The Top Historic Hotels in Vienna

Photo courtesy  Grand Hotel Wien

Vienna is a city that’s bursting with fine old historic buildings, many of them hotels. Check out Sheryl Nance-Nash’s list of the most luxurious historic hotels in Vienna

Updated Nov 21, 2022 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links

Austria’s rich history is reflected in the variety of opulent historic hotels in Vienna. Many tell the story of the city’s glamorous past when lavish balls were a part of a regal society.  Take your pick of the historic hotels in Vienna, Austria that offer traditional Viennese elegance – and feel history come to life.

Stay in a Vienna hotel that was once the former guest house of Emperor Franz Joseph I, or the elegant property where Mozart lived for a time. Expect to dine like royalty, too, at some of the best hotel restaurants in Vienna.

The Grand Hotel Wien boasts the Japanese restaurant UNKAI – with its original Japanese Tatami rooms and the Teppanyaki area – as well as the Michelin-star Restaurant Le Ciel by Toni Mörwald.

Those who can’t get enough of deep dives into the past will be enamoured with our selection of top historic hotels in Vienna.

The Top Historic Hotels in Vienna

Grand Hotel Wien

The buzz about the Grand Hotel Wien goes way back. In 1894, Johann Strauss – known as ‘the King of Waltz’ – celebrated his 50-year jubilee on stage in the Grand Hotel Wien. If this luxurious Vienna hotel was good enough for royalty, it became the place everyone else wanted to be. That tradition continues as the property is popular for film, television, and photo shoots.

There’s plenty to love at this top Vienna historic hotel – the lobby’s romantic staircase, the roof terrace with the view of Karlkirche Church and museums, and the Japanese restaurant UNKAI with its original Japanese Tatami rooms and the Teppanyaki area.

Dine at Restaurant Le Ciel by Toni Mörwald, or reserve the private room Rotunde with its unforgettable mural painting.With a name that means ‘in heaven’, you know you’re in for something special at the Michelin-star restaurant.

Keep the good vibe going and pamper yourself at the Grand Spa. Go for a signature massage, then relax with the meditative movements in the aquarium integrated into the wall.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Grand Hotel Wien.

Parkhotel Schönbrunn

History lovers take note: when it comes to historic hotels in Vienna, the Parkhotel Schönbrunn stands out. As a former guest house of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the hotel was once the venue for opulent balls and royal celebrations.

The property has an interesting backstory. The hotel was partly destroyed by fire in 1923 and used as a military hospital during World War II. It reopened in the 1950s as the officers’ mess for the British occupation forces. By the time it was completely renovated in 1963, it was the biggest hotel complex in Vienna.

Today you can soak up the property’s unique history in the Gloriette Bar, with its chandeliers dating from imperial times and exquisite view of the Schloss Schönbrunn palace gardens. It’s an ideal setting for sampling a wide selection of cocktails and whiskeys.

Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Morgenstund with its fresh fruits, croissants, pastries and bread, and regional favorites. When you’re ready to venture out, you don’t have to wander far. Sites like the Schönbrunn Palace are a short walk.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, go to Parkhotel Schönbrunn.

Hotel Das Tigra

How would you like to sleep where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart did? The stunning Hotel Das Tigra was a home in 1762 when Mozart, at age 6 and already an emerging phenom, lived there briefly. A decade later he would return for another stay, and guest rooms at this top historic Vienna hotel feature artful, decorative touches that pay tribute to Mozart.

This elegant Vienna hotel’s location is ideal. You’re in the middle of the excitement – close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera, and an array of cafes, restaurants, top shopping, and all Vienna has to offer.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Hotel Das Tigra.

HOTEL KAISERHOF WIEN

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien has long been a trendsetter among historic hotels in Vienna. When built in 1896 it was a standout, ahead of the curve and competition with luxuries like an elevator, central heating, electricity, and running water in all guest rooms.

The story goes that Archduchess Marie Thèrese, a close friend of the constructor, lobbied her brother-in-law Emperor Franz Joseph I to grant permission to name the hotel “KAISERHOF” (Imperial Court). In 1913, the Kaiserhof was recommended by Baedeker Austria-Hungary, one of the first travel guides, and it’s held court ever since.

The hotel is ideally suited for business travelers, and it gets kudos as one of the most popular seminar hotels in Vienna. The Kaiserhof’s conference and meeting rooms are decked out with the latest technology and the property has received numerous ‘Golden Flipchart’ awards.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Hotel Kaiserhof Wien.

Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth

Guests are treated to style and service at the Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth, a boutique 4-star hotel. If you choose to stay at this top historic Vienna hotel, you’ve followed in the footsteps of barons, princes, countesses, and counts from as far back as the mid 1800s.

Feel like royalty in your guest room, which features Viennese elegance blended with just enough modernity to make you feel comfy. From here the city easily awaits, with public transportation, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Capuchin Crypt located nearby.

The Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth is situated near some of the best food and drink establishments in the city. Top Vienna restaurants like Orpheus, the first Greek restaurant in Vienna, and Procacci, which serves Tuscan cuisine, are also located close to the hotel.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth.

Schlosshotel Römischer Kaiser

Among the top historic hotels in Vienna, the Schlosshotel Römischer Kaiser is an excellent choice for fans of baroque architecture and décor. Once a small palace, this 4-star hotel dates back to 1684.

Treat yourself to a junior suite, with its reproduction of the imperial baroque style. The white and gold designer textiles are striking, and the bathrooms maintain the original Versace design.

Additional hotel highlights include the salon and pub garden – ideal for kicking back with a strong cup of coffee before exploring the fun things to do in Vienna.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Schlosshotel Römischer Kaiser.

Hotel König von Ungarn 

There’s plenty of history at the Hotel König von Ungarn. For more than 200 years, the building was a stable and guest house for the luminaries of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Since 1746, it’s been a hotel and is one of Vienna’s oldest.

Hungarian aristocrats and magnates lived in the uber lux apartments – just take a peek in the guest book.  More recently, guests have included Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel and opera star Agnes Baltsa.

You’ll feel like royalty too, with the stellar care you’ll get from the concierge – who has a reputation for being able to score tickets for sold-out performances. Stay in a classic Viennese room and dream of imperial Vienna.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Hotel König von Ungarn.

Hotel Regina

There’s something to be said for being the first, and the Hotel Regina is the first of the Kremslehner hotels. This top historic Vienna hotel was built in 1877 as a city palace in the Vienna Historicism style.

The four-star hotel’s deluxe guest rooms are decked out with original art nouveau furniture from the turn of the century. An on-site highlight is Restaurant Roth, with its Austrian and Viennese specialties. Finish your day with a cocktail, Austrian wine, or beer at the restaurant’s bar. The cool spot in summer’s heat is the hotel’s garden.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Hotel Regina.

Hotel Wandl

Built in 1850, Hotel Wandl is stylish yet comfortable. Reserve the hotel’s spacious suite, which features lovely hardwood parquet floors and is situated on the quiet side of the street.

While you might want to nest indoors, the hotel’s central location makes it easy to resist temptation and take in nearby sites.  The State Opera, Imperia Crypt, Art History and Natural History Museums, Stephansplatz, and more are located nearby.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more information, visit Hotel Wandl.

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Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel and business. Her work has appeared on CNTraveler.com, Fodors, Afar, Global Traveler, Newsweek.com, and TheDailyBeast.com, among others.