note potential fee |
Wear low-profile shoes, secure loose straps, and place ID on the outside of the bag. Test your trolley on a short pavement section before committing to the route. For balancing liquids or fragile gear, stabilize contents with clothing and tape; a plastic wrap layer prevents zipper snags. For an unrelated reference on stabilization and balance techniques see best alkalinity for reef tank.
