Hotel Bristol, Vienna

15 June 2015

Words: Andrew Nagy Image: Starwood Collection

Vienna’s Hotel Bristol has always turned heads. A hangout for Europe’s well-heeled elite since its 1892 opening, it’s an emblem of, not only Austria, but also of the dying art of old-world luxury.

With a prime location (next door to the glorious State Opera House), this Biedermeier building with Art Deco styling has had its fair share of famous – and infamous – guests coming through the doors. It’s here where Prince Edward VIII came in 1936 after abdicating the throne of England to marry Wallis Simpson. The entrance to this, the now-named Prince Edward Suite, is still embellished with the ostrich feathers of his official emblem; it takes up the entire floor, and has a library, fitness centre and sauna.

While dining options are limited – they once had a restaurant called The Grill modelled on the place of the same name onboard the Titanic – you should end each evening enjoying the hospitality at the Bristol Bar. During the Cold War it was a hangout for US diplomats; now it’s simply the place to escape the cold for an after-work drink.

bristolvienna.com