Left to right: Hotel Imperial, the original Sacher torte, the private gardens of Palais Coburg Residenz.
Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Set opposite the Vienna State Opera, the stately 150-room Hotel Bristol is a favorite of architecture and history buffs for its original Austrian artwork and fin de siècle antiques. The Prince of Wales Suite is one of the largest in Austria, with a library and dining and fitness rooms. The Bristol Lounge and cozy Bristol Bar both feature meticulously restored interiors, and the hotel itself has undergone an extensive renovation of all public spaces, with the addition of ten rooms and suites.
“On an interactive city walk with audio augmented-reality glasses (complimentary at the Tourist Info office), you can listen to Beethoven compositions recorded by the Wiener Symphoniker as Ludwig leads you to his favorite places and discusses his life in the city.” – Simone Dulies, general manager
Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Vienna’s grande dame has helped define the city for travelers since 1873. Originally built as a private residence for Prince Philipp of Württemberg, the 138-room palace on Vienna’s Ringstrasse was converted into Hotel Imperial for the 1873 World Exhibition. Rooms and suites are clad in silk and marble and decorated with crystal chandeliers and antiques. Café Imperial treats visitors to traditional Viennese specialties, such as its Imperial torte. Restaurant OPUS has garnered three toques from Gault et Millau.
“Make sure to visit the Naschmarkt, close to the city center. A meeting spot for both young and old, Vienna’s best-known market is home to some 120 stands and restaurants, including Viennese, Indian, Vietnamese, and Italian. Its sprawling Saturday Flohmarkt (flea market) sells everything from antiques and jewelry to classic postcards and books and is a city institution.” – Mario Habicher, general manager
Hotel Sacher Wien
Directly across from the Vienna State Opera, the family-run, 152-room Hotel Sacher Wien is a city landmark that houses one of Austria’s largest private art collections. No visit to Vienna is complete without a taste of the original Sacher torte at its Sacher Eck café. If you’ve overindulged, opt for the no-calorie “Time to Chocolate” treatment at the Sacher Boutique Spa.
Palais Coburg Residenz
Among the last of the great palaces to be built in Vienna, the 34-suite Palais Coburg Residenz presides just behind the Parkring, with views of Stadtpark. The hotel blends medieval brick walls, starkly modern elements, and antique furnishings throughout its roomy, light-filled suites. Chef Silvio Nickol wins high praise (and two Michelin stars) for dishes at his namesake restaurant, buttressed by a barrel-vaulted wine cellar that houses some 60,000 bottles.
“Vollpension makes my favorite pastries in Vienna. Their concept is simple: freshly baked cakes and tortes prepared in an open kitchen by grandmothers and served in a cozy setting that feels like your oma’s living room. At its two locations, people of every age and social class meet to enjoy a gorgeous homemade pastry, coffee, or perhaps a glass of Eierlikör (egg liqueur).” – Roland Hamberger, general manager
Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
Built in 1873, the 152-room Palais Hansen Kempinski continues to captivate with original Renaissance Revival-style elements, Viennese charm, and a pop of the contemporary. Perched in a leafy city-center neighborhood on the famous Ringstrasse, the hotel is within strolling distance of Vienna’s main attractions. Michelin-starred Edvard restaurant is a hit with locals and visitors alike – as is the Ottoman-style spa.
“Lobmeyr is a sixth-generation family-owned business that produces crystal glassware and chandeliers found in museums, opera houses, and palaces around the world. Ask your Virtuoso travel advisor if it’s possible to visit their main store for a private tour and signature Viennese souvenir.” – Florian Wille, general manager
Park Hyatt Vienna
Housed in a 100-year-old former bank overlooking Am Hof Square in the Goldenes Quartier, the 143-room Park Hyatt Vienna retains many of the building’s original features, such as the massive marble pillars and high ceiling in its restaurant, and the bank vault, which now houses a 50-foot lap pool. Book a Park Suite View for panoramic vistas of the historic city center.
“I love Takan’s, a family-run Mediterranean restaurant in Vienna’s 18th district that serves freshly caught fish and seafood specialities. Owners Suat and Deniz Takan treat all their guests like family. The salt-crusted branzino is to die for.” – Monique Dekker, general manager
The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
The 201-room Ritz-Carlton, Vienna occupies a prime address on the Ringstrasse a block from Stadtpark. Featuring one of the city’s premier rooftop bars, two lively restaurants, a nearly 11,000-square-foot spa, and some of the largest guest rooms in town, the hotel is a rare mix of hidden retreat and city getaway.
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