Fondly called the “City of Dreams” and the “City of Music,” having been home to legendary composers Mozart, Klimt, and Beethoven, as well as to famed psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud, Vienna in Austria is beloved for many reasons. It is clean and verdant, with low noise and pollution levels; it has excellent education and healthcare systems, a robust economy, and a cultural heritage that dates to pre-Roman civilizations. All these reasons, and more,have landed Vienna in the top spot of Mercer’s Quality of Living survey for ten years, from 2009-2019. In 2018, The Economist also cited Vienna as the world’s most livable city. It isn’t just an ideal place to live, but also to visit. Tourism was at an all-time high in 2019, with the city recording 7.9 million tourist arrivals. People flock to Vienna not just for the pastoral beauty of its environs, but for its rich and prolific arts and culture scene. The city has deep roots in classical music and theatre, and has a number of exceptional museums and music venues, perhaps the most renowned of which is the Vienna State Opera House, and also has a prominent coffee culture. Vienna boasts a number of acclaimed luxury hotels.
#1. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
Situated along Vienna’s renowned Ringstrasse or Ring Boulevard, in the midst of the city’s cultural center, The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna offers travelers exemplary hospitality in the comfort of a luxurious yet laidback sanctuary.
The hotel melds legendary service and bespoke creativity to craft a well-rounded, up-to-the-minute guest experience that is simply unforgettable. Housed in four handsome heritage-protected, historic 19th-century palaces, the hotel boasts 201 lavishly-appointed guestrooms and suites, tastefully designed and furnished in contemporary elegance.
The hotel’s flair for the creative extends to its authentic and unique dining experiences, from mouthwatering farm-to-table selections at Dstrikt Steakhouse; bespoke artisanal cocktails at Atmosphere Rooftop Bar; small plates and pre-meal drinks, inspired by the Sicilian aperitivo culture at Pastamara-Bar con Cucina; and signature drinks at D-Bar. Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the hotel’s seventh-floor serves daily culinary selections with personalized service.
With a total of 900 square meters of chic event space, special gatherings are made even more special at the grand Crystal Ballroom, three multi-use rooms, and two boardrooms. For extravagant pampering, The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers luxe treatment rooms and a roster of customized services by Susanne Kaufmann, a fitness center with the latest equipment, as well as an 18-meter indoor pool.
#2. Park Hyatt Vienna
Situated near popular tourist attractions such as Hofburg Palace, St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Prater Park, Vienna State Opera House, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Art History Museum, Park Hyatt Vienna promises a fulfilling experience for travelers looking to take in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city.
With classic exteriors inspired by Vienna’s ancient bank building and magnificent interiors that exude sophistication, this five-star hotel delights even the most discerning of travelers. First-class service, topnotch facilities, as well as luxuriously-appointed guestrooms work together to create a luxuriant guest experience.
The hotel has 143 expansive guestrooms; inclusive of 41 suites. Each room is stunning in contemporary elegance, with a sophisticated Viennese ambience. Cavernous marble bathrooms feature a separate bathtub and rain shower, heated flooring, and luxe amenities by Le Labo. Dining is a gastronomic delight at the Park Hyatt Vienna.
The Bank Brasserie & Bar serves the finest brasserie classics; Café Am Hof offers cakes, Viennese pastries, patisserie selections, and an à la carte menu; The Living Room has a roster of fine whiskeys, premium spirits, and cocktails; and The Lounge serves traditional Viennese breakfast, afternoon pastries, dishes from The Bank Brasserie, and a selection of wines and champagnes.
#3. Palais Coburg Residenz
Built in the 1840s, this majestic palatial residence has been beautifully converted into a five-star hotel in a quieter area of Ring Boulevard, near picturesque Stadtpark Vienna City Park. With only 35 grand suites and no regular guestrooms, Palais Coburg Residenz is an ultra-exclusive and luxurious upscale boutique hotel in the city.
