24 Hours at the Hotel Bristol Vienna

The old grand-dame Hotel of Vienna was originally predicted to be mentally dead, but since the Sacher family took over the ownership, a lot changed and a completely fresh wind breezes now through the elegantly styled hallways.

After a glamorous arrival in the 1^st class with the new Czech Railjet, we were chauffeured by our private driver of Uber, to the luxurious Hotel Bristol on Kärtnerring 1. The check-in was smooth and our Bristol Suite was already available at 11.30 which was a great plus. Upon entering the heavy door of our Suite, a completely different world opened to be discovered. Through the bright and airy entrée we got a first sight of the size of this little piece of pure heaven.

A huge living room with two light-brown sofas, a comfortable armchair, a writing desk with seating arrangements and a TV shelf with a built-in fireplace welcomed one of its first guests. In addition to this impressive area we found our bedroom that we entered through two very elegant sliding doors with gold handles. Everything did not only look so expensive, it really was of high quality. As the antiques, the deco vases and the lamps.

Back to the facts, the bedroom: The bed was extremely comfortable and the curtains did black-out extremely well. Beside the bed there was the entrance to the bathroom, a heaven for all bath-lovers: A separated toilet area with bidet, double vanities, a deep bath tub, and finally – an enormous walk-in shower at 1,5x1,5 meters. Last but not least I have to mention the world’s best bathroom amenities, at least they are the most expensive ones – by famous perfumer Roja Dove.

Although the city is amazing, we did not want to leave our heavenly bed. Fortunately breakfast was predicted to be world-class, so that’s why we headed down to Bristol Lounge and it really was worth the way. I would call it a very selective offer but of really high quality: bread is served in the main area, while all other products, including the cooking place are located in a separated room which is perfectly cooled for the fresh products.

The staff was always helpful and they even gave us a complimentary late check-out until 4 pm without any discussion. So we could enjoy the luxury of our huge Bristol Suite on a lazy Sunday afternoon before we headed back to Prague.

The Bristol proofed once again that it want to compete with the other high class properties such as the Imperial, the Ritz Carlton and the Park Hyatt. We can gladly say, YES! It is our new favourite hotel in Vienna.

Our stay in a new Bristol Suite at the Hotel Bristol Vienna was completely sponsored by the hotel. 

Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

Staying at The Grand (Hotel) Stockholm - Part 2

The best part of my stay was of course the Nordic Spa at the Grand Hotel. The indoor pool is one of the most wonderful in Europe to my taste, together with the one at the Corinthia London and the Hotel Europe in Killarney. There were two gender-separated changing rooms with sauna, steam room and dipping pool as well as showers and a small bar. The temperature of the indoor pool was very pleasant at 27c. If this is still too cold for your taste, there is a hot jacuzzi next to the pool at very comfortable 32c. One thing to remember is that the out-of-the-world Nordic Spa is also limited by space and therefore there are also limited relax chairs: a total of 10 chaise longues are way too less at peak hour, but there are also relax zones around the pool which take away the 

After coming back to my room at the first evening we decided to have dinner in the hotel and after coming back to the room I found out that there was a disturbing noise coming from the ballroom in front of my room. I went down to the front desk to change the room, but they told me that no other rooms are available. So I went back very sadly and waited until 11pm until the music stops according to the schedule. In fact it was 11.15 pm until there was no more noise.

After a sightseeing tour on Stockholm's waters with a boat, we went through the market hall, the Vasa Museum and of course we have been to NK, the Selfridges or Harrods of Scandinavia. When coming back to the hotel I watched inside the ballroom and I saw that they build up for an huge event. I guessed that there will be the same issue on the second night. And of course I was right! When coming back to my room at 10.00 pm I experienced noise again. I called the front desk and they told me again, no other room available, that the event lasts until 1 am. WOW, so I wanted to have a drink at Cadier Bar, but there was absolutely no seat available. 

After checking out, they did not take notes about my issues and they only grant a compensation after I complaint about my sleepless nights. They invited us for breakfast one day and that's it. I was not satisfied with this small compensation and therefore contacted the General Manager personally after coming back to Austria. 

Mrs Barck finally invited me to stay again at the Grand Hotel Stockholm and I am waiting for the voucher to be arrived here in Central Europe. I will keep you updated for a new experience at this Grand Hotel and member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

My Trip to Paris - Part 3

After leaving the Fouquet's Barierre we had the pleasure to check in at a very special hotel, the Le Meurice on Rue Rivoli in front of the Tuileries Gardens.

Due to the ongoing renovations at the three Top Hotels in Paris (Ritz, Plaza Athenee and the Crillon), the Le Meurice is the first address to stay in the 1iere arrondisement of Paris! 

From the moment we arrived to our departure we were treated Iike Kings and Queens. The interior is completely how you are treated - like a real French Palace, with lots of attention to the details and modern touches, designed by Philippe Starck. 

Before you enter your room you have to walk through the elegant and good smelling hallways, which reminded me of those in the Titanic movie. Our Junior Suite was very spacious with an open living- and bedroom, as well as an oversized bathroom. I really appreciated the small Penhaligon's toiletries, the vast rain shower and the separate and deep bath tub. The doors in the shower and toilet did not fully close which occurred a small flooding next to the shower. Furthermore there were only two large towels. When we tried to turn on the light at 2 am, we had to look for the master buttom at the entrance to turn on the light again as the light switch beside the bed did not work. 

We would have enjoyed free wifi access, which is actually 24€ for 24 hours. We did not use it, as we could live without internet for a night! If you would stay there for a week or a few days, even wi-fi can get more expensive than a night at other Paris hotels.

Let's continue with the breakfast! Yes, in fact it is names as "Paris best breakfast", also because it's served in the award-winning and 99th Best Restaurant of the World (according to San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants Worldwide) - Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice! 
With a proud price of 58,00€/per person it is very expensive - even for Paris standards, and to be honest we did miss some things, like fresh strawberries, ham and cheese plate, salmon, a choice of sweets (cakes, pastries, etc.), as well as a glass of champagne or any other sparkling wine. All in all the service was excellent, the atmosphere upscale and the idea of an a la carte service takes away all stress in the early hours.

The concierge was very helpful and kind concerning all our requests before and during our stay. So did the reception staff and we would like to thank Tatiana for the welcoming tour to our room!0

I would like to thank the Le Meurice for the generous invitation to stay at this glamorous Parisian Hotel.

Click here to view more information about this hotel!