Whether a grand hotel with a great history or a remodeled architectural jewel with modern touches: Vienna's rich architectural history is also reflected in its luxury hotels, which continue to innovate traditions.
Every luxury hotel has its own little, well-kept secrets. For example, the name "Ritz-Carlton, Vienna" sounds like a classic 5-star accommodation, but the extensive complex consists of four historic palaces that are intertwined in one building. And each of these palaces tells the story of an era that has long since disappeared, but still casts a shadow over the present. Palais Ötzelt, which was once a fashionable residence, is particularly exciting. The architect Anton Ötzelt was one of Austria's biggest art collectors in the mid-19th century. The hotel also wanted to follow this tradition: The "Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite" has been located in this wing since 2020. The Albertina has made five masterpieces from the Batliner Collection available for this purpose. This turns the suite into a private, very exclusive art gallery. After all, who has a Chagall hanging in their bedroom, a dance scene by Degas in the dining area or a garden painting by Monet?
As a bonus, admission to the Albertina Museum is included in the hotel price: As a VIP member, you save yourself the hassle of queuing and can also take part in exclusive events and exhibition openings. As you can see, contemporary luxury has many faces: it is no longer just about top equipment and first-class service, but also about special experiences that you can only have in this place. Hotels that want to stand out have to offer something special. At the "Ritz-Carlton Vienna", you feel like you've been transported to another era. So much so that you can do without modern means of transportation: Both the opera and the most important sights can be easily explored on foot. The best thing to do is to stroll through Vienna as relaxed and curious as a dandy.
In order not to be arbitrary, luxury hotels want to reflect the spirit and atmosphere of the respective location. Enjoy exploring the history, art and crafts of a city. The "Rosewood Vienna" only opened its doors last year and is a good example of how Viennese tradition can be combined with international modernity. The two Viennese architecture firms A2K and BEHF were responsible for the redesign of the spacious neoclassical bank building, which was designed by the Austrian architect Alois Pichl in 1835. The luxury hotel was furnished by London-based interior design firm Alexander Waterworth. The heritage of the Austrian capital is alive and well in the light-flooded rooms.
With its magnificent chandelier creations, J. & L. Lobmeyr ensures Viennese elegance in the most beautiful rooms of the house. Custom-made furniture and fabrics from the Backhausen company, founded in 1849 and known for its Art Nouveau patterns, create color contrasts. The bathrooms were decorated according to Wiener Werkstätte designs. The focus is on Austrian craftsmanship at its finest, but with an innovative twist on tradition. The walls are decorated with a wild jungle, making you feel like you're walking through a botanical garden. The "Asaya Spa" extends over two floors and the "Neue Hoheit" restaurant is also very popular with locals. Another design highlight: the chic rooftop bar is modeled on the Viennese Art Deco icon "Loos American Bar".
The "Sacher" is not just a hotel, it is an institution. Everyone knows the famous pastry shop with the Sachertorte, which only here tastes so wonderfully moist. The hotel opened its doors in 1876. Crowned heads such as Elizabeth II of England and Gracia Patricia were among the illustrious guests, as were actress Romy Schneider and John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who invited guests to a press conference in the "Sacher" bed in 1969. Even today, art is omnipresent in the salons and corridors, and photos are reminiscent of the legendary times when Anna Sacher became a cult figure as a resolute, cigar-smoking hotelier. The "Sacher" was her stage: she treated art students to a free meal and read the riot act to archdukes. The author Joseph Roth described her as "Her Majesty, Mrs. Sacher, the Maria Theresa of Austrian gourmandie". The "Sacher" still exudes grand hotel charm today. Malicious tongues even claim that you don't even have to leave the hotel to capture the essence of Vienna.
The "Sacher" is hard to beat when it comes to glamor. Whereby the star line-up, which already stayed at the "Bristol", is no less impressive. As an Art Deco gem, the Grand Hotel was already considered a noble address in 1892. The Bristol Bar was Vienna's first American bar. George Gershwin wrote his musical "An American in Paris" at the Bristol and Catherine Deneuve filmed in the bar. The striking staircase to the suites with a view of the State Opera - and the open fireplace in the lounge - is also cinematic.
The "Palais Hansen Kempinski", which was built in 1873 by the famous architect Theophil Hansen and hosted guests for the World Exhibition, also breathes history. The sophisticated elegance lives on today in the listed building. There is even a cigar lounge where you can enjoy a good cigar just like in the old days. If you want to experience this luxury hotel in all its glory, you should book quickly: After ten years of operation, the Kempinski Group is withdrawing at the end of the year, but a continuation of the hotel under a different banner has already been secured. It remains exciting to see how the traditional company will be led into a new future.
In recent years, there has been movement in the 5-star segment. The "Thompson Vienna" is due to open in 2024, followed by the "Mandarin Oriental" in 2025. No wonder, Vienna tourism has increased after the pandemic. With 7.5 million overnight stays, the first half of 2023 corresponds to around 94% of the 2019 level. The USA is back in full swing as the first long-distance market. Two of the new luxury tankers have already opened their doors this year - and are setting aesthetic standards: "The Amauris" is derived from a species of butterfly, and the name says it all: Elegance and beauty are at the center of the new luxury hotel of the French association Relais & Château which specializes in exceptional accommodation and restaurants. For example, 160 tons of the finest marble from Italy were used - all the room doors are made of marble. Croatian designer and architect Nikola Arambašić is convinced that luxury must offer surprise. This is why the historic elevator, the old staircase and the high ceilings with ornate stucco are reminiscent of typical Viennese architecture, while in the new staircase the murals by Klara Rusan depict flying modern gods.
The "Almanac Palais Vienna" also looked for creative ways to combine the charm of the historic building with contemporary design. Located directly on the Ringstrasse, in the former Henckel von Donnersmarck and Leitenberger palaces, the hotel reflects the history of the building and the area. Clear lines and a natural color scheme are designed to relax the eye, with gold tones running through the rooms and marble providing accents. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and this is also reflected in the menus. The "Donnersmarkt Restaurant" is inspired by the tradition of the Viennese weekly markets and makes seasonal vegetables from the Alpine countries the main feature, while meat and fish become a delicious secondary matter.
Vienna is regularly at the top of the list when it comes to choosing the most liveable city. No matter how much the locals grumble, they are still proud of their Vienna. Even the hotels here have flair and personality.
Sign up now for our newsletter.
