My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new hotel review on the Mr.M blog. Grand Ferdinand Vienna is a hotel about which I have heard only the best stories for years. Friends from the fashion world mentioned it with a sigh, and photos of the rooftop pool circulated among travelers with refined taste. That’s why I decided to finally experience it from the inside, through personal experience and without other people’s impressions. I spent several days in an apartment on the seventh floor, dined above the Viennese rooftops and walked around the Ring at all hours of the day.
In this review I will share with you everything I saw, tasted and felt in this exceptional hotel in the heart of Vienna. In addition, I also provide practical advice for anyone planning a trip to Vienna, Prague or Bratislava. These three cities form a perfect triangle for a longer trip, and Grand Ferdinand itself is an ideal starting point for this trip.
GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: WHY I CHOSE THIS ELEGANT HOTEL ON THE RINGSTRASSE
I visited Vienna many times, but each visit brought with it a new story. This time I wanted a hotel that combines old imperial elegance with a modern spirit. The Grand Ferdinand offers just that, and more. The hotel is located at Schubertring 10-12, directly on the famous Vienna Ring. The State Opera can be reached by walking in five minutes. The city park Stadtpark is right across the street, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a ten-minute walk away.
There is another reason that caught my attention. This is the only hotel on the Ring itself that is run by an Austrian family. All other large houses on the boulevard belong to international chains. This fact is felt at every step, from the porcelain to the staff. The homely approach here is not a marketing phrase, but a way of working that has lasted for generations.
GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: THE PERFECT BLEND OF LUXURY, DESIGN AND VIENNESE CHARM
Grand Ferdinand is not a classic five-star hotel, and that’s on purpose. The Weitzer family rejected official categorizations and superfluous pomp. Instead, the house offers thoughtful brilliance without rigid rules. Such an approach is most pleasing to travelers who have already seen the world. No one pretends to be important here, but every detail exudes quality and Viennese sophistication and refinement.
I will highly recommend the hotel to couples celebrating an anniversary or escaping from everyday life. It will also suit business people who need peace after a busy day. Lovers of architecture, music and good food will find their place here. This hotel is also suitable for families visiting Vienna, as the hotel offers discounts for children. Only guests looking for the impersonal standard of big chains may not understand the charm of this amazing hotel. Everyone else will fall in love with this building already in the lobby itself.
RINGSTRASSE: THE GRAND BOULEVARD THAT SHAPED MODERN VIENNA
To understand this hotel, we must first understand the street it stands on. Emperor Franz Joseph made a decision in 1857 that changed the city forever. He ordered the demolition of the old city walls and the construction of a magnificent boulevard. The Ring was officially opened in 1865 and soon became the stage of imperial power. The Opera House, the Parliament, the City Hall and the luxurious palaces of rich families sprung up along it.
Today, the entire boulevard is under the protection of UNESCO as part of the historic core of Vienna. A walk through Ringo therefore resembles a walk through a living museum of nineteenth-century architecture. Trams still run on the same route as a hundred years ago. It was in this environment, on the part of the boulevard named after the composer Franz Schubert, that Grand Ferdinand was located.
FROM PALACE TO VIENNA ICON: THE STORY OF GRAND FERDINAND HOTEL
The story of this building sounds like a novel. This place once stood a real palace from the time of the construction of the Ring. Unfortunately, the Second World War brought destruction, so the palace was completely destroyed. In the 1950s, a more modest office building was built on the same site. The sandstone and granite facade from 1955 enjoys the status of a protected monument today. It is interesting that the building housed the industrial company Veitscher Magnesitwerke for decades.
Then Florian Weitzer, a hotelier from Graz and the fourth generation of the family in this business, entered the scene. His great-grandfather bought a hotel in Graz back in 1910 and thus laid the foundations of the family story. After the success of the Daniel and Wiesler hotels, Weitzer wanted something bigger. He dreamed of a glamorous hotel on the most beautiful boulevard in Austria. The works lasted a full eighteen months, and Grand Ferdinand opened its doors in October 2015.
The concept was clear and bold from day one. Weitzer wanted to bring back the elegance of the Ring from its golden age, but without the stiffness and snobbery. Today, the hotel has 186 rooms, among which the suites and one unusual common bedroom stand out. I will write about him a little later, because he deserves special attention.
