The luxurious interiors of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna are the epitome of 19th-century style and filled with sumptuous ideas to steal
Words: Ruth Bell
Looking at the exterior of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, you could be in no doubt that grand interiors lie within. Opened in 1876, its facade is Baroque in style, but when you step through the doors, you're greeted by the height of Viennese imperial style, with a sumptuous combination of velvet, dark wood, brass and marble.
The five-star hotel is located right in the heart of the city, opposite the Vienna State Opera, while the Albertina, Hofburg, St Stephen’s Square and Spanish Riding School are all within easy reach. What’s more, its luxurious interiors and stunning décor will inspire anyone who has a taste for the sumptuous and ever-so-slightly decadent.
The interiors of Hotel Sacher were created by co-owner Alexandra Winkler in collaboration with renowned French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon – and aesthetic is definitely both luxurious and lavish. One of the several suites is the Madame Butterfly suite (above and below), whose red, white and gold colour scheme makes a nod to the history of the hotel but still has modern comfort at its heart. Beautiful parquet flooring is complemented by large, rich rugs that bring the space together.
The bathroom in the Madam Butterfly suite (above) is luxuriously clad in black and white marble with gold accents in the form of the brassware, handles and light fittings. Layers of lighting can be set to different levels, depending on whether you’re getting ready for the day or relaxing in the generous bathtub. This is a good tip for when you're designing your own bathroom – lighting on different circuits will allow you to have both focused task lighting in the morning and create a spa-like vibe in the evening.
The hotel’s Signature Suites are similarly elegant, with splendid light fittings and tall windows taking full advantage of the high ceilings. The colours in the one shown (above) are more neutral than the red and gold of the Madam Butterfly suite, but the soft greys, pinks and beiges all create a harmonious scheme that is guaranteed to promote rest and rejuvenation. Luxurious fabrics such as velvet and brocades – whether upholstery, curtains or soft furnishings – will always add richness to your scheme, especially when layered up as seen here.
In contrast to the red and white schemes found elsewhere in the hotel, the walls of the Blaue Bar (above) are decorated in a decadent dark blue brocade with gold accents. This is complemented by crystal chandeliers and lushly upholstered velvet sofas and chairs. If you have space for your own home bar, touches such as mirrored shelves and comfortable club chairs will add the requisite hint of opulence.
The Rote Bar restaurant is yet another splendid space with its deep-red damask-lined dining room, hung with oil paintings and lit by crystal chandeliers (above). Something as simple as placing red velvet upholstered chairs around your own dining table will add more than a touch of glamour. And what can actually be most effective is teaming them with a more contemporary dining table, to create a look that has an element of grandeur but it also personal to you and your style.
There are so many spaces to inspire at Hotel Sacher. None more so than the Marble Hall (above), which features a lavish marble floor, marble-clad walls and magnificent crystal chandeliers. This combination of luxurious materials might look a little too much all at once in our own homes! But there are definitely elements of this style you can steal. Try adding a marble-look porcelain tile to your kitchen or bathroom for a luxe look underfoot and a statement chandelier will always add a sense of occasion when placed above your dining table or kitchen island.
To find out more about Hotel Sacher Vienna and to book your stay, visit the website.
Looking for more inspiring spaces in which to stay? Don’t miss our features on the historic Le Pont-Neuf, Paris and the fabulously fun Magnolia Hotel in Portugal.
