SACHER Hotel was founded in 1876 as a maison meublée by the restaurateur and purveyor to the court Eduard Sacher. His father, the confectioner Franz Sacher, had become famous for his Sachertorte, which he allegedly created for a reception given by Austrian State Chancellor Klemens von Metternich in 1832. Eduard Sacher did an apprenticeship at the patisserie Demel and in 1873 opened his first restaurant on Kärntner Straße.
In 1880, he married Anna Sacher née Fuchs, who became managing director after his death. She quickly earned a reputation for both her commercial skills and her eccentricity. Under her management, Hotel Sacher became one of the finest hotels in the world, where the aristocracy and diplomats would meet. However, after World War I, Anna Sacher upheld the upper-class reputation of the hotel and denied service to guests of non-aristocratic descent while granting generous credit to impoverished aristocrats.
In 1934, the hotel business was taken over by the Gürtler family , and the building was extensively renovated. After the end of World War II, Allied-occupied Austria, like Germany, was divided into four zones by the victorious powers. Vienna, like Berlin, was also subdivided into four zones. During the occupation, the British used the hardly damaged Hotel Sacher as their headquarters.
Among the famous guests over the decades were not only Emperor Franz Joseph but also King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly, President John F. Kennedy and many others. Being close to the opera house, Hotel Sacher has also been popular among artists such as Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Leo Slezak, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Rudolf Nureyev.
SACHER is positioned opposite the opera house in Vienna’s old town – from certain rooms you can watch the suits and gowns pour in and out on performance evenings. The must-visit Albertina art museum is across the road, which leads through to the Hofburg Palace complex. On the other side is one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, Kärntner Straße. St Stephen’s Cathedral is a 10-minute walk. The airport is a 25-minute drive away.
The hotel’s rich heritage is celebrated through carefully preserved artefacts and a museum-worthy collection of art. The walls echoed with the stories of past guests, including renowned figures from the worlds of politics, arts, and entertainment. Staying at Hotel Sacher felt like stepping into a time capsule, where tradition and contemporary luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Hotel Sacher Vienna is more than a place to stay; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Viennese culture and refinement.
SACHER Hotel has built an exceptional reputation not only for its superb product and interiors but also for the consistency of its very high service standards. The hotel has been perfecting the highest levels of personalised and individualised experience for its guests, its staff being attentive, warm, intuitive and genuine. You will be pleasantly surprised how staff recognise guests by their name and for each repeat guest, they would go out of their way to remember the preferences, wishes and desires of each guest.
Rooms and suites are impeccably appointed with a predominant classic style combined with some contemporary touches. All the accommodations are generously sized, especially the suites – the hotel boasts a high ratio of suites, most of them named related to music. Marble bathrooms feature underfloor heating and separate walk in showers as well as separate bathtubs. The hotel proposes luxury amenities custom made for the hotel. The best accommodations boast direct Opera and Albertina Museum views.
My suite was bathed in soft hues, with plush furnishings and tasteful decor creating an inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail was evident in every corner – it is quite impressive how well maintained are all the rooms and suites. The bed, adorned with sumptuous linens provided unparalleled comfort and a flawless sleep. The room’s thoughtful layout and state-of-the-art amenities catered to both leisure and business travellers. I loved the oak parquet and the all-mirror wall by the bed head.
The arrival at SACHER Hotel is truly unique, with a team of highly trained Concierges (Clefs d’Or), leading up to a most aristocratic lounge which resembles more a living of the hotel. The mood is discreet, softly spoken, with many guests adhering to an unspoken dress code – some often being elegant. SACHER Hotel is a beacon of elegance and good taste and one could easily observe the exclusivity feel at the highest desirability levels – almost like belonging to a private club.
The two main restaurants and bar are each named for and themed around a colour: red, green and blue. And all employ plush velvet, swirling carpets, oil paintings and chandeliers to set a dramatic scene. The two cafés, Sacher and Bel Étage, strike a more relaxed tone. The former is where you’ll see streams of tourists outside, the latter is a good spot for an early evening glass of champagne or a slice of cake. Breakfast is by far the best in Vienna among all luxury hotels.
Oliver Petcu in Vienna
Sacher Hotel Vienna
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