Top 5 best Vienna hotels travelers recommend: with superb restaurants, exclusive spas and attractions at your doorstep
The seat of the Holy Roman Empire, the center of art and intellectualism during the Renaissance, prominent figures such as Mozart, Freud and Beethoven who called this city home: Vienna displays 2,000 years of history in every corner. But its image by no means looks like something ancient and outdated: today Vienna is still a vibrant and modern cultural center. As proof, it's worth checking out some of Vienna's best hotels, which are amazing.
The annual World's Best Awards survey, determined which of Vienna's most luxurious hotels, often with their own history, would satisfy the most discerning traveler.
Winner of the survey: The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
A generously decorated outpost located in the heart of the city center in 4 19th-century palaces, it boasts expansive grounds, legendary service and true Austrian hospitality. It has 200 large rooms and suites, while managing to keep the atmosphere warm and quaint.
A leader in the top 5 of travelers' favorite hotels in Vienna, deservedly garnering the most positive reviews, it is the ideal starting point for exploring the city. The rooftop terrace on the 8th floor, home to the AtmSphere Rooftop Bar, offers stunning views of Vienna, a beautiful city park is a short walk away, and many iconic sights can be reached in less than 20 minutes: the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the world's oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, and the State Opera House.
Despite being housed in historic buildings, the hotel's interiors are quite modern, although some original details have been preserved and blended in with the new surroundings, such as the magnificent wrought iron staircase in the lobby. The rooms are classic with a modern touch: the austere wall colors and thin curtains contrast with the patterns on the decorative pillows and bedspreads and the accent artwork. The most luxurious room in the hotel is the 2,045-square-foot Presidential Suite, which combines a modern interior with 19th-century charm.
While staying at the hotel, guests can immerse themselves in Vienna's culinary culture with a variety of restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones, and bars inspired by different trends. Meat lovers and lovers of local produce should check out Dstrikt Steakhouse, a farm-to-table steakhouse where guests can enjoy the best selection of Austrian charcoal grilled meats and delicious side dishes. Pastamara - Bar con Cucina offers guests an Italian journey in a casual atmosphere, enjoying reimagined variations of Sicilian cuisine. In addition to the rooftop AtmSphere, the hotel has another bar, the classic lively D-bar overlooking Ring Boulevard, which serves light appetizers and cocktails with a modern twist, prepared by a master mixologist. Members of The Ritz-Carlton can also visit The Ritz-Carlton's stylish 7th floor lounge for personalized service and several culinary offerings per day.
Another bonus for guests of The Ritz-Carlton that sets it apart from the other best hotels in Vienna from this top is the longest indoor pool in the city, notable also for its underwater sound system playing classical tunes. It is part of the Ritz-Carlton Spa Vienna, an urban oasis of energy and tranquility that combines therapeutic and healing experiences with natural elements. The range of services is extensive, from individual massages and treatments to spa packages and signature rituals. In addition to the pool, the spa features a fitness center and dedicated relaxation areas for men and women, each equipped with a dry sauna, steam room and heated beds.
Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Another of Vienna's most chic hotels in the city center, the Bristol impresses with its heritage and location: next to the stunning Vienna State Opera and close to the most prominent sights, amidst lively cafes, restaurants and elegant boutiques. This Art Deco gem exemplifies Viennese charm and exceptional service.
Bristol has 150 exclusive rooms, including 24 unique suites that are reminiscent of early 19th century apartments. Elegantly decorated in Art Deco style by Pierre Yves Rochon, they offer a sophisticated atmosphere and the best views of the city. They bear the imprint of tradition since 1892 and showcase a combination of two worlds - modern luxury and timeless sophistication.
The Bristol will make a great base for exploring the city, aided by a team of concierges, helping each guest discover the very best of the Viennese experience and uncover the city's secret treasures. Each concierge is a certified expert in different areas and a holder of the "Golden Keys" label of the International Concierge Society. The hotel organizes a unique experience for its guests, inviting them to share their reverence for Viennese artisans. The concierge will help them visit the workshops to get a behind-the-scenes look and learn some of the secrets of the heirs to a 300-year-old craft tradition. The concierge will prepare two optional event visits for guests to witness the history of Lobmeyr glass, AE Köchert jewelry, Bosendorfer pianos, Augarten porcelain, Scheer shoes and more.
As Vienna's most beloved hotels, the Bristol offers some of the city's most luxurious restaurants. The elegant Bristol Lounge is open all day long, serving classic Austrian cuisine and Chef Stefan Zuber's signature interpretations. Sit comfortably by the fireplace if you are traveling in cold weather to enjoy the culinary delicacies that Richard Strauss, Enrico Caruso and Gustav Mahler loved in their time and experience Vienna's superb hospitality. Also worth a visit is the British-style afternoon tea, served with a fine selection of delicacies, appetizers and sweets from the hotel's patisserie. The Bristol Bar is the first American establishment of its kind in the city, and its cocktail list is as extensive and legendary as the Bristol's famous guests.
Park Hyatt Vienna
One of Vienna's most prestigious five-star hotels is guaranteed to provide sophisticated travelers with an unforgettable experience. The hotel has 146 luxurious rooms (including 42 suites) featuring exquisite décor, sophisticated ambience and modern design, providing the guest with a home away from home feeling. Chic comfortable beds, marble bathrooms, heated floors, exclusive amenities and stunning city views greet guests in each room decorated with wood, mother-of-pearl and marble elements.
