The scheme runs under the name 'Urbanaut', and the idea incorporates other local businesses to provide 'hotel' services like food, cafe and spa.
The concept has brought visitors into areas of the city they wouldn't otherwise have gone, bringing business to failing streets.
Each room is furnished to 4-star hotel standards, and sells for €120 a night. A pair of bicycles is included, as is an old typewriter for guests to leave comments and suggestions for the next users.The promoting architects, one of whom comes from a family hotel background, wanted to find a way to do something with empty stores. They now plan to open 10 more of their 'street lofts' in another area.
They don't envisage every empty store being used as a lodging room, but hope other services such as a bar, doctor or dentist, or even another shop will be encouraged to open on the back of increased visitor numbers in a street.
Vienna's City Council has asked them to address the members on the project.
More information and bookings on www.urbanauts.at/
