flyer

My trip to Vienna is getting closer and I've narrowed the hotels down to two--The Sacher or The Bristol. I would reserve a deluxe double at either. My ideal hotel provides a sense of cosiness combined with old-world luxury, and a room with SPACE. That said which of the two would all of you suggest.

molker

Depends when you plan to go- the Sacher is now closed for a massive renovation lasting many months.
This makes you decision very easy!

atlcity

We stayed in a corner suite at the Bristol and were very pleased.

flyer

Molker, I'm planning to go end of September. I assumed that if The Sacher took the reservation, they planned to be up and running by then.

MaureenB

When we were in Vienna in June, the Sacher was still open despite the renovation. It is rather unattractive now, with all the scaffolding around it, though. And I had an unpleasant experience with a very snotty doorman, so vowed I'd never stay there myself.

molker

Regarding Sacher renovations:

The Hotel is currently closed. It is said that it is to partially re-open by September 12. They will have no air-conditioning at that time.
All renovations will not be complete until August 2005!

I walked by the hotel several days ago- a massive construction site on all sides of the hotel.The streets are filled with material etc.Much work remains to allow any form of hotel service.

I am surprised that a hotel with the reputation of the Sacher would not advise everyone of these things, as the guest visit will probably not be up to their usual standard even if they are able to meet the September date.

Knowing the prior standard of the hotel, I would feel certain that the " New" Sacher will be better than ever when this work is finally complete in 2005.

flyer

Molker, Thank you!! This does not bode well for my staying at The Sacher. That said, what are your impressions of The Bristol. As I mentioned, I have reserved a deluxe double there at a reasonable rate... I hope I didn't do something foolish when I gave up my reservation at The Imperial. It was going to cost twice as much as The Bristol. My concern was that you can have palatial spendor there, or if you book a lowerer category room, find yourself in a pretty standard room. At any rate, too late now. Looks like The Bristol will have to be it!

molker

Message: Flyer

I believe your impression of the Imperial and its more reasonable rooms to be correct.
The Bristol at a good price is the best thing.The Bristol has good restaurants, a perfect location and usually excelent service.Its Cafe Sirk is a good place for a quick snack or drink.

The cleaning and repairs to the Opera( just across the street from the Bristol )are complete.

While the Lobby and public space of the Bristol do not equal that of the Imperial, I believe the Bristol to be a very worthy hotel!

atlcity

Molker:Isn't Flyer saying his room at the Imperial was more expensive not less?Having said that the Bristol is in a better location and our suite was beautiful.You are correct that the Imperial's lobby is much more impressive,I'm not sure that the rooms are.

molker

message: atlcity

Yes, I understood the Imperial to be more expensive. I was addressing his concern over the lower category room at the Imperial.

richardsonsnm

i have stayed at the sacher salzburg and have never in my life had a bed like a concrete slab before, i hope the vienna hotel is better.

gradyghost

We spent ten delightful days at The Bristol over last Christmas. The staff was fantastic, especially Mr. Brunner, the daytime concierge. The deluxe double was spacious and the bath beautifully done in marble. The small lobby bar is a great place to begin the evening and, of course, the Korso restaurant in the hotel is superb, perhaps Vienna's best. For what it's worth, we can't wait to return. I'd even rank The Bristol ahead of the Sacher in the battle of the tortes.

flyer

Thak you all so much. The Bristol it is!!! Molker you were right I was addressing the value of a Deluxe Room at The Imperial @ EUR 459,00 vs a Deluxe Room at The Bristol @ EUR 284,00. I don't think it was worth the difference at that room category. AS they used to say about the Ritz in Paris..."If you want to be treated like royalty, you need to be royaly..." I did talk to them at The Sacher this morning. They'll be open but it sounds pretty dismal. They offered to drop my rate to EUR 289,00 (from 317,00) for a Deluxe Double but the jump to a Top Deluxe Double was 449,00. There is no longer a contest. Thanks again for all your help. Best wishes, Flyer-

elaine

Hi
more input may not be necessary, but I was at the Bristol in March. My room was on a low floor and had no view, but it was very large with a king bed and large bathroom. Bathroom could use some updating. I don't have that much experience with top-of-the-line hotels, but I've stayed in a handful. I would say the Bristol is very old-world and the decor a bit old-fashioned, but the room was immaculate of course, and the hotel services very good. Location couldn't be better imo.

elaine

I meant to add, my room was in the Deluxe category.

molker

Message: flyer

Good choice in my opinion.
Enjoy Vienna! Try our wine!

gradyghost

Flyer: If you can, have Mr. Brunner set you up with dinner at Vincents, a worthwhile experience to put it conservatively.