Famous, Historic and Romantic Austrian Hotels: Sacher Wien, Imperial Vienna, Salzburg

Hotel Bristol
Makartplatz 4, Salzburg A-5024

It may not be the oldest hotel in Austria (it dates from around 1890), but The Hotel Bristol certainly has a glorious past.

Located at the centre of old Salzburg, the hotel is conveniently close to attractions such as the Mirabell Palace and Mozart�s residence. Historical former guests include Emperor Franz Joseph I and Sigmund Freud.

Sacher Salzburg
Schwarzstrasse 5 - 7, Salzburg 502

Designed by Carl Freiherr von Schwarz and built between 1863 and 1866, the world renowned Sacher Salzburg was originally known as The �sterreichischer Hof.

Though visited by numerous celebrities over the past half-century, its primary historical claim to fame is its connection with Richard Strauss. Together with Max Reinhardt and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the composer was very much at the heart of the Salzburg Festival in its early years, and the �sterreichischer Hof its focal point.

Sacher Wien
Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna A-1010

It may be the home of the original Sacher torte, but the hotel�s history runs a great deal deeper. Situated at the heart of the city - and opposite the Viennese State Opera - the 130-year-old Sacher Wien continues to appeal to those who prefer to stay in luxurious surroundings.

Some of the early 20th century�s power-broking is thought to have taken place at the Sacher Wien, including the 1907 �new compromise� between Austria and Hungary. Indeed, many of the hotel�s famous guests remain a mystery, but Edward VIII certainly enjoyed time here.

Imperial Hotel Vienna
Kaerntner Ring 16, Vienna A-1015

Inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Imperial Vienna was originally a Wurttemburg Palace. Today, however, the hotel caters for guests from around the globe, providing service and facilities one would expect from a five-star establishment.

The historical guest list is one of the most impressive of any hotel in the world. Amongst others, the Imperial Vienna has played host to Otto Von Bismarck, King Leopold of Belgium, Cecil Rhodes, and, perhaps most notoriously, Adolf Hitler.

The building also served as Russian military headquarters immediately after World War II.

Schloss Velden
Seecorso 10, Velden 9220

Though the original private chateau dating back to the early 1600�s was severely damaged by fire during the eighteenth century, Schloss Velden was reconstructed and went on to become one of Europe�s grandest hotels. It�s magical position on Lake Weorth in Corinthia continues to attract discerning visitors, much in the same way it has long been recognised as a retreat for Europe�s dignitaries, including the former Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

Hotel Konig Von Ungarn
Schulerstrasse 10, Vienna

It has been a hotel for almost two hundred years, but known to have previously acted as a tavern and stables for the ecclesiastical dignitaries of� St. Stephen's cathedral. Indeed, the building we see today has remained largely unaltered for the past three centuries.

Most of its historic clientele were members of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and well-to-do aristocrats, but Konig Von Ungarn is primarily a remarkable place on account of its association with classical music�s arguably most prodigious talent.

It was here that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed "Le Nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro), and the "Figarohaus" in which Mozart lived between 1784 and 1787 forms part of the hotel`s building complex today. Indeed, Mozart�s presence meant that it was also frequented by other musical geniuses: it was within the present day hotel that Joseph Haydn famously told Mozart�s father that ��your son is the greatest composer that I know in person or by name..." and where the teenage Beethoven would study with his mentor.