Hotel Insider: Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, Austria

The Ritz-Carlton in Vienna is in the inner city on the famous Ringstrasse, home to some of Vienna’s most historic sites.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. Matthew Shaw / The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

The welcome

As my car pulls up at the main entrance of this historic hotel, I’m greeted by two footmen. One opens the door for me and ushers me into the lobby, while the other retrieves my bags. At the main reception desk, I’m attended to promptly and informed that I will be checked in privately in the Club Lounge. I’m guided to the seventh floor and sat in front of a friendly concierge who, along with checking me in and explaining the hotel’s facilities, provides me with a map and details of suggested nearby attractions.

The neighbourhood

Twenty minutes from the international airport, the hotel couldn’t be better located. It’s in the inner city on the famous Ringstrasse, home to some of Vienna’s most historic sites. Adjacent to the hotel is the Stadtpark, which links the city centre to the third district and is home to the Johann Strauss Monument, one of the most visited in Vienna. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants within walking distance and a tram stop a few minutes away.

The room

I’m staying in a club suite – located in a spacious corner with a balcony that looks out over the Ringstrasse. The 83-square-metre room has a separate living area with a writing desk, two-seater lounge chair and an impressive glassware cabinet. The bedroom, with its king-size bed, is separated from the living space by a sliding door. Off the bedroom, there’s a full bathroom with separate shower, twin sinks and luxurious bathtub, and a half-bathroom off the entry. The decor is refined, in keeping with the history of the building, which dates from the 19th century.

The service

Impeccable. I’m greeted warmly in the Club Lounge each time I step inside. Requests are dealt with promptly, although I do have a problem with the heating/cooling in my room, and while it’s attended to as soon as reported, it’s not resolved, which makes for a slightly uncomfortable sleep.

The scene

The hotel has a great vibe thanks to its mix of travellers and business guests. Americans and Europeans frequent the Club Lounge area and restaurants. On a whole, the property is friendly and beautifully historic – whether you’re wandering the halls tor having a drink or a meal, the relaxed, homeliness strikes me most. It doesn’t feel stuffy or pretentious.

The food

There are two dining options – farm-to-table steakhouse Dstrikt and all-day-dining restaurant Melounge. The Club Lounge offers three meal “presentations” a day, and snacks all day. I enjoy a buffet breakfast (€36 [Dh146]) at the Melounge, where I can choose from fruits, cold meats and pastries. I order an omelette off the à la carte menu, plus a cappuccino, and get gluten-free toast as requested. My best meal is at Dstrikt, where the beef is divine. I recommend the Wagyu sirloin (€59 [Dh239] per 100g). For dessert, you can’t go past the baked cheesecake (€18 [Dh73]) for two). Until mid-August, Dubai-based Arabic chef Hussam Al Hariri is lending some Middle Eastern flavour to the Melounge menu.

Loved

The historic original staircase, a 90-minute hot-stone spa experience (€180 [Dh730]) and the underwater music in the hotel pool.

Hated

The rooftop bar Atmosphere isn’t open during my stay. And the faulty air conditioning.

The verdict

A beautiful, historic hotel, perfect for leisure or business travellers.

The bottom line

Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna (www.ritzcarlton.com/vienna) cost from €350 (Dh1,420) per night, including taxes and Wi-Fi.