Five star hotels
As home to embassies, international organizations (OPEC and the United Nations to name but two), and numerous large corporations, it’s no surprise that Vienna boasts a fair sprinkling of five star hotels.
I’d write reviews of them based on intensive on-site research involving whirlpools, lots of room service and a large bottle of bubbly, but — alas! — time and budget constraints prevent me from doing so.
If you do want to enjoy luxury accommodation in an imperial city, here are links to the websites of ten top tier locations…
A palace completed in 1845 for Duke Ferdinand of Sachsen-Coburg and Gotha. A member of the Relais & Châteaux Association, it’s in the city center, just a few hundred meters from St. Stephan’s Cathedral.
Photo © Mark Brownlow
Part of the Westin chain, the Bristol is located on the Ring, within shouting distance of the State Opera House and near the start of Kärntnerstrasse, Vienna’s foremost shopping area. And yes, it is named after the British city.
The Imperial has welcomed some of Vienna’s most famous and infamous visitors, including Adolf Hitler and Bruce Springsteen (though not at the same time). Originally built as a city palace for the Prince of Württemberg, it converted to a hotel in 1873. You’ll find it on the Ring, further up from the Grand Hotel Wien, and on the other side of the boulevard.
Photo © Mark Brownlow
Recently acquired by the London-based JJW Hotels & Resorts chain, the Grand used to house the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Authority. It’s just a few doors further down the Ring than the Hotel Bristol. The Presidential Suite has hosted the likes of Kofi Annan and Japan’s late Prince Takamado.
Also on the Ring, between the Stadtpark and Palais Coburg.
Photo © Mark Brownlow
One of the larger and more modern hotel buildings, with 453 rooms and suites. It’s very close to the Stadtpark and the Kursalon Hübner, where the Strauss family ploughed their musical trade.
One of the few five star hotels not located in a little cluster between the Stadtpark and State Opera House. The Hilton’s on the other side of the center, though still on the Ring, and close to the Stock Exchange and Votivkirche. Coincidentally, it’s also close to one of Vienna’s English-language cinemas - the DeFrance.
Also a Marriott property, located a little outside the center away from the main tourist areas.
9. Hotel Sacher
Also famous as the home of the Sacher Torte chocolate cake and a city landmark in its own right. One of the most central of all the five star locations, on the city side of the State Opera House. First opened in 1876 by the son of the man who made the first cake. Famous guests include Queen Elizabeth II and President John F. Kennedy.
Built by amalgamating two palaces — Palais Leitenberger and the Palais Henckel von Donnersmarck — it’s on the Ring close to the Vienna Marriott. Admired by city dwellers for its tasteful Christmas lighting.
Trivia: To qualify for five stars a hotel has to meet the exacting requirements of a national commission under the aegis of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The presence of bathroom scales in each room is one of the criteria.