Room 172
First Impressions
Located next to the Vienna State Opera on the most famous stretch of the Ringstrasse, this historic hotel opened in 1892. With an old world feel and a longstanding history with the city, the hotel is a mix of art deco architecture (take a seat inside the plush elevator, the first electric elevator in Austria), traditional antiques and modern luxe. The storied hotel contains details galore like the Sissi Taler apricot marzipan filled chocolates given at turndown service and small indents in the staircase railings made by weaponry carried by American soldiers that stayed here during World War II.
A Closer Look
A Room with a view My deluxe room with balcony had a sweeping view of the opera house and like all the rooms facing it was inscribed with the name of a famous opera director (Karl Mayerhofer in my case). Polished wood and antique firesides with elegant mirrors and accents of powder blue and gold made my 430 square feet room feel infinitely livable. The xquisite art deco style marble bathroom (fit with towel warmers no less) was spacious and luxurious.
Cuisine
For dinner at Bristol Lounge, I sat beside the original fireplace while enjoying deer three ways: loin, sausage and pâté with truffle foam – an elegantly deconstructed plate. The show stopping breakfast buffet was separated into two areas: a shining black room with a live cooking station, and the buffet table in the main dining area with tiered silver trays of Viennese pastries, bread and champagne.
Wow Factor
With its turn of the century feel, large painting collection and Bristol Bar with its cigars and cocktails, the hotel is a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle in the heyday of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Located next to the Vienna State Opera on the most famous stretch of the Ringstrasse, this historic hotel opened in 1892. With an old world feel and a longstanding history with the city, the hotel is a mix of art deco architecture (take a seat inside the plush elevator, the first electric elevator in Austria), traditional antiques and modern luxe. The storied hotel contains details galore like the Sissi Taler apricot marzipan filled chocolates given at turndown service and small indents in the staircase railings made by weaponry carried by American soldiers that stayed here during World War II.
Read more about Austria, including where to stay, what to do and what to eat in the Fall 2014 issue of City Style and Living Magazine