Suites are lavishly-appointed and individually, uniquely-designed, with an old-world-meets-classic-contemporary aesthetic; the most opulent suites, Coburg and Palais, boast Biedermeier and Louis XVI furniture. Bathrooms are as spectacular as the suites, with golden fixtures, double sinks, amenities by Acqua di Parma, and elegant clawfoot bathtubs in the larger suites. The most high-end of the suites feature two bathrooms with whirlpools and saunas.
The hotel’s public spaces and facilities are equally breathtaking, with a white stone and plate glass lobby, a counter-current indoor pool, a fully-equipped gym, and a premium spa with a sauna, steambath, whirlpool, pool, and an expanisve sun terrace.
Dining options are as upscale as the hotel itself, with two-Michelin-starred Silvio Nickol and its menu of the finest Austrian soul food, with modern flair; Clementine, which serves breakfast and hearty meals; and the Wine Bar, an ultra-chic wine cellar which houses an extensive selection of fine vintages.
#4. Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
Originally designed and built in 1873 for the World Exhibition, Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna only opened as a five-star hotel in March 2013, after over two years of meticulous renovation. The historic building situated in Vienna’s city center offers a luxurious guest experience in a beautifully-restored heritage landmark.
Its prime location along Ring Boulevard allows guests easy access to a number of Vienna’s most popular attractions, including the Sigmund Freud Museum, the Danube Canal, Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Baroque-style Augarten Park. The hotel boasts 152 spacious guestrooms and suites, all of which are elegantly-appointed, furnished and fitted in luxury, with rich fabrics and carpets, and tasteful décor. Rooms afford charming views of the city or the courtyard, and feature amenities like coffee and tea service, as well as Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries in the lavish bathrooms.
Spa and wellness facilities include four saunas, six treatment rooms for an array of spa services, a hydro pool, and a fully-equipped gym.
The hotel has a number of dining options, including multi-awarded, Michelin-starred EDVARD, which is a popular choice for fine dining in the city. Die Küche Wien serves Austria’s well-loved dishes, while the Lobby Lounge & Bar offers light fare and cocktails.
#5. Hotel Imperial
As a Luxury Collection Hotel of the Marriott group, Hotel Imperial offers guests an opulent stay in a gorgeous 1800s palatial building, with the utmost in warm, hospitable service. Built in 1863 as the Vienna residence of the Prince of Wuerttemberg, the structure was transformed into the Hotel Imperial in 1873, for Vienna’s World Fair.
Since then, scores of prominent personalities have stayed at the hotel; from royalty and heads of state to politicians and dignitaries, as well as top celebrities and icons of society—Hotel Imperial has welcomed them all. Just like the hotel’s stunning, romantic public spaces, all of its 79 rooms and 59 suites showcase Vienna’s old-world charm and elegance, melded with the comfort and convenience of modern facilities and amenities. Guestrooms feature lavish décor and details, like impressive antiques and silk-clad walls, as well as luxurious marble bathrooms.
Dining at the hotel is, indeed, an indulgent pleasure. Café Imperial Wien, largely regarded as the birthplace of Viennese coffeehouse culture, offers traditional Austrian dishes, café specialties, and its famed Imperial Torte. Restaurant OPUS features international fare with upscale Austrian flair. Imperial Bar Wien serves light breakfast, snacks, cocktails and aperitifs, and plays host to concerts and celebrations.
#6. Grand Hotel Wien
With its gorgeous 19th century heritage building, impressive facilities and amenities, array of lavish rooms and suites, topnotch gourmet dining, and thoughtful customer service, the Grand Hotel Wien is definitely one of Vienna’s leading luxury hotels.
This five-star establishment opened in 1870, Vienna’s first Grand Dame of hotels. Since then, the property has been thoroughly restored, with emphasis on keeping the façade true to its heritage, while the interiors have been newly-built, combining classical architecture, tradition, and history with state-of-the-art technology.