FIRST IMPRESSION OF GRAND FERDINAND: THE ICONIC HORSE IN THE LOBBY AND THE CRYSTAL CHANDELIER
I remember entering the Grand Ferdinand as a small theatrical performance. In the lobby you are greeted by a magnificent stuffed horse, the work of the famous Parisian house Deyrolle. This unusual sculpture pays tribute to the time when carriages and carriages plied the Ring. A crystal chandelier hangs above the horse, and the floor is decorated with cement tiles made by hand according to the old-fashioned method.
The details here tell the story of Austrian craftsmanship. The chandeliers come from the workshop of Lobmeyr, the former imperial glass supplier. The chairs bear the signature of the Thonet house, and the porcelain comes from the Augarten manufactory. In a glass display case, objects from old court suppliers are displayed, from silver to crystal. Everything seems like a tribute to an era in which Vienna knew nothing more important than beauty.
Check-in was quick and cordial, with a smile and a few warm words of welcome. Even then I sensed that this was not going to be an ordinary stay.
GRAND FERDINAND: A SMALL AUSTRIAN CRAFT SHOP WITH A BIG STORY
Right next to the reception, there is a detail that will please any lover of beautiful things. The hotel has a small shop with products from old Austrian workshops. There I found hats from the famous Viennese manufacturer Mühlbauer, a house that has been around for over a hundred years. Shelves are also adorned with fine shirts, home textiles and glassware. Everything comes from family businesses that nurture the craft for generations.
This choice fits perfectly with my philosophy of dressing and life. I believe in buying fewer things, but those that last for decades. Vienna has always been the capital of such an approach, from tailors to glassmakers. Grand Ferdinand does not display this tradition as a museum exhibit, but lives it every day. That’s why I didn’t take only memories from the hotel, but also a timeless souvenir.
MY GRANDE SUITE AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: A PRIVATE OASIS OF ELEGANCE AND COMFORT
The door to the Grande Suite opened, and I stopped at the threshold. The space exudes a color I would call a deep petroleum blue. Against this background, the white baroque bed frame shines, as playful as the icing on a Zacher cake. The contrast seems bold, but it works perfectly. Here, old Vienna and modern design are embraced without hesitation.
The bed deserves special praise. It’s spacious, just the right amount of soft, and dressed in immaculate white linen. Beside him stand white hinged lamps that resemble an architect’s drawing table. Across from the bed was a green leather chesterfield style chaise longue. I read the evening newspaper on it with a glass of wine, like a true Viennese gentleman from the last century.
The biggest surprise, however, is opposite the bed. A free-standing bathtub on white lion feet rises on a terrazzo tile plinth. Bathing with a view of the room and a golden chandelier overhead is a special kind of luxury. Oriental carpets on oak parquet complete the picture of a classy home from another time.
The welcome touched me in a special way. A bottle of Austrian red wine and a chocolate raspberry cake were waiting for me on the table. On the plate was written in chocolate “Küss die Hand”, the old Viennese greeting. Along with that came a handwritten note from the reception desk with my name on it. Such little things turn a hotel room into a home.
THE BATHROOM AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: A DETAIL THAT ELEVATES THE ENTIRE STAY
The bathroom in this apartment is not hidden behind the walls, but forms part of the living space. Two marble sinks stand under round mirrors in leather frames. Above them hang black industrial lamps on articulated arms, like those from old studios. The white ceramic rotary switches harken back to the days of our grandmothers, but work flawlessly.
The shower cabin delighted me with one detail from the past. A wall of glass blocks lets in light, and white tiles in the style of the Paris metro add freshness. The stream of a rain shower wakes you up better than the first morning coffee. Cosmetics from the hotel’s own line were waiting for me on a brass table. The shower gel with notes of lemon, orange and cedar smelled exactly like Vienna.
THE TERRACE AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: MY FAVORITE CORNER ABOVE THE CITY ROOFTOPS
Each apartment tells its own story, but my terrace told the most beautiful one. Wicker armchairs with comfortable cushions face the sea of Viennese rooftops. Mediterranean plants grow in large Provençal pots, so the terrace looks like a garden above the city. From there I observed the domes, towers and gilded details of the palaces across the street.
Morning coffee on that terrace has become my little ritual. The air is clean, the city is slowly waking up, and the trams are softly ringing somewhere below. In the distance I even glimpsed the outline of Belvedere Palace. For someone who loves photography, this view is a priceless gift. I admit that I had a hard time leaving that terrace on the last morning.
ROOFTOP POOL AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: LUXURY WITH A VIEW OF THE RINGSTRASSE
The eighth floor of the hotel hides its most famous trump card. The rooftop pool measuring 6.5 by 2.5 meters is open all year round. The water is constantly heated to a pleasant temperature, so bathing is pleasant even in winter. Working hours from seven in the morning to nine in the evening leave enough space for everyone. Sun loungers with red and white stripes are arranged around the pool, which immediately evoke the spirit of the Riviera.
The view from that height is breathtaking in every direction. On one side, the historic roofs of the first district stretch out, and on the other, the modern towers of the new Vienna. Swimming in the warm water while looking at the domes of the old capital seems almost unreal. I recommend the morning appointment, when it’s calm and quiet up there. The pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests, which preserves the intimacy of this space. During the day, the entire roof belongs only to the residents of the house, with refreshments and light music. Feel free to bring a book and stay upstairs for hours, like I did.
GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: ROOMS FOR EVERY STYLE AND A GREEN OASIS IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Grand Ferdinand offers accommodation for different wishes and possibilities. The smallest rooms are called Petit Chic and look directly onto the Ring. Despite the name, they are decorated with large king-sized beds and elegant chaise longues. The Charmant Chic category faces a quiet courtyard and hides its own champagne bar. Grand Chic adds a work desk for guests traveling on business. The smaller apartments on the sixth floor boast spacious terraces above a quiet courtyard.
All rooms share the same design signature. Wooden floors, rain showers and rounded headboards create the distinctive charm of the house. Open bathrooms are part of the concept, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with a group. It was this detail that gave me the feeling of staying in a private apartment and not in a hotel.
A particularly pleasant surprise is hidden in the heart of the building. The inner courtyard has been transformed into a green oasis with unusual plants and an old stone fountain. Guests of the restaurant on the ground floor look straight into that little botanical wonder. In the middle of the busiest part of Vienna, such a corner of peace seems almost unreal. I spent an afternoon there with a book and forgot that I was in a city of millions.
LIMÓN RESTAURANT AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: MEDITERRANEAN FLAVORS ABOVE THE ROOFTOPS OF VIENNA
On the same eighth floor there is a restaurant that has become my Viennese weakness. Limón opened in December 2023 as the youngest gem of a hotel. The concept is simple and irresistible: the kitchens of Italy, France and Spain under one roof. Florian Weitzer has spent years researching Riviera menus during his travels. He brought the best of those three culinary worlds right above the Viennese rooftops.
The ambiance immediately transported me somewhere between Nice and Amalfi. Marble tables, checkered napkins and warm lighting create a relaxed Southern charm. The first thing on the table is freshly baked focaccia with whipped butter and tomato spread. It comes with a lemon stamped with the word Limón, the trademark of the house. That small detail perfectly describes the spirit of the restaurant: bright, witty and attentive.
For an appetizer, I chose their famous beef tartare. The meat here is chopped exclusively by hand, using a traditional method, and is served with egg yolk and toast. The texture and taste were impeccable, among the best I’ve tasted in Europe. The main course was an aged steak with béarnaise sauce and a side of celery. The meat melted under the knife and the sauce had the perfect silky texture.
Dessert rounded off the evening in spectacular fashion. Mille feuille is prepared here in front of the guest, directly at the table. Crisp puff pastry, vanilla cream and fresh raspberries make a dream trio. I also tried the caramelized blackberry dessert which was gone in minutes. Along with that came a glass of excellent white wine as recommended by the waiter.
LIMÓN AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: MUST-TRY DISHES FROM THE MENU
The menu hides several dishes that deserve a return. Bouillabaisse Marseillaise brings the taste of the French coast in an authentic form. Linguine Tartufata is mixed in front of the guest in a large ring of Parmesan cheese. There’s also Cotoletta alla Milanese, Italy’s answer to Wiener schnitzel. Weitzer likes to joke that the hotel is hosting a “battle of giants” between the two legends. Aperitif lovers will be delighted with the Campari-style bar cart that comes straight to the table. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday evenings and is open to everyone, not just hotel guests. Reservation is almost mandatory, because places are booked in advance.
MEISSL & SCHADN AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: THE HOME OF THE ORIGINAL WIENER SCHNITZEL
On the ground floor of the hotel there is a restaurant whose name carries enormous historical weight. The original Meissl & Schadn was a legendary Viennese institution on Neuer Markt. The roots of that house go back to the seventeenth century, when it was called “At the Blue Deer”. Contemporaries called the restaurant the “mecca of beef lovers”. There used to be twenty-four different types of boiled beef on the menu. Among the guests of the hotel was the famous composer Edvard Grieg.
History has also written a dark page here. In October 1916, the socialist Friedrich Adler killed Austrian Prime Minister Count Karl Stirk in a restaurant. That assassination entered all the textbooks of the history of the First World War. The building was destroyed in 1945 and was never rebuilt. The famous name sank into oblivion for more than half a century.
Then in 2017, Weitzer brought the legend back to life, this time in the Ring. The new Meissl & Schadn is dedicated above all to Viennese schnitzel in its purest form. The veal is pounded and breaded in the open kitchen in front of the guests. The sound of a drumstick echoing through the hall has become a trademark of the house. The guest also chooses the fat for frying: clarified butter, lard or vegetable oil. Tafelspitz, Emperor Franz Joseph’s favorite dish, is ceremoniously served from a cart next to the table. The Michelin Guide included the restaurant among its recommendations, which speaks volumes for its quality.
GULASCH & SÖHNE AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: AUTHENTIC VIENNESE FLAVORS WITH A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE
The hotel’s third restaurant proves that luxury and simplicity go hand in hand. Gulasch & Söhne celebrates the Viennese inn tradition at its best. The menu is dominated by goulash, sausages and cakes from the old royal kitchen. With all that, the guest can order a glass of champagne or a small draft beer. That combination sounds unusual, but it perfectly describes the philosophy of the whole house. Here, no one divides the guests into big and small, but everyone enjoys together.
The place is open from early morning until late evening, so it is ideal for a quick meal. I stopped for goulash after a whole day of walking around town and I didn’t regret it. The portion was generous, the meat soft, and the sauce rich and dark. With a fresh muffin and a cold beer, it was a real Viennese moment.
BREAKFAST ABOVE VIENNA’S ROOFTOPS: THE PERFECT START TO THE DAY AT GRAND FERDINAND
Breakfast is served on the eighth floor, in the area of the Limón restaurant, every day from seven to eleven. Just entering the hall makes you smile, because the morning sun floods the marble tables. The breakfast menu offers classics prepared with great care. The recommendation of the house is the Grand Omelette with ingredients of your choice, from mushrooms to avocado.
My choice was Egg Benedict with salmon on a homemade sourdough muffin. The poached egg was perfect and the hollandaise sauce was smooth as silk. I also tried pancakes with caramelized crust and fresh blackberries. For special mornings, there is also a breakfast upgrade with a glass of sparkling cream. If you like a longer morning, you can have breakfast on the ground floor, at Gulasch & Söhne, until noon.
A nice card “So frühstückt Wien” was waiting for me on the bedside table in the room. On it, the hotel shares tips on where else to have breakfast in the city. Such generosity is rarely seen and speaks volumes for the confidence of the house.
GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA: WHERE SMALL DETAILS CREATE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
Throughout my stay, the staff addressed me by name, without exception. Every request was resolved quickly, with a smile and without unnecessary questions. On the table in the room was a notepad with the hotel’s logo, so I wrote my Vienna plan on it. That list later became the skeleton of my walks: Belvedere, Hofburg, Schönbrunn, Cathedral, Albertina and Prater.
The hotel also nurtures an idea that I sincerely welcome. In addition to the luxurious suites, there is also a shared bedroom with eight mahogany beds. Younger travelers can thus experience the splendor of the Ring at an affordable price. Bunk beds, a crystal chandelier and a rain shower make it the most beautiful hostel space in Europe. All guests, regardless of room category, share the same pool and the same view. Luxury here is not the privilege of the rich, but an experience available to anyone who appreciates beauty. The hotel also has a gym with modern equipment, open from early morning.
FROM RINGSTRASSE TO HIDDEN GEMS: DISCOVERING THE BEST OF VIENNA
The location of the hotel makes sightseeing a pure pleasure. The State Opera House is a five-minute walk away, and the evening performances begin just after the aperitif. Right across the road is the Stadtpark with the gilded monument to Johann Strauss. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the heart of the city, is waiting for ten minutes of easy walking. Its colorful roof and Gothic tower have been symbols of Vienna for centuries.
Art lovers have their hands full. The Albertina houses masterpieces from Dürer to Picasso and always offers great exhibitions. The Belvedere Palace is home to Klimt’s “The Kiss”, Austria’s most famous painting. The Hofburg Imperial Palace tells the story of the Habsburgs through the Empress Sisi Museum and the Spanish Riding School. Set aside a whole day for Schönbrunn, because the castle and gardens demand time and admiration.
I also recommend a walk along Kärntner Straße to the famous patisserie for a Zaher cake. The Naschmarkt is ideal for a relaxed lunch among the stalls. Children and nostalgics love the Prater and its historic Ferris wheel. The music temples Musikverein and Konzerthaus are practically around the corner from the hotel. Anyone who likes classical music has come home in Vienna.
VIENNA’S COFFEEHOUSE CULTURE: TASTES AND RITUALS OF THE OLD CAPITAL
Vienna can be seen not only with the eyes, but also with the palate. Viennese pub culture is on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage. Old taverns like those around the Hofburg preserve a ritual that has lasted for centuries. A waiter in black brings coffee on a silver tray, along with the obligatory glass of water. Newspapers on wooden holders and marble tables are part of the scenography. No one will rush you, because time is measured differently in a Viennese tavern.
Lovers of sweets experience a little paradise here. In addition to the Sachertorte, try the apple strudel and the Kaiserschmarrn imperial omelette. For a relaxed evening, I recommend going to a wine bar on the outskirts of town. The Viennese call them heujriger and they drink young wine there from their own vineyards. Few people know that Vienna is the only world capital with serious vineyards within the city limits. That fact perfectly describes a city that understands pleasure as an art.
VIENNA AS A PERFECT BASE: BRATISLAVA AND PRAGUE JUST A SHORT TRIP AWAY
There is another reason why Vienna deserves a place at the top of your list. The city is the perfect base for exploring the entire region of Central Europe. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is barely sixty kilometers away. The train reaches it in less than an hour, and in the summer a boat also runs on the Danube. The Slovak capital charms with its old town, castle on the hill and relaxed atmosphere. For a day trip from Vienna, there is hardly a better choice.
Threshold requires a little more time, but it’s worth every minute. A direct train from Vienna arrives in the Czech capital in about four hours. The Golden City on the Vltava, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle leave you breathless. I recently combined these three cities into one trip myself, and I highly recommend that route. Budapest is also close, only two and a half hours by train. From Grand Ferdinand, you can plan an entire Central European adventure without a single flight.
VIENNA PRACTICAL: TIPS FOR A SMOOTH AND ENJOYABLE TRIP
Getting to the Grand Ferdinand Hotel is easy from any direction. Vienna Airport is nineteen kilometers away, and the high-speed CAT train reaches the center in sixteen minutes. From the main train station, take the U1 subway to the Karlsplatz station. From there, you are only a short walk from the hotel through the most beautiful part of the city. The trams that run around the Ring stop practically in front of the door.
Check-in starts at 3:00 p.m., and check-out lasts until noon. Drivers can leave their car in the nearby Palais Corso garage at the hotel’s rate. Pets are welcome for an additional fee, with a bed and a bowl as a gift. Direct booking through the hotel website often brings a discount, so check it before any platform.
When is the best time to arrive? Vienna shines at any time of the year, but spring and early autumn offer ideal temperatures for walks. December brings the magic of Christmas markets along the Ring. The rooftop pool is open even then, so winter swimming above the decorated city becomes an unforgettable memory. For dinner at Limón and schnitzel at Meissl & Schadn, reserve a table a few days in advance.
WHY STAY AT GRAND FERDINAND VIENNA? A HOTEL THAT CAPTURES THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE CITY
After all, I can say that Grand Ferdinand Vienna met all my expectations. This is a hotel with soul, history and a clear identity. The apartment on the seventh floor provided me with the comfort I remember from the best trips. Dinner at Limón reminded me of the Riviera, and the steak on the ground floor brought me back to imperial times. The rooftop pool and terrace with a view spiced up every day of your stay.
What won me the most was the philosophy of the house. Here luxury is not measured by gold, but by attention to the guest and love for detail. The Weitzer family has created a place where Ringo’s history is felt but not overwhelming. That’s why I will definitely return to Grand Ferdinand, maybe already next season. Vienna is a city that one always returns to, and now I know where I will stay. If you are planning a trip to the Austrian capital, put this hotel at the top of your list. Trust me, you’ll thank me after your first morning on the terrace.
With Love from Vienna,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Grand Ferdinand Vienna Hotel, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.
Hi Marko, I really enjoyed reading this review because it felt much more personal than the average hotel article. I have stayed in Vienna several times, but somehow Grand Ferdinand was never on my shortlist. After seeing your photos and reading about the terrace and rooftop pool, I think I underestimated this hotel. I also appreciated the historical background you included about the Ringstraße because it gave much more context to the location. One question though: did you find the rooftop pool crowded during the morning hours, or was it mostly peaceful? Thank you for another inspiring travel story.
Hallo Marko, dein Bericht hat mir wirklich Lust gemacht, wieder nach Wien zu reisen. Ich war vor einigen Jahren im Hotel Bristol untergebracht und hatte damals ebenfalls eine fantastische Lage direkt an der Ringstraße. Trotzdem gefällt mir die Atmosphäre im Grand Ferdinand auf deinen Bildern deutlich entspannter und persönlicher. Besonders die Beschreibung der Terrasse und des Frühstücks hat mich überzeugt. Würdest du sagen, dass sich das Hotel auch für einen Aufenthalt von fünf oder sechs Nächten eignet? Ich freue mich schon auf deinen nächsten Reisebericht.
Hola Marko, llevo siguiendo tu blog desde tus publicaciones sobre Roma y siempre encuentro detalles que no aparecen en otras guías de viaje. Me gustó mucho cómo explicaste la historia del edificio antes de hablar de la habitación. Eso hace que el hotel tenga mucha más personalidad. Nunca había oído hablar del restaurante Limón y ahora está en mi lista para mi próxima visita a Viena. ¿Crees que merece la pena reservar con bastante antelación para cenar allí? Gracias por compartir una experiencia tan completa.
Ciao Marko, questo è uno dei tuoi migliori articoli di viaggio che abbia letto negli ultimi mesi. Mi è piaciuto il modo in cui hai descritto Vienna senza limitarti alle attrazioni più famose. Ho soggiornato al Park Hyatt Vienna qualche anno fa e pensavo che sarebbe stato difficile trovare un hotel con un carattere così forte. Dopo aver letto la tua recensione, però, il Grand Ferdinand mi sembra avere un’atmosfera completamente diversa e molto autentica. Hai provato anche il bar dell’hotel durante il soggiorno? Complimenti per il bellissimo lavoro.
Hello Marko, your review reminded me why I always enjoy returning to Vienna. My wife and I usually stay near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, but your description of the Ringstraße made me realize how convenient that area actually is. I liked the fact that you explained the hotel philosophy instead of only listing amenities. Those small gestures, like the handwritten welcome note, often make the biggest difference. Did you find the Grande Suite quiet during the night despite being on such an important boulevard? Looking forward to your next destination.
Bonjour Marko, j’ai beaucoup apprécié cette lecture. On sent que tu as réellement pris le temps de découvrir l’hôtel avant d’écrire ton avis. Les explications sur l’histoire du bâtiment étaient particulièrement intéressantes et donnent envie de regarder Vienne autrement. J’ai déjà séjourné au Sans Souci Vienna, mais le Grand Ferdinand semble avoir une identité très différente. Est-ce que le personnel parlait facilement plusieurs langues avec les clients internationaux? Merci pour ce superbe reportage.
Great review, Marko. I have never been interested in rooftop pools until I saw the photographs from this hotel. The view across Vienna looks spectacular without feeling overly modern or artificial. I also liked your recommendation about using Vienna as a base for visiting Bratislava and Prague because that’s exactly the kind of trip my wife and I enjoy. Did you take the train to Bratislava or have you tried the boat on another visit? Your travel guides are always practical.
Cześć Marko, bardzo podobała mi się Twoja recenzja. Byłem w Wiedniu kilka lat temu i zatrzymałem się w Hotelu Imperial, który zrobił na mnie ogromne wrażenie. Po przeczytaniu Twojego wpisu mam jednak wrażenie, że Grand Ferdinand oferuje bardziej swobodną atmosferę bez utraty elegancji. Szczególnie zainteresowała mnie restauracja Limón oraz widok z basenu na dachu. Czy śniadanie było naprawdę warte swojej ceny? Dziękuję za kolejny świetny artykuł.
Hi Marko, I have been following your hotel reviews for quite a while, and this one stands out because of the amount of local history you included. Many bloggers simply describe the room, but you explained why the location itself matters. That made me appreciate the hotel much more before even looking at the photographs. I was especially interested in the Austrian family ownership because that is becoming increasingly rare. Would you choose Grand Ferdinand again over one of the international luxury brands in Vienna? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Hallo Marko, vielen Dank für diesen ausführlichen Beitrag. Besonders gefallen hat mir, dass du nicht nur über Luxus gesprochen hast, sondern auch über die Geschichte des Hauses und die Wiener Kultur. Ich war vor zwei Jahren im Rosewood Vienna und hatte dort einen wunderbaren Aufenthalt. Trotzdem wirkt das Grand Ferdinand auf mich deutlich entspannter und weniger formell. Hast du zufällig auch das Fitnessstudio ausprobiert oder lag dein Fokus eher auf dem Sightseeing? Ich freue mich schon auf deine nächsten Artikel.
Hello Marko, I wanted to leave a comment because this review genuinely surprised me. I have read countless articles about Vienna over the years, but most of them focus on the same attractions and the same luxury hotels without adding anything new. Your article felt different because it combined the history of the Ringstraße with your own experience instead of simply listing hotel facilities. I especially enjoyed reading about the Austrian craftsmanship inside the hotel, from the Thonet furniture to the Lobmeyr chandeliers. Those are exactly the details I pay attention to when choosing where to stay. My wife and… Read more »
Hallo Marko, ich lese deinen Blog schon seit längerer Zeit und wollte dir diesmal unbedingt einen Kommentar hinterlassen. Man merkt sofort, dass du mehrere Tage im Hotel verbracht hast und nicht nur für ein paar Stunden eingeladen wurdest. Gerade deshalb wirken deine Eindrücke glaubwürdig und ehrlich. Besonders gefallen hat mir deine Beschreibung der Philosophie der Familie Weitzer. Heute gehören viele Luxushotels internationalen Konzernen, weshalb ein familiengeführtes Haus auf der Ringstraße wirklich etwas Besonderes ist. Vor zwei Jahren war ich im Palais Hansen Kempinski untergebracht und hatte dort einen ausgezeichneten Aufenthalt. Trotzdem vermittelt dein Bericht den Eindruck, dass das Grand Ferdinand… Read more »
Hola Marko, una vez más has conseguido que termine un artículo con ganas de reservar un viaje. Lo que más me gustó fue que no solo hablaste del lujo, sino también del carácter del hotel y de la ciudad. Muchas reseñas parecen catálogos de habitaciones, mientras que la tuya transmite realmente cómo se siente estar allí durante varios días. También me pareció muy útil la parte donde recomiendas combinar Viena con Bratislava y Praga, porque llevo tiempo pensando en hacer exactamente ese recorrido. Hace algunos años me alojé en The Guesthouse Vienna y quedé muy satisfecho, pero después de leer… Read more »
Hi Marko, I always appreciate hotel reviews written by someone who clearly enjoys architecture as much as travel. Your explanation of how the Ringstraße was created made me stop reading for a moment and search for old photographs of nineteenth-century Vienna. That rarely happens when I read hotel blogs. The location alone makes this property incredibly appealing because so many important sights seem to be within comfortable walking distance. I also liked your honesty about who would enjoy the hotel and who might prefer the predictability of an international chain. That balance makes your recommendations much more trustworthy. I have… Read more »
Bonjour Marko, j’ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à lire ce reportage. On sent que tu apprécies les hôtels qui racontent une histoire et pas seulement ceux qui proposent des chambres luxueuses. C’est précisément ce qui m’a donné envie de découvrir le Grand Ferdinand. Je suis allé à Vienne plusieurs fois et j’ai toujours choisi des établissements plus classiques, notamment le Bristol, qui reste un très bel hôtel. Pourtant, ta description de l’ambiance familiale et du souci du détail me paraît encore plus séduisante. Les petites attentions, comme la carte manuscrite de bienvenue ou les produits d’artisans autrichiens, donnent une vraie… Read more »
Hallo Marko, dein neuer Reisebericht hat mich heute den ganzen Abend begleitet und ich muss sagen, dass ich ihn mit großem Interesse gelesen habe. Was mir besonders gefallen hat, war die Tatsache, dass du den Aufenthalt nicht künstlich perfekt darstellst. Stattdessen hast du erklärt, warum dich bestimmte Details begeistert haben und weshalb das Grand Ferdinand seinen ganz eigenen Charakter besitzt. Genau solche ehrlichen Eindrücke suche ich, wenn ich nach einem Hotel für eine Städtereise suche. Vor drei Jahren war ich im Andaz Vienna und war dort wirklich zufrieden, allerdings liegt dieses Hotel deutlich weiter vom historischen Zentrum entfernt. Nach deiner… Read more »
Hi Marko, I finished reading your review just a few minutes ago, and I honestly think this is one of the most informative articles about Vienna that I have come across recently. Most hotel reviews repeat the same marketing phrases, but yours actually tells a story from beginning to end. I especially appreciated how you explained the transformation of the building and the history behind the Ringstraße before introducing the hotel itself. It immediately gave the property much more personality. My wife and I usually choose smaller boutique hotels because they often feel more welcoming than the large international brands,… Read more »
Hola Marko, quiero felicitarte porque este artículo me pareció muy diferente de la mayoría de las reseñas de hoteles que se publican hoy en día. No solo describiste el alojamiento, sino que también lograste transmitir la esencia de Viena y la importancia de su historia. Me gustó mucho la parte dedicada a la Ringstraße, ya que nunca había leído una explicación tan clara sobre cómo nació ese gran bulevar. También disfruté leyendo tus impresiones sobre el restaurante Limón y sobre el famoso Wiener Schnitzel de Meissl & Schadn. Hace unos años me alojé en el Hotel Imperial y fue una… Read more »
Bonjour Marko, je viens de terminer la lecture de ton article et je voulais simplement te remercier pour le temps que tu consacres à chacun de tes reportages. On sent immédiatement que tu ne te contentes pas de visiter un hôtel quelques heures avant d’écrire ton avis. Tu prends le temps d’observer les détails, de découvrir les restaurants, de comprendre l’histoire du lieu et d’expliquer tout cela avec beaucoup de simplicité. C’est exactement ce que j’apprécie dans tes articles depuis celui consacré à Rome. J’ai séjourné au Park Hyatt Vienna il y a deux ans et j’en garde un excellent… Read more »
Hello Marko, I don’t usually leave comments, but this review genuinely deserved one. What I appreciated most was the balance between practical travel advice and personal impressions. You managed to explain why the hotel appealed to you without making it sound like every other luxury property in Europe. The section about the family ownership caught my attention because independent hotels often have a very different atmosphere from international chains. I also found the recommendation about combining Vienna, Bratislava and Prague extremely useful since my wife and I are currently planning a railway holiday through Central Europe. Your article gave me… Read more »
Hallo Marko, jouw verslag heeft mij echt verrast. Ik kende Grand Ferdinand eigenlijk alleen van naam, maar na het lezen van jouw artikel begrijp ik waarom zoveel reizigers enthousiast zijn over dit hotel. Vooral de combinatie van klassieke Weense elegantie en een moderne, ontspannen sfeer spreekt mij enorm aan. Mijn vrouw en ik verbleven ooit in Rosewood Vienna en dat was zonder twijfel een prachtig hotel, maar soms voelde alles daar bijna té perfect en formeel aan. Grand Ferdinand lijkt juist toegankelijker zonder aan kwaliteit in te leveren. De beschrijving van het ontbijt, het zwembad en het uitzicht over de… Read more »
Ciao Marko, desidero farti i complimenti perché questo articolo mi ha trasmesso una sensazione molto rara: quella di avere realmente visitato il luogo insieme a te. Non mi è sembrata una semplice recensione di un hotel, ma il racconto di un’esperienza completa vissuta con calma e curiosità. Ho apprezzato tantissimo il modo in cui hai descritto l’atmosfera della suite, la terrazza privata e le attenzioni ricevute dallo staff. Sono proprio questi dettagli a fare la differenza tra un buon soggiorno e un ricordo che rimane negli anni. Alcuni anni fa ho soggiornato al Sans Souci Vienna, che mi è piaciuto… Read more »
Hello Marko, I have been reading luxury travel blogs for years, and I have to admit that your articles always stand out because they never feel rushed. This review was another perfect example. Instead of focusing only on expensive interiors or designer furniture, you explained why Grand Ferdinand feels connected to Vienna itself. I particularly enjoyed the section about the history of the building and how the hotel respects Austrian craftsmanship rather than trying to imitate international luxury trends. My wife and I usually stay at smaller boutique hotels whenever possible because they tend to have much more personality than… Read more »
Cześć Marko, chciałem Ci podziękować za tak szczegółową recenzję, ponieważ właśnie takich materiałów zawsze szukam przed wyjazdem. Wiele stron internetowych przedstawia jedynie zdjęcia i podstawowe informacje, natomiast Ty opowiadasz o miejscu w taki sposób, że łatwo wyobrazić sobie cały pobyt. Bardzo spodobał mi się fragment dotyczący historii hotelu oraz rodziny Weitzer, ponieważ pokazuje, że za tym miejscem stoi coś więcej niż tylko luksusowe wnętrza. Kilka lat temu zatrzymałem się w Hotelu Sacher i był to piękny pobyt, jednak Grand Ferdinand wydaje się bardziej nowoczesny i jednocześnie bardzo wierny wiedeńskiej tradycji. Szczególnie zainteresował mnie basen na dachu oraz restauracja Limón, o… Read more »