Why do so many travellers stay at the Grand Hotel Wien? In fact, as a member of the Leading Hotels Of The World, the Grand Hotel is all about discreet classics: From the traditional Viennese-style interiors to the service and cuisine; even the prices are probably the most discreet among luxury hotels in Vienna. To give you an in-depth idea of this hotel before checking deals and customer comments read this 3-minute essential review.
What To Expect
At the hotel, you can choose from a total of 205 rooms and suites (in eight different categories) which are between 30 and 220 square metres in size. Upholstered antique furniture, pastels and warm colours, flowery patterns and classic ornaments, and silk wall paper (from the 'exclusive' category upwards) make them utterly cosy, elegant and very 19th-century Viennese. The rooms have views of either the city centre, the Ringstrasse Vienna or the hotel's courtyard. The Senior and Deluxe Suites have their own kitchens, and the Executive Suites on the 6th floor their own terrace.
In 2015, the Grand Hotel Wien refurbished 30 of its superior rooms. Although they still maintain that discreet 19th century elegance, they look updated now. The design elements focus on a red and cream colour scheme, chandeliers, Venetian-style curtains and wooden floors.
Two of the four hotel restaurants serve Viennese cuisine. The real stars, however, are award winning Austrian fusion Restaurant 1870, and Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Unkai, arguably the best Japanese in town. Save 1870 for the spring or summer, if you can, as it has a roof terrace with spectacular views.
If you are lucky you can hear a really good pianist playing in the hotel lobby. From March to October, the hotel runs a sidewalk café on Ringstrasse.
How To Best Enjoy The Grand Hotel
Like the other classic luxury hotels of Vienna, the Grand Hotel appeals to both classical culture and business travellers. It scores high for a romantic city break. Vienna business travellers will appreciate the hotel's business facilities and free WiFi in all rooms and suites. (My husband chose to stay at the Grand Hotel during his business trip to Vienna in 2011 as it proved best value for money.)
The Grand Hotel is a five minute walk to both the Vienna Opera House, the Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and Kaerntnerstrasse shopping boulevard. In addition, the hotel is located next to a shopping gallery with a gourmet supermarket, an ideal food source if you choose a suite with kitchen.
Besides, people with allergies will like the wooden floors of the newly refurbished superior rooms.
How to Book
Compare the best deals for the Grand Hotel on various hotel search sites, including customer reviews.
The Grand Hotel Wien In Vienna's History
Opened in 1870, the Grand Hotel is one of the first Ringstrassen hotels, and has the most interesting history. Like the Hotel Sacher Vienna, it was a local society hotspot at the end of the 19th century, and was used for example by king of Vienna waltz Johann Strauss. After World War Two, the Russian Allied troops, who were headquartered at Hotel Imperial Vienna, also confiscated the Grand Hotel during the Allied occupation 1945 to 1955. It then turned into the Headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), which later became part of the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna.
At the end of the 1980ies, the IAEA moved to another building. All Nippon Airways bought the building and turned it back to a hotel. Since 2002, the Grand Hotel is owned by Austro-Saudi entrepreneur Sheikh Mohammed Bin Issa Al Jaber's JJW Hotels and Resorts.
In October 2011, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award ranked the Grand Hotel Wien as Austria's best hotel, and among the 14 best hotels in Northern Europe.
Today, the Grand Hotel Vienna wants to be a pioneer when it comes to resource conservation and environmental protection. Among other things, the house took in a whole series of beehives that no longer had a future elsewhere. The bees have found a new home on the hotel roof and a city beekeeper is looking after them.">Today, the Grand Hotel Vienna dedicates itself to resource conservation and environmental protection as part of managing the hotel. Among other things, the house took in a whole series of beehives that no longer had a future elsewhere. The bees have found a new home on the hotel roof and a city beekeeper is looking after them.
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