Vienna is a city where history lingers in every palace, concert hall, and café. And no hotel captures that blend of imperial charm and modern luxury quite like Hotel Sacher. Famous for inventing the Sachertorte — the world’s most iconic chocolate cake — this five-star legend is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a piece of Austrian history wrapped in elegance, just steps from the Vienna State Opera.
A slice of history
The story begins in 1832, when a 16-year-old apprentice chef named Franz Sacher created a rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam for Prince Metternich’s guests. The dessert became known as the Sachertorte, and over the decades it grew into a Viennese institution.
His son, Eduard Sacher, later founded Hotel Sacher in 1876, right in the heart of Vienna. The hotel quickly gained a reputation among aristocrats, artists, and politicians for its refined service and atmosphere. Over the years, guests have included royalty, international celebrities, and world leaders, each leaving their mark on the Sacher’s grand guestbook.
Classic elegance meets modern comfort
Today, Hotel Sacher remains family-owned and proudly independent — rare for a property of its stature. Inside, gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and original paintings transport you back to Vienna’s golden age. Yet the hotel also offers every modern comfort: spa facilities, state-of-the-art suites, and a blend of traditional and contemporary design in its 152 rooms and suites.
The legendary Café Sacher still serves the original Sachertorte, with its secret recipe guarded closely. Guests sip coffee beneath red velvet drapes, just as Viennese intellectuals once did. Fine dining is also on offer at Restaurant Rote Bar, which overlooks the Opera House, and at Restaurant Grüne Bar, famous for its intimate, club-like feel.
At the heart of Vienna
One of Hotel Sacher’s greatest advantages is its location. Directly opposite the Vienna State Opera, it sits at the gateway to the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within minutes you can stroll down the Kärntner Straße shopping street, visit the Albertina museum, or wander to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
In winter, the hotel’s doorstep glows with Christmas lights and markets; in summer, Vienna’s coffeehouses and open-air concerts spill into the streets. Whether you are here for culture, cuisine, or romance, Hotel Sacher places you at the heart of it all.
Why stay at Hotel Sacher
Staying at Hotel Sacher is not just about luxury — it’s about stepping into a living piece of Vienna’s story. From the invention of the Sachertorte to its timeless elegance beside the Opera House, it offers travelers an experience steeped in history and charm.
And yes, ordering a slice of the original Sachertorte in the hotel café is more than a must-do: it’s a sweet ritual that connects every guest to almost two centuries of Viennese tradition.
