Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom: Excellent hotel

100   Recommended
August 4, 2018 by

 Map | 5 Reviews | 80% Recommended
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Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom
 Map | 5 Reviews | 80% Recommended

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I stayed two nights at Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom. It was my second stay there and as good as the previous one. I really like the hotel. The loyalty treatment is exemplary and design unique.

I was told on arrival that the hotel’s rebranding to So Sofitel will finally happen on September. There will be more parties in the future. Not really my cup of tea. Already now there was two parties during the stay: spa and champagne party, both hosted by DJ. Checked both and didn't look like a big success in the middle of the week.

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Check In

We arrived from the airport by taxi. Door was opened, luggage taken and lemon water offered by a doorman. That was appreciated in the summer heat.

After a short wait a front desk agent welcomed us with smile and thanked for the loyalty. All gold benefits were proactively given: early check-in at 11am, late check-out at 5pm, room upgrade, welcome gift and drink vouchers that could be used for, according to the vouchers, anything except millésimés, spirits and champagne. However, Veuve Clicquot was offered at a bar.

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Room

I had booked a superior room (the white one facing Ferris wheel) and received a luxury room (slightly bigger, grey room facing Stephansdom).

The luxury room had a size of 38 square meters and it came with separate lounging area, rainfall shower and bathtub, Nespresso machine, plus complimentary minibar that was stocked with four bottles of water, both still and sparkling, and fruit juices. On top of the basic Hermes toiletries and body lotion, there were Hermes face moisturizer and parfym in bathroom. I’m afraid Hermes is gone once the hotel has become So Sofitel.

Welcome gift was same as last time when I still was platinum: four pieces of small sweets. Not the best one out there but good enough.

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Service

Housekeeping did a great job. The room was spotless and turndown service was also provided. Toiletries, minibar, coffees and teas were all filled up daily without need to ask.

Dining

We had breakfast and dinner at hotel’s restaurant Das Loft that has recently got its first Michelin star. Breakfast buffet was still excellent with local and international delicacies, one of the best. However, some changes are coming together with the rebranding but a headwaiter refused to tell more about it.

Unfortunately, Eggs Florentine and Eggs Benedict were disappointing this time. Poached eggs were overcooked, Hollandaise sauce was tasteless and they were served on toast instead of English muffin.

At dinner both the food and the wines were of very good quality. We opted four-course chef menu (91€ per person) with wine pairing (47€ per person). Wines especially were delicious. Service wasn’t exactly up to Michelin star level but it was relaxed and we enjoyed the experience. For example, dishes were brought when one of us was in washroom and once food arrived before wine.

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Spa

The hotel has a nice spa that was peaceful most of the time we were there. Swimming pool is missing but there is sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and relaxation area. The interior design itself is relaxing.

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Check Out

It was efficient and not particularly friendly. It felt I interrupted something important when I wanted to check out.

Also, wrong amount of Le Club points were posted onto my account. Almost 2 000 points were missing. I contacted the hotel, informed about the wrong amount of points and received a reply claiming that the points credited to me is correct because I used points.

Well, I used some of my points, yes, but I also paid over 600€ by credit card.

I called to hotel and talked to a person who replied to my email. This time he claimed that food and beverage doesn't earn any Le Club points, only accommodation does. I wonder how can a hotel of this level have a staff member who doesn't have a basic knowledge of the hotel's loyalty program.

Next he told me that the hotel receives a lot of emails and front desk agents answers quickly – thus, there might be mistakes. Oh, okay. I asked him to take time and read my email once again. Finally, he confirmed that the hotel will add the missing points.

Now, I asked him to confirm this by email so that I don't have to start everything from the beginning with his colleague in case the missing points won’t be posted as promised. He refused. He said points will be posted the next day. It didn’t before I contacted a general manager.

The positive experience was partly spoiled because of this unnecessary mess. Anyway, I will surely return.

 

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