Discover what it’s like to visit one Vienna’s most iconic luxury hotels and experience one of Europe’s best holiday destinations
Vienna is among the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a center of arts and classical music, but there’s something extra special and truly amazing about this city during the holidays. Vienna literally sparkles with thousands of lights and the famous Christmas markets seem to be around every corner.
Chris and I knew we had to see this city in its holiday splendor, so we made a special trip as a family. Right in the heart of this extraordinary Austrian city is the Hotel Sacher Vienna. A place where royalty stays and where we would call home while we explored all the holiday magic Vienna has to offer.
Our first stop was Vienna, where we would be staying at the Hotel Sacher, one of the most iconic hotels in Vienna. It’s located right in the city center and across from the State Opera. It’s close to all the amazing sights of the city and is known for its elegant atmosphere and hospitality. Right when we pulled up, there was a line of lit-up Christmas trees surrounding the building and it completely set the mood.
We were all blown away by the interior of the Hotel Sacher Vienna. The property itself is large, occupying an entire city block, but the lobby is small and intimate. It’s exactly what you would expect from a historic hotel – marble entryways, small decorative rooms, ornate wood paneling, antique furniture in every nook and so many Christmas decorations!
This many Christmas decorations anywhere else might have looked out of place, but it just fits here. There was garland draped everywhere, festive baubles galore and a HUGE Christmas tree, I’m talking over 20 feet tall, decorated with gilded glass ornaments. Many of the little ornaments were designed specifically for the hotel like tiny versions of Teddy Franz, the hotel’s iconic mascot and the famous Sacher-Torte dessert. It was like an explosion of Christmas in the most refined and elegant way – a great way to start our Christmas tour of Europe 😊
After a quick check-in, we took a few moments to admire the walls filled with famous portraits and autographs of visiting royalty and celebrities on the way to our room. It was amazing to think we were getting ready to stay in the same place as Queen Elizabeth II, President John F. Kennedy, Naomi Campbell and Justin Bieber. This hotel has been the place to stay since it opened in 1876.
All of the hotel’s 152 rooms have individually collected antiques and original oil paintings. Our room had this in abundance with a mixture of antique accessories, plush pink velvets, baroque glamour and modern comfort. It all came together so perfectly to create a beautiful room for our holiday getaway.
The rooms have so much natural light that comes in from the large windows and a beautiful view of the city. We really felt like we were in the middle of the action, but had our own oasis to come back to.
“Our room was a mixture of antique accessories, plush pink velvets, baroque glamour and all while being comfortable. It was beautiful! ”
The Hotel Sacher Vienna also takes incredible care of the small guests who visit the hotel with their Petit Sacher Program. The moment you arrive, every child gets a welcome gift and special surprises throughout the stay. There’s even a special Petit Sacher menu in every restaurant.
Our son, Axel, was treated to a cozy bathrobe and slippers, his own Teddy Franz and personalized amenities like a bath set. The program also offers extras for kids of all ages like a turndown service with a bedtime treat, a kid-friendly DVD set and board games.
But more than just things, the attention every staff member gave to make our two-year-old feel special and at home in a luxury hotel was incredible.
“it was the attention every staff member gave him, and the acceptance that a 2 year old running around an elegant hotel is totally normal and okay. ”
The Hotel Sacher Vienna has some of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve ever seen. Completely elegant and so colorful! It seemed like every restaurant and bar here had a color theme. One of my favorite spaces to grab a cocktail was at the Blaue Bar – decorated in shades of blue of course. It’s small, intimate, romantic and full of dark blue velvet tufted lounge chairs and booths. It’s absolutely the perfect place to start or end the night and we loved our time sipping cocktails here.
The two main restaurants are the Restaurant Rote Bar, which is more casual (albeit the dramatic red interiors and the piano player, playing some lovely music in the corner) and the Restaurant Grüne Bar, which is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant and probably one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve seen in a long time. We couldn’t get into Grüne Bar because they were completely booked (we’ll be back I’m sure!), but the food was great at Rote Bar with a traditional Viennese dinner of schnitzel, potatoes and all the fixings.
Our stop in Vienna wouldn’t have been complete without trying one of the most famous desserts of the region, the Sacher-Torte. It’s an incredible chocolate cake invented in 1832 at the hotel for the Prince of Austria. The same recipe is used today and while there are countless copycats at bakeries across the city, the original is something special. It’s a truly decadent treat offered at the Café Sacher. You don’t even have to stay at the hotel to try it! Just pop into the café, it’s worth it, I promise.
“Our stop in Vienna wouldn’t have been complete without trying one of the most famous desserts of the region, the Sacher-Torte. It’s an incredible chocolate cake invented in 1832 at the hotel for the Prince of Austria. ”
The main attraction for us was the spectacular Christmas markets that pop up in Vienna every year. The sights and smells of these just put a smile on my face and get me in the holiday spirit. You can smell the markets before you see them – the aroma of baking, hot punch and toasted almonds. Then, the lights! The Old City and all the shopping streets are decked out in pretty lights.
One of our favorites is the market that transforms the City Hall Square into a fairytale land of holiday magic and lights. There are decorations, sweet treats, warm drinks and even a carousel for the children.
There’s the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung in the center of the city. This is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Vienna with markets held in this spot as far back as 1772. Here is where you can find amazing glass decorations and ceramics. There’s also festive music every day after 4 p.m.
Another beautiful market is set right in front of Schönbrunn Palace. It’s such a romantic and storybook-like setting for a market, it’s like being part of a Christmas book! There are traditional crafts to buy here like handmade Christmas decorations as well as concerts with beautiful music.
“It wasn’t just the first impression of this hotel that was memorable, it was being completely delighted every day. We will forever remember our visit here during the holiday season and how it brought the Christmas magic to life for our family. ”
