HOTEL SACHER WIEN: A TASTE OF AUTHENTIC AUSTRIAN OPULENCE
words by ANOUK WOUDT
Housing guests at the highest standard of luxury since 1876, Hotel Sacher Wien invites you to step into another era, brimming with gilded chandeliers, high ceilings, and dark wood panelling. Making a name for itself as the home of the Original Sacher-Torte – a pinnacle of Austria’s confectionery world – the hotel has since become a longstanding cornerstone of Vienna, as one of the last remaining family-owned five-star-superior hotels. Located opposite Vienna State Opera, the hotel is the perfect starting point for a first-time traveller’s séjour, placing you a stone’s throw away from the city’s most iconic landmarks.
From the moment that you enter the Hotel Sacher Wien, you are overwhelmingly pampered with excellent service and dazzling interiors. Resembling the fictive Grand Budapest Hotel, you are immediately swept into a past century as you walk past suited bellboys and golden-framed portraits and still-lifes that line every wall. Welcomed by the marbled hotel entrance, the architecture naturally feels both inviting and elevated, with a grandeur that somehow feels cosy through its lush furnishing. Eloquently ornate rugs and cushioned love-seats look straight out of a Victorian palace, offering every guest a taste of royal treatment.
Since 1832, the name Sacher has become synonymous with authentic Austrian luxury and outstanding local cuisine. These beginnings outlive even the hotel itself, starting from the inception of the Original Sacher-Torte, which was created by apprentice chef Franz Sacher. Hailed as one of the world’s most famous cakes, this creation marks the start of the family’s longstanding devotion to excellence. To this day, it is still being prepared by hand with the original secret recipe — a reason in itself to visit this hotel.
Each of its 152 rooms and suites feels uniquely elegant, with regal furnishing curated by co-owner Alexandra Winkler in collaboration with French star designer Pierre-Yves Rochonpaired. Despite the antique facade, the hotel hosts all your modern amenities, prioritising comfort with every choice. The most elegant and largest signature suites are the Madame Butterfly and Wiener Philharmoniker Suite, which are situated on the Bel Étage. Several exclusive suites offer private roof terraces, which just instantly elevate any experience.
With a priority also placed on cuisine, the famous Café Sacher is a must-visit for any Viennese tour. With breakfast, light meals and coffee specialities, it is a great way to start a full day in Vienna, especially with a bite of the Original Sacher-Torte. Sweet delicacies also make their way to the Café Bel Étage, but for savoury cravings, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant Rote Bar is the place to be. Fine Austrian cuisine culminates in Viennese classics through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation, with dishes such as fine goose liver, grass-fed beef tenderloin and, of course, Wiener Schnitzel.
Sacher is an institution that places great emphasis on enjoyment. Renowned across the world for its charming service, fantastical interiors and delicious cuisine, it is definitely a treat to stay within these historic walls.
