The Hotel Ring, Relais & Chateaux
Kärntner Ring 8, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria, Vienna, Austria
Why We Like It
The location is fantastic. Turn north, east, south, west. Any direction you choose, you will head to a sight well worth seeing. The accommodations are top notch and the service can't be beat.
Fodor's Expert Review
Commanding a corner on Vienna's famed and beloved Ringstrasse, this 19th-Century building is replete with 21st Century luxury. Its opulence is of chandeliers and high ceilings, but the suite decor runs along the lines of boutique lodging. Its elegant, cast iron elevator, still found in many older Vienna apartment buildings, is a rare find in hotels. The building is just steps from the Opera House with the MusicVerein not far off, either.
You Should Know The elevator can feel a bit like a cage to some.
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Room
The rooms are spacious, with many offering a view of the Opera House, others a courtyard or side view of the Ring. They are stylishly decorated, with minimal fluff.
Tip Pet dogs are given a special welcome of their own, including a blanket and bowl of their own.
Bathroom
Large and well-equipped, they have a bath/shower combination, and each en-suite has a double vanity and a bidet as well. Toiletries are by The White Company. Soft, plush robes and slippers are there for you after your bath.
Lobby
Spacious, but not overtly grand, and outfitted in a mid-century modern motif. There is a fish tank to meditate on while you relax on the comfortable settee.
Spa
There is a menu of massage options, a steam room and a sauna with a window to the Karlskirche. The decor is harmonious, and there are body treatments and facials to choose from. For an extra fee, in-room treatments are also available.
Gym
The fitness area is integrated with the spa, and is well-equipped. Treadmills are situated with a view of the Ring.
Dining
At Eight takes its name from the address, Ringstrasse 8. It is more casual by day, than night, but keep in mind: "casual" has a different meaning for Austrians than it does for Americans. The fare is Austrian, with an international touch.
Drinking
The bar opens in the early afternoon and is known for its aperitifs. A stop there before or after the Opera (or both!) might be a good choice.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Parking is next to impossible to find, and the cost and trouble of keeping up with parking fees is not worth it. So many sights are right outside the front door and there is an abundance of U-Bahn stops in every direction. If you need a taxi, taxi stands are near the Opera House.
Restaurants
Tian is Vienna's most elegant vegetarian restaurant and a hot spot even for the meat-eating Viennese. It has earned a Michelin star for a reason, not the least of which is its tasting menus. Konstantin Fillipou is considered by top chefs to be the toughest competitor in Vienna. Meals are creative and decadent. If you go for lunch, ask for the Business Menu.
Cafe Landtmann is a must for any visitor to Vienna, but certainly for one staying so close; sip a coffee at this historic landmark, or drop in for a breakfast of scrambled eggs.
Bars
Vinothek W-Einkehr is a small wine bar with a friendly, knowledgeable owner. Make reservations, just in case. Wein & Co. is well-known among the locals, offering a wide selection of fine wines, but note that it gets crowded. Haas Haas offers great cocktails, great ambience and believe it or not, a great view of St. Stephan's Cathedral.
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