Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom Mini Pictorial Review:

Stunning Views of the Cathedral from Le Loft Restaurant:


Stephansdom by BA_pics, on Flickr

A few pictures and comments to add to the previous reviews on this thread.

Another great stay and still very much a fantastic hotel.

I had booked 4 nights in a luxury room (during a sale) and used some points to reduce the total price. I also booked breakfast as it is expensive but worth it for the views and quality of breakfast here.

I arrived quite early on a Monday (@ 11:30) and asked if I could just check -in and leave my bag and then get the room later that evening as I was attending a conference here in Vienna. The check-in clerk was friendly and accommodated my request. I was originally told that there were no upgrades available as the next level up (jnr. suite) were all sold out (true from the website), when I asked politely if it would be possible to provide a two level upgrade to a black suite, he did say that he would ask and I would find out when I came back later that evening to collect my room key. Bag was kindly taken by concierge and later put in the room for me. ^

When I came back later that evening, I was indeed provided with a keycard for a black suite on the 17th floor (18 floors in hotel with 18th being the restaurant and bar) so had a stunning view and lovely high floor room. Thank you to the staff that made this possible and for the great service during my stay.

I do wonder if rockstars stay in this room as when I entered…the Bose wave radio was set to some rather heavy rock music as part of the turndown service (yes, I have the handsome good looks and money of one but no I am not one! )

This time my black suite was REALLY black…all black. (excepting the towels, bedding and separate WC)…I have uploaded some pictures to show this and you can get an idea of just how black this room is…very hard to photograph so apologies for the light flares showing up in the pics but black is hard to capture!

Black Suite pictures:

Living Room area:


living room area by BA_pics, on Flickr

Desk area and towards the Bed:


desk and bed by BA_pics, on Flickr

Black Bedroom:


bed black suite by BA_pics, on Flickr

Anyway, the room is the same layout as the suite I had last time (and posted pics for on page 1) but wow, this all black was interesting and I am glad i tried it, however, for a stay longer than a few days or in Winter, I think I would prefer the grey luxury room or a white room….unless you are a Goth…It certainly was easy to sleep in as it was dark with the window blinds closed

Bathroom:

Black Sinks anyone:


black sink by BA_pics, on Flickr

Black Shower area:


black shower by BA_pics, on Flickr

Black Bathtub:


black bathtub by BA_pics, on Flickr

Separate WC: (only bit that was shocking white, as i guess it is a bit hard to see where to clean up a black WC! enough said)…


white loo by BA_pics, on Flickr

Loved the big tub and shower area and size of the room with the evening turn down service providing a lovely tea to relax before bed along with restocking the mini bar and coffee if anything was used (all contents free but no alcohol, just 4 juices and 4 water bottles).

We didn’t try the spa out (time went too quickly unfortunately this time) but we did certainly use the bar each evening before heading out to eat (and after sometimes)…love it. Hotel guests have access even during private functions (as happened one night for a men’s luxury lifestyle magasine event) and service was brilliant with staff remembering our favourite tipples without having to say anything even after a few days off in some cases! ^

A tip is to let the bartender make you a ‘bartenders choice’ which you can influence a bit by saying what you would like to achieve and what alcohol you like…for example: I need something light and refreshing with some citrus flavour…and they will mix you something up and give you a card with the name and ingredients in case you want to know or make it yourself later…^

Breakfast was excellent each time with stunning views of the city and the Stephansdom. The breakfast selection remains excellent and widely varied for different tastes, with hot items needing to be ordered (but included in the price).

Some pictures of the restaurant area called ‘le loft’ for those interested.

Looking from the bar area seating towards the Stadtpark (South of the Stephansdom):

Le Loft Restaurant by BA_pics, on Flickr

Looking West towards the Rathaus:

Le Loft Restaurant 2 by BA_pics, on Flickr

Hope the updated review and pictures show this hotel to be the star it is, it remains one of my favourite places to stay in Vienna and certainly the best for a modern, minimalist design hotel of the highest quality.

We also had a lovely steak meal in the steakhouse on the ground floor (separate to the hotel) which was reasonably priced for this city and quality.

We did consider eating one night in the restaurant but after reading the TA reviews decided not to as the food was always stunning in presentation but service seemed to be a bit hit and miss for this price class in the evenings (both from TA reviews and from watching from the bar in the evenings).