The hotel offers 205 expansive rooms and suites, designed in customary Viennese elegance and furnished and fitted for a luxurious yet homey feel. Each room features thoughtfully curated rare antiques, rich fabrics, timeless décor, and the latest in technology.
The Grand Hotel Wien celebrates the pleasures of fine dining with its award-winning restaurants and bars, among the best in Vienna. With four restaurants— 1870 Restaurant Terrace Lounge, UNKAI Japanese Restaurant, the Grand Brasserie, and UNKAI Bar & Sushi— serving the best of Austrian cuisine and international fare, as well as a bar and a coffee lounge, guests are spoilt for delicious choice at The Grand Hotel. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Grand Spa is the place to be for next-level pampering.
#7. Le Méridien Vienna
For its convenient location on Ring Boulevard, around the Old Town and in proximity to a number of well-known restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions, Le Méridien Vienna is a popular choice with travelers looking to immerse themselves in the charm and culture of the city.
The hotel prides itself on its flair for the creative, positioning itself as a “design hotel” with stunning artistic details infusing the property. From the gorgeous 19th-century imperial Viennese architecture of its façade to its sleek contemporary interiors and tastefully decorated guestrooms, Le Méridien Vienna offers guests a soothing and memorable stay in the lap of luxury.
This five-star hotel comprises four fully-renovated palaces, with a total of 295 lavishly-appointed rooms and suites. Dining at the hotel is a vibrant culinary experience with the best of local flavors and international favorites.
The laidback vibe of YOU Restaurant is the perfect setting for a hearty meal from its roster of contemporary international dishes and signature drinks at YOU Bar, all with lively music in the background. SALA TERRENA, meanwhile, serves a sumptuous breakfast buffet, daily. The hotel also has 10 renovated meeting rooms and two event foyers, and a wellness center with a gym and spa.
#8. Hotel Sacher Wien
As one of Vienna’s most iconic 19th-century properties, Hotel Sacher Wein provides guests with a truly luxurious experience in the heart of the city. Having served European high society since 1876, the hotel is well-versed in the refined nuances of sublime and efficient hospitality, landing it a spot in The Leading Hotels of the World.
Its Concierge is renowned for providing exceptional service, and the entirety of the property is seamlessly maintained. Situated in the midst of numerous shops, restaurants, and popular attractions like the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Haus der Musik, Hotel Sacher Wein boasts convenience of location and lavishness of luxury.
The hotel has 149 opulent Belle-Epoque style guest rooms and suites, appointed in the finest fittings and furnishings, with the charm and romance of bygone years. Despite their traditional ambience, rooms feature modern technologies like free high-speed Wi-Fi access.
As for dining, Hotel Sacher Wein showcases both Austrian and international cuisines: Restaurant Rote Bar and Restaurant Grüne Bar offer the finest in customary Austrian recipes and Viennese classics; the acclaimed Blaue Bar serves an array of aperitifs and spirits; while Sacher’s cafés offer the hotel’s famed Original Sacher-Torte as well as a sampling of Viennese coffee culture.
#9. Hotel Grand Ferdinand Vienna
Housed in a fully-renovated building from the 1950s, Hotel Grand Ferdinand Vienna embraces modernity with a nod to the subtle allure of Vienna’s elegant past. With its sleek aesthetic and quirky details, this luxury hotel has quickly become a favorite of discerning travelers looking for a unique five-star experience in the bustling city.
Situated along Ring Boulevard, Vienna’s famed city center that embraces the Old Town, Hotel Grand Ferdinand Vienna is within proximity to numerous attractions, renowned restaurants and coffee houses, as well as an array of shops.
The hotel offers 186 guestrooms, four of which are suites and one of which is the ultra-luxurious Grand Ferdinand Suite. All rooms feature a clean and crisp contemporary aesthetic, tasteful furnishings and fittings, with eclectic accents and open-plan bathrooms that give off a dynamic modern ambience.
