Photos courtesy of Palais Coburg
The Palais Coburg was built by Duke Ferdinand von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha—a royal family linked to many other royal houses in Europe, including the House of Windsor—as a summer palace from 1840-45. It sits above a section of one of Vienna’s ancient walls originally raised to protect the city from the Turks in the 16th century. Part of these fortifications, including the casemates, has been restored and is in the hotel’s basement.
In the 20th century, the hotel slipped into neglect. Interestingly, a member of the Coburg family—princess Sarah Aurelia—lived in the palais until her death in 1994. A a new owner in 1997 invested heavily in its restoration, and the hotel was opened to rave reviews in November 2003.
Pamela’s Perspective
Usually I’m not a fan of super-modern decor in a historical building, but the decorators here have proven that two completely different styles can co-exist harmoniously. This hotel is a superb addition to an already stellar list of Viennese five-star luxury hotels.
Palais Coburg
A 19th-century palace
Contact
Coburgbastei, 4
A-1010 Vienna
Tel: ++43 (0) 1 518 18-0
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
35 suites
Suites: from 595 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax
and service.
Open: all year
Getting there
The palais is located inside the Ringstrasse in the heart of Vienna. The hotel has a parking garage (quite an amazing 21st-century one). If coming by public transportation, the closest U-bahn stations are Stubentor (U-3) or Stephanplatz (U-1); tram lines 1 and 2 stop at Weihburgasse station.
What to do
On site: spa
Nearby: golf; Schönbrunn,
Hofburg, Belevedere palaces;
St. Stephen’s Cathedral; State
Opera House; Spanish Riding
School; coffeehouses
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details.
Sumptuous and elegant in every respect, the Palais Coburg truly befits a city renowned for its grand palaces.
You won’t find any faded glory though: modern glass and chrome blends seamlessly with traditional Viennese ballrooms—complete with colorful marble and dazzling chandeliers—in which you can waltz the night away if you’re lucky enough to be here for a special event.
Also, there are no standard guest rooms—only suites, each named after an historic personality of the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha family or someone associated with the palace.
Take your pick from four styles of suites: Empire, Palais, City, or Modern. Decor varies wildly from a gilded Empire style with silk curtains and chandeliers, 18th-century French and Italian style, to a 21st-century modern and hip minimalist design.
All suites have separate living and sleeping areas, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Something special
Highly regarded
restaurant