Vienna, Austria
In the heart of this cultural city, Hotel Sacher Vienna offers elegance and style on a sweeping scale, plus a world-class spa and wide choice of dining
Our review
One of Austria’s best hotels, dating from the 1870s, it has always been independently family owned. Until the 1930s, the formidable, cigar-smoking Anna Sacher had ruled the roost for forty years. Since then, it has been owned by the Gürtler and Winkler family who lavish the same love and attention. The public rooms are cosy and warm, crammed with antiques, paintings and signed photographs of famous guests dating back to Anna’s time.
The check-in desk is in a discreet room off the main lobby. The main salon is decorated in red with plush velvet crimson sofas, antiques and chandelier. The Anna Sacher dining room is decorated in green, the Rote, not surprisingly red and the small bar is in dark blue. Over 1000 antique oil paintings are spread throughout the hotel. There is also the popular café, where you may try their famous Sacher Torte. A miniature cake was left on our pillow at turndown and we were given a sample as a farewell gift.
Breakfast is served in a bright, larger room. The morning meal is part buffet, part to order, with hot options being cooked for you. I helped myself to tart freshly squeezed orange juice (complete with ‘bits’ – a sure sign it’s really freshly squeezed) and delicious stewed prunes with Bircher muesli. The latter was the real deal with no added apples or other things hotels sometimes put in that ruin it. On another day I had a perfect egg white omelette with chives. Paul had Sacher Torte with whipped cream, presumably to check he still liked it. Service is polite and efficient.
The spa on the fifth floor has six treatment rooms, open until quite late and over seven days. The gym is open 24 hours.
A big nod to modernity resulted in the addition of two floors in 2005. Rooms here are bright and light – the dark colours and heavy drapes of old have gone – to be replaced with gorgeous parquet style wooden floors and light fabrics, with a smattering of carefully chosen antique furniture and chandelier in keeping with the hotel’s history. There are still some traditionally furnished suites, named after famous operas: the Opera House is next door.
Of particular mention is our suite: Samson Et Dalila on the 7th floor, replete with egg shell blue toile de jouy fabric wall covering and contrasting wide striped wallpaper. (It’s actually nicer in real life than the hotel images I have seen would suggest: the blue is quite soft.) The toile de jouy fabric is used for cushion covers and the French style boudoir chair backs, in a very similar fashion to the room we had at their sister hotel in Salzberg.
Our carpeted corner suite had a huge terrace with close-up views of the Opera building next door and the city below. Despite being so centrally placed, our room was very quiet. I loved being able to open a window; all guestrooms have opening windows.
From a small lobby, we had a walk-in wardrobe and then space for a dresser with mini bar. Beyond this was a chaise longue with side table. Into the main room, we had the large bed separated from a small sitting area by a wide pillar. The sitting area (where I’m working) has a small table with two power sockets and table lamp. There is a pleasant view from here through the floor length windows over the rooftops. Near my table is a bookshelf with probably 40 coffee table and fiction books; certainly a large selection in both German and English.
The bathroom is long and narrow with a large shower to the right as one enters, then a set of two sinks, then the bath and finally the toilet stall with bidet. The floor is heated, as are the towel rails. There’s a nightlight too; handy if you need to visit in the night and don’t want to disturb your partner. Blinds are closed automatically at the flick of a switch. The wonderful chocolate-based toiletries will make you take a shower and wash your hair more often than is strictly necessary. The comfortable bed had two single quilts (handy if you sleep with a duvet stealer) and reading lights as well as bedside lamps. Wi-Fi is quick and efficient and there is no sign-in.
The suite was extremely comfortable and decorated just to my liking. My only niggle was the hairdryer that was far too heavy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t change a thing.
As we have noticed in the rest of Austria, there is none of the stuffiness one sometimes finds in five star hotels in other parts of Europe. And so it was here – genuinely friendly staff.
In an excellent position in the centre of Vienna, I recommend if you want to spoil yourself, you consider not only this lovely hotel, but this suite too.
Rooms
Hotel Sacher Vienna offers around 150 rooms and suites, each individually furnished with antiques, silk fabrics and original artworks. Accommodation combines historic character with modern comfort, featuring marble bathrooms and thoughtful amenities. Many rooms present views of the Vienna State Opera, Kärntner Straße or the surrounding historic centre.
Food and Drink
Restaurant Rote Bar and Restaurant Grüne Bar serve refined Austrian and international cuisine in distinctive settings that reflect the hotel’s heritage. Seasonal menus highlight traditional Viennese dishes prepared with contemporary finesse.
Café Sacher Wien is one of the city’s most famous coffee houses and the home of the original Sacher‑Torte, accompanied by classic Viennese coffees. The Blaue Bar provides an elegant space for cocktails and aperitifs, particularly popular before and after the opera.
Wellness
The Sacher Spa offers a serene retreat featuring massage and beauty treatments, a sauna and relaxation areas. Signature treatments focus on restorative wellness, complemented by a well‑equipped fitness centre for active guests.
Facilities
- Fine dining restaurants and historic café
- Classic cocktail and lounge bars
- Luxury spa and wellness treatments
- Fitness centre
- Concierge and limousine services
- Meeting and private event spaces
- Pet‑friendly accommodation
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Hotel Sacher Vienna is situated in the heart of the city, directly opposite the Vienna State Opera and beside Kärntner Straße. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, Albertina Museum and major shopping streets are all within easy walking distance.
Getting there
Address: Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Arriving by air: Vienna International Airport – Located 13 miles (21 km) – 25 minutes away by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.