The hotel is home to three culinary gems: Meissl & Schadn, winner of The Trophée Gourmet A la Carte in 2018, serves Austrian cuisine, with emphasis on beloved local classics; Gulasch & Soehne offers Viennese snacks, small plates, and breakfast fare; Grand Étage serves international dishes in a cozy rooftop venue, which also features a members-only salon. Hotel facilities include a rooftop pool and fully-equipped gym.
#10. House of Time
House of Time is a five-star luxury hotel-residence situated in the voguish, artsy neighborhood of Vienna’s Karmeliter Market, in the 2nd district. It is near the Augarten, Vienna’s oldest baroque park, and within 15-minutes’ walk of some of the best attractions.
With only five expansive, ultra-glamorous suites, this private-residence-turned-hotel is as exclusive as it gets. The building dates to the 19th century, with each of its five suites lavishly-appointed in thematic styles that take guests through time and space. Caesar’s Paradise is a nod to the grandeur of Ancient Rome, with a Roman-style bedroom and a Viennese-style terrace.
The Home of Music suite, with its sophisticated, Imperial-style ambience, features a wide selection of classical music and a 1936 Stefan Zweig art deco private bar. Garden of Eden pays homage to the Creation Story, with nature-inspired décor and furnishings, a Caribbean-style bedroom, and grand salon.
The Love Boat in Saigon suite melds customary Asian culture with modern Western flair, and features a 50-square-meter ‘Le Ciel’ terrace with breathtaking 360° views of the city. Playground exudes the romance of Paris, Europe’s City of Lights, and features artistic details like French Designer Herve van der Straeten’s ‘Paire de Miroirs’ mirror piece from 1980.
#11. Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, Wien
Located in the midst of Vienna’s historic downtown area and old city, just mere minutes away from attractions like Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Goldenes Quartier, Vienna’s luxury shopping district, Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof offers convenient and elegant accommodation in the vibrant city.
The hotel is an impressive showcase of charming Viennese-inspired interiors with a contemporary aesthetic, and affords picturesque views of its environs. With 196 chic guestrooms and suites, lavishly styled in an array of baroque and art deco influences with modern flair, guests can enjoy all that the city has to offer, while living in a luxuriant and elegant home-away-from-home. Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof has two delectable dining optins: Béla Béla Restaurant shines the spotlight on the finest, freshest Austrian ingredients and the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea, in a laidback, Mediterranean-style setting; while Béla’s Wohnzimmer & Bar affords a casual lounge atmosphere with a roster of signature drinks and café items.
Wellness treatments and spa services are available at the hotel’s Spa World Comfort, with a Finnish sauna and a fully-equipped gym. The Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof is likewise an excellent venue for private functions, meetings, and events, with 500 sqm of professional facilities across eight customizable conference rooms.
#12. Hotel Sans Souci Wien
With a vision to be “a unique oasis of calm with personal, uncomplicated service that is second to none,” eco-certified Hotel Sans Souci Wien positions itself as an urban retreat in the heart of Vienna’s cultural and artistic area.
This boutique hotel is situated in the Bohemian Quarter of Spittelberg, along Vienna’s Museums Quartier. As such, it is the perfect launching point into the city’s rich culture and arts scene, where Imperial tradition melds with modern-day trends.
The hotel was designed by none other than Philippe Starck’s renowned studio, YOO. Guestrooms and suites feature a classic-contemporary aesthetic, punctuated by modern, stylistic elements and the design flair of Starck’s YOO. Plush beds and furnishing make for a comfortable, luxurious stay, form check-in to check-out. Guestrooms come with free coffee service and other thoughtful premium amenities.
Hotel Sans Souci Wien’s culinary offerings promise high-quality, delightful gastronomy in a leisurely setting. Restaurant Veranda serves modern Austrian cuisine with and an array of wines. Veranda Breakfast offers daily buffet breakfast of Viennese specialties and international classics.
