Just Checked Out: Sans Souci in Vienna

With so much buzz surrounding its recent food revolution and new hotels hitting the scene (check out our review of the newly opened Park Hyatt here), it was impossible to ignore a visit to Vienna on our recent trip to Europe. The city has so much to offer with attractions such as the Viennese Christmas markets, rich music scene (it’s considered the world’s music capital), world-class restaurants and old-world elegance. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves devouring plum cake in an 18th century kaffehaus, wondering what took us so long to get there.

With so much buzz surrounding its recent food revolution and new hotels hitting the sce IMG_20141211_160332 ne (check out our review of the newly opened Park Hyatt here), it was impossible to ignore a visit to Vienna on our recent trip to Europe. The city has so much to offer with attractions such as the Viennese Christmas markets, rich music scene (it’s considered the world’s music capital), world-class restaurants and old-world elegance. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves devouring plum cake in an 18^th century kaffehaus, wondering what took us so long to get there.

Vienna was the third and final stop of our 10-day European tour – arriving via train from Salzburg in a little over two hours. Vienna was ready to welcome two discerning New Yorkers and the hotel, shopping, and food did not disappoint (except for the Mexican food we tried on our last night….word to the wise, don’t order enchiladas in Vienna).

We considered staying at one of the larger, more established hotels like Imperial, Bristol, and Grand Hotel Wien, but decided to take a less traditional (and very modern) route and checked into the 63-room Sans Souci Wien. Opened since December 2012, this privately owned boutique hotel in Vienna’s artsy-bohemian neighborhood has received high praise and lots of buzz in such a short period of time.

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From the outside, the Sans Souci blends in with the beautiful 18th century architecture of the city’s 7th District, but there’s a surprising and refreshing burst of modernism inside. Sans Souci was brought to life by the yoo Studio, a hotel design company founded by Philippe Starck (famous for designing Steve Jobs’ yacht and the Delano, amongst other well known hotels). The mix of art and furniture design compliment the surrounding museums and we loved that the owner’s personal collection of original works by Roy Lichtenstein, Allen Jones and Steve Kaufman are displayed in the common areas and rooms.

As contemporary as Sans Souci is, it is well rooted (quite literally) in its past. Once an inn erected in 1872, the building where the hotel is located was not only the place where Johann Strauß performed his “Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka“ for the first time, but it also operated as hotel up until the mid-50s. Things were put on hold during the U.S. occupation of Vienna after WWII, but the building has weathered the times. Today, its original brick-work can be appreciated through Sans Souci’s care and preservation.

COMMON AREAS

Sans Souci Spa Club – Who knew you could find the longest indoor pool in Veinna at Sans Souci? With a fitness area, three saunas, a steam room and yes, even a solarium, there’s really something for everyone. Because of its holistic health approach, Sans Souci is an official member of the Healing Hotels of the World.
La Véranda – À la carte gourmet restaurant with emphasis on organic. This is where breakfast is served and the restaurant also specializes in regional and seasonal dishes. Breakfast is always a great incentive to get out of bed, especially when its healthy and sourced from local organic farms. The menu includes organic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked pastries, eggs, a variety of cheeses and specialty fruit juices.
Le Bar – An eclectic bar specializing in a variety of assorted champagnes. Good to know: every third Thursday, a representative from a champagne company comes to the hotel to share their knowledge and flavors.
Le Salon – A venue for meetings, seminars and receptions for up to 40 people. We hear weddings are popular at the hotel, so if you’re planning your big day in Vienna, don’t miss checking out Sans Souci.

ROOMS TO GET

Guests will feel like they are in their own personal art gallery surrounded by contemporary designer furnishings and marble floored bathrooms all in a muted palette. Of the 63 rooms, guests can choose from three master suites, 17 junior suites, 30 luxury rooms and 13 superior rooms. Sans Souci Wien_ Junior Suite 3 We loved our stay in one of the luxury rooms (pictured below on right) that includes a mirrored TV screen (my husband’s favorite feature) and originals by Steve Kaufman. While the city views from our room were not spectacular, we did like that it was quiet. Other views include the museum (highly recommended), or the courtyard.

We also got a peek inside the spacious Jaguar Suite (one of the three master suites) which possesses one of the coolest tubs I’ve ever seen (see below).

Another added attraction is the Jaguar XF and a bottle of Ruinart Rose champagne when you’re ready to wind down, but the perks come with a price tag (starting at 990 euros).

WHAT WE LOVED

The breakfast buffet was 5-star all the way. We loved the specialty veggie drinks – which changed on a daily basis – served in champagne flutes.
Location, location, location. Sans Souci is across the street from Museum Quarter, steps from the metro, 5 minutes from the Imperial Palace and Christmas markets, and walking distance to Mariahilferstraße (Vienna’s largest shopping mile).
Serenity. With two of the three hotel views facing the street, we were pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was. We were not disturbed by lights or sounds whatsoever.
The complementary tea, coffee and chocolates in the lobby were a nice welcome every time we came in from the cold. We especially loved the hot “lemonade” which was soothing and warmed us up in seconds.
My husband really loved the cool mirror TV in our room (available only in the luxury and superior rooms). I’ve seen TVs hidden in bathroom mirrors, but this one takes it to the next level (pictured to the right – but you don’t need to stand that close!).

WHAT WE DIDN’T LOVE

Room service options were limited. We wish there were more menu items to choose from and the order cut-off time was extended.

TIPS

We loved taking the Big Bus sightseeing tour because even during one of the busiest holiday seasons, there was lots of room to spread out on the bus. We usually take a city tour on our first or second day to get acquainted with the major sites and this tour did not disappoint. The tour (at 16 Euros) was very informative and even made a stop at former imperial family residence, Schönbrunn Palace, which is located on the outskirts of the city.
If you are visiting during the Christmas season, definitely make a stop at the various Christmas markets located throughout the city, notably the ones in front of Schönbrunn Palace (great food options with lots of ornaments to choose from), on Karlsplatz (lots of hand crafts), and on Stephansplatz (enjoy the backdrop of the magnificent cathedral as you shop and sip mulled wine).
The entire city of Vienna is supplied by 100% mountain spring water. You never have to worry about accidentally sipping from the faucet or ordering tap at restaurants because the water doesn’t get much better than here. In fact, Vienna was the first city in the world to protect its natural spring water in its constitution. Wish I could say the same for New York City.
Calling all chocolate lovers, there is a museum just for you! Vienna is world famous for its chocolate and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a visit to the Schoko Museum. This is a definitely a museum your kids will love.
Naschmarkt is a must on Saturdays. Beginning as early as 7 a.m., vendors set up shop selling everything from jewelry to houseware and oil paintings. When you get hungry from all the shopping, there are lots of places to satiate your appetite within the market and nearby as well.

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Check here to secure special rates and perks below at Sans Souci Wien through our partnership with Virtuoso luxury travel agency, Classic Travel: