Fall escape: Vienna

Fall is one of my favourite times of year. While I love the summer sun the rich fall colours, cooler temperatures and layered fashion make fall my favourite season. Fall is also a great time to travel. Places are less busy but the weather is still enjoyable.

I visited Vienna last in 2018 and loved everything about it. The city center is small enough that it is easy to navigate and walk everywhere. Vienna also has a great mix of shopping, food and history making it a great destination especially for a short visit.

where to stay

On my last visit to Vienna we visited the Park Hyatt Vienna for drinks. The hotel was in the centre of Vienna close to great restaurants and shopping. I decided this would be the perfect hotel for this trip.

Address:  Am Hof 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
Phone Number: 43 1 227401234
Website: Park Hyatt Vienna

Check-in Time: 3:00 PM
Check-out Time: 12:00 PM

Disclosure: Thank you Park Hyatt Vienna for collaborating on this post. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.

Our Room

We stayed in the Park Suite View. This room was perfect for a longer stay. There was a separate living room, two walk in closets, a bedroom with a king bed and a large bathroom. The room had views of the square across from the hotel.

The living room was the perfect spot for us to have breakfast in the morning.

I loved that the room had two walk in closets. Since we were visiting for a week my mom and I were able to each take a closet and get organized.

The stunning bathroom had a wonderful shower, gorgeous tub, huge full length mirror and a lot of counter space. It was the ideal bathroom to get ready in.

where to eat

The Bank Brasserie and Bar

The main restaurant is located in the centre of the hotel. It is stunning with high ceilings and marble details.

The restaurant is where the hotels buffet breakfast happens in the morning. The Brasserie’s buffet breakfast is one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever had. You can start with a glass of white or rose sparkling wine which is the perfect way to start the day!

There were amazing buffet options including some delicious open face toasts. The pastry selection was always changing. My personal favourite was a cake called marmorgugelhupf which is a marbled bundt cake. It was fantastic. If you stay at the hotel I definitely recommend trying it.

There are also a la carte items you can order. Everything we ordered was exceptional. My favourite were the truffled eggs. They are the best scrambled eggs I have ever eaten (bold statement I know but they were that good).

We also had dinner at the Bank Brasserie during our stay. Everything we tried was delicious. Some of the standout dishes included the halibut which was juicy, tender and perfectly flakey. For dessert the hotel made a sour cream Schmarrn which is a version of the traditional Viennese dish Kaiserschmarrn. This was phenomenal. Light, pillowy and not too sweet it was the perfect dessert. Even though we all were full we finished it all.

Café Am hof

The hotel also has a cafe if you are looking for a more casual breakfast or lunch. In the summer the café has a patio. We were very lucky with warm weather and the patio was still open during our visit. The café has delicious Viennese coffees as well as pastries.

Connected to the Café is a lounge where you can enjoy food from the café and a few smaller main dishes. The lounge is a beautiful space which is nice and bright and perfect for an afternoon snack.

Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Zum Schwarzen Kameel is located across from the Park Hyatt and is one of the best café’s in Vienna. It is always busy and a great place to sit an people watch. They are known for their open faced sandwhiches. There are so many delicious flavours. You go inside the restaurant and get to choose which sandwiches you want from an extensive display case. They also have delicious desserts. My favourite was the pink punch cake.

Where to Drink

The Bank Brasserie and Bar

The Bar at the Park Hyatt is stunning. It has a beautiful mosaic glass backdrop and warm inviting colours. The cocktails at the bar are unique and well thought out.

The Bar is always packed and a great place if you want a fun and lively environment. My mom’s friend works in Vienna and she said that her favourite after work bar is the Bank Bar.

Campari Bar

The Campari bar is a short walk from the hotel. I love Negroni’s and Spritz’s so when I saw the Campari bar I was so excited. I went here multiple times during my stay and there was always a new drink to try. The patio is a great spot during the day for a drink and snack. In the evening the inside has great music and a lively atmosphere. My mom and I came here after the opera for a late night drink and food.

amenities

Gym

The hotel had a large spacious gym with a great variety of machines and free weights. It was never too busy and the perfect place to get in a quick workout.

Arany Spa

We arrived in Vienna early on a Sunday. On Sundays all stores and many restaurants are closed. Since we were slightly jet lagged and had free time we decided to try the spa. We both got foot massages and this was the perfect way to treat stiff and sore feet after a long journey.

The hotel also has a stunning pool. The hotel’s pool is located in the banks old vault. I did not use the pool but it is truly gorgeous.

Rossano Ferretti Hairspa

Why do your own hair when you are on vacation. I got an amazing blowout at Rossano Ferretti. I am picky with my hairstyling but she did an amazing job producing great curls with lasted a few days.

What to do

The hotel is close to several attractions.

Shopping

All the major designer stores are within minutes of the hotel. Since we were so close we could easily go to the stores early before any line ups formed.

If you want to go to the designer stores you can ask the hotel concierge early in your stay to try and get you an appointment so you do not have to wait in line. The concierge team was fantastic help.

Musikverein

Vienna is known for it’s classical music. The Musikverein is the centre for classical music. During our stay we were lucky to see a show at the Musikverein. The night was even more special since Lang Lang the famous pianist performed.

Vienna State Opera

A visit to the Vienna State Opera house is a must. The opera house is gorgeous on the inside. We went to see Die frau ohne Schatten. This was a 3 part opera and 4.5 hrs long. While it was lovely I have to say it was a little long for me with my jet lag. It was still a gorgeous night out.

Schonbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace is not close to the hotel but if you love history and architecture it is worth a visit. Vienna is full of European History. Mary Antoinette’s mother was Maria Theresa who was Austrian and lived at Schonbrunn Palace. Schonbrunn Palace is reminiscent of Versailles to me. The Palace also has gorgeous grounds and gardens.

Overall we had a fantastic visit time Vienna. I feel like Vienna is an underrated city and I would definitely go back. They have fantastic restaurants and bars. I did not have a disappointing meal there. The people are all kind and helpful. Compared to some European cities Vienna did not feel crowded. Most importantly the shopping was amazing. Every store you can imagine they had. If Vienna could get a Goyard I would be set.

If you are looking for a hotel that is luxurous the Park Hyatt Vienna is the place to stay. I cannot wait to return. My next visit will be closer to Christmas so I can enjoy the gorgeous holiday decorations and Christmas markets.

I will be doing a separate post on my favourite Cafés in Vienna! They deserve their own post.

xx Sam