The hotel also offers a daily Business Lunch, a two-course lunch menu of modern Austrian dishes. Meanwhile, Le Bar features an impressive roster of over 60 sparkling wines.
#13. InterContinental Vienna, an IHG Hotel
Located just a few minutes away from must-see attractions like Vienna State Opera House and Kaerntner Strasse shopping street, InterContinental Vienna is a luxurious five-star hotel overlooking the city’ verdant Stadtpark.
The hotel’s sleek, functional façade gives way to warm, wood-paneled interiors, beautifully accented with opulent gilded chandeliers. With 458 elegantly-appointed contemporary rooms and suites, guests are sure to find the accommodation that meets their needs. Classic elegance melds with contemporary style and comfort to create a personal retreat amidst the bustling city. InterContinental Vienna is a top meeting hotel, with a total of 1, 200 sqm of event space and a number of function rooms. Its Grand Ballroom is a lavish venue, perfect for special occasions.
The hotel offers a number of bars and restaurants for a leveled-up culinary experience: Parlor Restaurant serves gourmet cuisine in a captivating, contemporary black-and-white setting; Intermezzo Bar offers signature drinks, cocktails, and spirits; while Café Vienna provides a robust sampling of Viennese coffee house culture.
InterContinental Vienna also has a cutting-edge fitness center, with a fully-equipped gym. The hotel is likewise certified with the Austrian Eco-Label and abides by the stringent requirements of Green Engage, making it both an eco-friendly and socially-responsible hotel.
#14. Do&Co Hotel Vienna
Seamlessly combining Austrian charm with contemporary flair, Do&Co Hotel Vienna is a design hotel with 43 stylish rooms and suites. Designed by award-winning architect Hans Hollein in 1990, the boutique hotel affords a luxurious, urban-chic stay in a central location.
Situated directly across St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the hotel provides amazing views of the Gothic structure, as well as easy access to some of Vienna’s most prominent attractions and destinations, such as Hofburg Imperial Palace, Albertina, and Museums Quartier. With 24/7 personal, bespoke service and lavish amenities, guests feel at home at the urban-chic hotel. Guestrooms are expansive in size, with a luxe, sophisticated vibe, and offer exquisite views of Stephansplatz, a square at the geographical centre of Vienna, and its environs.
Do & Co has long-been known as an exceptional caterer in Vienna, and cuisine at the hotel is nothing short of exceptional at its two onsite restaurants, DO & CO Stephansplatz Restaurant at the top floor of the hotel and Onyx Restaurant on the 6th floor. Both restaurants serve a mix of Austrian cuisine and Asian favorites. DO & CO Hotel Vienna also has an events venue, the WINTERGARTEN, for intimate gatherings and meetings of up to 50 people.
#15. SO/ Vienna
With a deliberate attempt to “disrupt” the typical definition of luxury, SO/ Vienna exudes a lively, expressive, and energetic vibe that creates fresh experiences for even the most seasoned of travelers. The hotel’s out-of-the-box interpretation of luxury and its “Just Say SO” brand of service have made the hotel a dynamic addition to Vienna’s robust hospitality industry.
Situated right in the city center, with dazzling views of the cityscape and of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, SO/ Vienna offers convenience and an off-kilter, yet equally as lavish, standard of luxury. This five-star luxury hotel offers 156 rooms and 26 suites, styled in an elegant, monochromatic aesthetic that creates a soothing ambience.
All the hotel’s guestrooms offer views of Vienna’s city center. The hotel’s restaurant, Das Loft, has an impressive haute cuisine menu of innovative dishes with the finest local ingredients. For its top-floor location, Das Loft offers stunning panoramas of the city.
There are also two bars at the hotel, Das Loft Bar & Lounge, and Bar/terre. With its own spa, onsite, Das Loft takes the guest pampering journey to the next level. There are also a number of private function rooms, as well as a fully-equipped fitness center, at the hotel.