Vienna: A Historical Gem
Vienna is a city showcasing more than 2,000 years of history across its tidy promenades. It served as the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and became a hub for arts and intellectualism throughout the Renaissance. Renowned figures such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Freud have all called this magnificent city home. However, the Austrian capital is far from being regarded as a mere preserved relic of antiquity. Vienna continues to be a vibrant cultural destination today. For proof, you needn’t look further than its impressive array of high-end hotels.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to weigh in on travel experiences globally, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, nearly 165,000 readers completed the survey, marking a significant increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of over 685,000 votes were cast across more than 8,500 unique properties, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.
Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities. They were specifically rated on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
These are stately properties designed to cater to worldly travelers with discerning tastes. Furthermore, many of them are housed in buildings with historical significance. If you’re hoping to catch a performance at the legendary Vienna Operahouse, consider staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, our readers’ number one pick, or at Hotel Sacher Wien, which secured the fourth spot. You will be treated to captivating artistry even before stepping out for the evening.
Palatial lobbies are the norm in this part of the world, often adorned with antique furnishings and plush red velvet accents, beautifully illuminated by grand chandeliers crafted from exquisite crystal. In these surroundings, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the time of Mozart.
Moreover, this year’s winners are informed by a modern interpretation of luxury. Hotel bars and restaurants are enhanced with global flavors and techniques, while spa treatments incorporate cutting-edge modalities, heated pools, and the latest exercise equipment. It’s all seamlessly nestled within the city’s timeless hospitality.
A stay at any of these reader-favorite properties serves as a gateway to an impressive past while offering a front-row seat to a city rich in contemporary relevance.
The Winner
The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
This ornate establishment in the heart of the city features a massive footprint, unfurling across four historic palaces to create one grand property. Rooms are correspondingly spacious, yet the hotel maintains a warm and quaint atmosphere. Guests particularly appreciate the rooftop bar with stunning views and a club lounge. Its prime location has been described by one reader as a “lovely hotel in a convenient location to museum, art, and Operahouse.” Additionally, it features the largest indoor pool in Vienna, enhanced further by an underwater sound system that plays classical music.
“Lovely hotel in a convenient location to museum, art, and Operahouse.” — iBestTravel Reader
The Full List
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
Reader Score: 93.69
2. Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Reader Score: 92.63
3. Park Hyatt Vienna
Reader Score: 92.00
4. Hotel Sacher Wien
Reader Score: 90.53
5. Hilton Vienna Plaza
Reader Score: 84.24
