As abstract as possible, in one of Europe's most culturally significant cities, also known for its imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and Viennese charm, lies the privately owned five-star deluxe Hotel Sacher.
As one of the world's great luxury hotels, the revered Sacher is the premiere hotel in Vienna. Prominently positioned in a very charming, traditional and lively area just steps away from the Vienna State Opera and the pedestrianized main street, it is enclosed by the extraordinary beauty of buildings, shops, monuments and many sightseeing hotspots.
Famous for all sorts of reasons and an Austrian symbol of luxury, the history of this property could fill volumes. Founded in 1876 as Hotel de l'Opera, at the site of the demolished Theater am Karntnertor, by the restaurateur and purveyor to the court Eduard Sacher, it was a meeting place for Austrian nobility and aristocracy at the time. Following its grand opening the hotel was touted as enthusiastically superior to hotels in Paris and London by the press. It was later renamed after its owner in the 1890s, and till today, retains its old-world grandeur while also providing luxurious, modern-day comfort.
Following his death, Edwards' widow, Anna Sacher took over the hotel and turned it into the legend it remains today. She ran the hotel with a strong hand and a big heart, and under her leadership, Sacher became one of the finest hotels in the world. In 1934, a few years after her death, the hotel was taken over by the Gurtler & Winkler family, who still maintain it as one of the city's most distinguished hotels. They are passionate about maintaining its tradition and offering their guests the highest quality that is synonymous with the Sacher name.
The Sacher later underwent an important phase of restoration and reorganization. In 1936, central heating, electricity, hot and cold running water were installed. While in 1951, the hotel was quickly enlarged from 18 to 40 rooms with central heating and its kitchen updated. Hans Gurtler laid the foundation for the collection of old Austrian oil paintings that decorate the hotel and its rooms today.
Late 2012 saw the modernization and individualization of a total of 86 rooms and 63 suites on seven floors. The modern and fresh design was created by internationally renowned interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon. Today, all rooms are individually furnished with silk wall coverings, antique furniture, original oil paintings, and sparkling crystal chandeliers in combination with the latest technology like WLAN and satellite-TV, which gives the room a charming combination.
Since its opening, Hotel Sacher has played host to royalty, statesmen, Austrian and foreign aristocrats, diplomats, famous scientists and politicians as well as international stars of stage and screen. The list of famous guests having stayed at the Sacher since the Second World War is infinite with the spectrum ranging from Edward VIII., Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo, Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan (the artistic director of the State Opera next door from 1957-1964), Queen Elizabeth II, to John F. Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, Prinz Philip, Furst Rainier, Gracia Patricia, Jimmy Carter, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. And, last but not least, Graham Greene who stayed at the hotel in 1948, where he researched material for The Third Man. It was also at the Sacher, that John Lennon and Yoko Ono gave a well-received 'Bagism' press conference, an event chronicled in the Beatles' 'Ballad of John and Yoko.'
On entering the Sacher, one immediately senses its special intimate atmosphere, like being in a different world surrounded by entire luxury. The punctual and personalized service and the comfort of a hotel furnished with taste and sensibility, comes together into something that is difficult to find elsewhere. Each detail has been passionately chosen and each room deserves a visit. With a mix of modern technical equipment in combination with a contemporary setting and luxurious details, which characterize the ambience, the entire hotel recalls times of the past where the aristocracy and diplomats would meet while enjoying the beauty and the traditional art and culture of Vienna.
With 149 rooms and suites, plus a world-class spa and wide choice of dining, the hotel marries cutting-edge technology and flawless service with Belle Epoque beauty. There is also a room filled from floor to ceiling with photographs collected by Anna Sacher showcasing famous guests who have visited the hotel. Select Penthouse suites on the top floors have private roof terraces with stunning views of Vienna, like suite 701 which has a fantastic view of the Opera House and the famous shopping street Kartnerstrasse, while suite 708 overlooks the Albertina Museum and the Hofburg. According to tradition all suites are named after Opera Houses and composers (for example: La Traviata, Carmen, Die Zauberflote, Madame Butterfly, Nabucco, etc.)
When it comes to food and drinks, if you're looking for a first-class culinary experience, you don't even have to leave the hotel. In addition to serving Austria's most famous cake, the delectable 'Sacher Torte', the hotel is also known for its culinary highlights. Two outstanding award-winning gourmet restaurants are housed inside, the traditional 'Rote Bar' which offers Viennese specialties and live piano music in the evenings, and the Restaurant 'Anna Sacher' named after the legendary grande-dame of the hotel, which features a superb list of Austrian and international wines. In addition, one can go to the 'Blue Bar', a charming place for an aperitif, exceptional cocktails, bar drinks and an intimate romantic ambience.
The Sacher in Vienna is one of the very few privately owned five-star luxury hotels left in the world and is a brilliant example of a successful family business. Rich in tradition, timeless elegance, style on a sweeping scale, and luxury at its best, Sacher is proud of its history and location, and is true to its traditions. In addition, it also provides the highest standard of comfort and the experience of the charm of imperial Vienna. 'We want to maintain our style. After all, what makes an haute couture dress different at the first glance from all the other beautiful dresses off the rack, is its individuality. And the Hotel Sacher is, in this same sense, pure individuality,' says Elisabeth Gurtler, Managing Director at Sacher Hotel.
With a combination of charm, coziness and Viennese flair, the Hotel Sacher is undoubtedly a magical place that speaks of a time when the Blue Danube waltz was revered by all. Today, the Sacher looks back on an eventful, glamorous and glorious history while bridging the gap between yesterday and tomorrow that continues to make it one of the best leading hotels of the world.
This article first appeared in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of LOVEFMD magazine.
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