Park Hyatt Vienna's culinary program consists of a restaurant, bar and lounges for a luxurious stay and gastronomic experience in the heart of the city. The Bank Brasserie & Bar, located in the center of the building, has a separate entrance from Bognergrasse. The restaurant uses locally sourced organic products in its kitchen and focuses on new variations of classic brasserie dishes. Daily breakfast is served buffet style. Guests can watch the chefs at work thanks to the open kitchen. The Bank Bar distinguishes itself with premium signature cocktails inspired by optical and sensory associations with the times when the building housed a bank. Lovers of fresh air will appreciate the opportunity to relax in the exclusive The Bolliparadise area, located on Bohnergrasse, to observe the vibrant life of Vienna while sipping signature champagne and savoring culinary delights. Fans of sweets are guaranteed to be delighted with a visit to Café Am Hof, whose window is lined with a variety of delicious tarts, cakes and sweets. From classic Viennese pastries to modern confections, there's something for everyone with a sweet tooth, and if you find it hard to choose just one, ask to pack a few desserts to take away. There's also a lounge for relaxing, drinks and snacks in a casual atmosphere, and room service.
Park Hyatt Vienna has one of Vienna's most exclusive spas found in the best local hotels. The Arany Spa occupies the basement of a former bank building, transforming it into a luxurious oasis of rest, relaxation and comfort. The spa features a 15 meter long indoor pool, an extensive fitness center, sauna and hair spa. Visitors are offered an excellent range of cosmetic and beauty treatments for face and body.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Since its opening in 1876, Hotel Sacher has always been an important part of Vienna's cultural history, becoming one of the finest hotels in the Austrian capital. Its guests have included many celebrities from artists to heads of state, such as US President John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, Naomi Campbell, Sharon Stone and many others. Hotel Sacher has packaged its illustrious history in timeless elegance, providing the public with 152 guest rooms and suites where modernity and innovation are in effortless harmony with tradition and heritage.
High-end spaciousness and comfort showcase a true taste of luxury in every room: crystal chandeliers, individually decorated interiors, original artwork, 24-hour concierge service and more. Marble bathrooms with heated floors and separate showers complement the exquisite décor of the bedrooms, while the windows offer views of the city's landmarks and amazing architecture.
Culinary venues at Vienna's most stunning hotels, such as Hotel Sacher, offer immersive Austrian and international cuisine, an extensive wine list and specialty chocolates. Take a seat in the glass conservatory overlooking the Vienna Opera House, which transforms into a spacious outdoor terrace in summer, or in the grand dining room of the Rote Bar restaurant to indulge in Austrian recipes and delicious Viennese classics with live piano accompaniment. Guests will be enchanted by the impressive atmosphere of the Grüne Bar restaurant, with its 1883 Lobmeyr chandelier and Faistauer paintings, as well as the exquisite regional cuisine served here. They can relax and enjoy luxury with a touch of late-night luxury in the legendary Blaue by Sacher Bar, a sophisticated hideaway with dark blue brocade walls and crystal chandeliers. Sip delicious coffee and indulge in pastry at Café Bel Étage or sample the famous Sacher cake and experience Viennese coffee culture at Café Sacher.
End your cultural and gastronomic pleasures at the hotel with the ultimate in relaxation. Take time to revitalize yourself with the signature "Chocolate Time" ritual, which includes four beauty treatments using cocoa beans, or use natural ingredients and advanced molecular advances for the Seed to Skin facial. Sacher Boutique Spa also provides massage services, beauty treatments, a 24-hour five-star fitness room, steam room and sauna.
Hilton Vienna Plaza
InVienna's most prestigious district, on Ringstrasse, less than a kilometer from iconic architectural landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera, City Hall, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Palace, lies one of the city's chicest hotels, the Hilton Vienna Plaza. It's a great starting point for walking tours of the Old Town, and the elegant Graben shopping street is just a 10-minute walk away. The hotel is also close to the Christmas market near City Hall, so travelers who go to Vienna for a dose of Christmas atmosphere and fairground charm love to stay here.
The building, built in the 1920s, opened in 1988 as the first designer hotel in the city. It is adorned with more than a thousand original works of art, precious architectural details and numerous designer furnishings. It was later meticulously renovated, bringing to life unique service and exclusive amenities. Paying tribute to historical splendor and combining it with maximum comfort, Hilton Vienna Plaza opens the doors to the modern lifestyle of the city. The hotel's decoration combines Art Deco design and modern interiors. Rooms and suites feature elegant furnishings, large windows (which can be opened) and marble bathrooms.
The elegant 1920s-style ambience continues in the Émile restaurant and bar. Its atmosphere is inspired by the story of a real person, Émile Rouget, a native of Paris and a member of the upper class. He was considered a dandy in the best sense of the word: he traveled a lot, staying in the best hotels in Europe, led a bohemian lifestyle, becoming a regular in bars and cafes in the neighborhood, but later fell in love with Vienna and decided to stay here. Emil was a regular at several of the famous cafes on Ringstrasse and could often be seen in the lobbies of local hotels reading newspapers. He did leave Vienna in the 1930s, but his joie de vivre, style and elegance are embodied in one of the city's finest restaurants. Stop by Émile to enjoy Austrian and international cuisine and top off your order with a cocktail or vintage champagne. The afternoon tea in the hotel lobby is also worth a visit. Later in the day and into the night, relax in the Émile Bar with a glass of specialty martinis, absinthe and other drinks.
All hotel guests get access to the fitness center, and they can also rent a bike to ride around the city and see as many sights as possible. As one of the top 5 most travelers' favorite hotels in Vienna, the Hilton Vienna Plaza embodies the best of a city steeped in tradition and diverse cultural influences.