MSPeconomist

I've stayed in both the Bristol and the Imperial; these were summer visits and I don't remember any AC problems, but despite being American, I don't like chilly rooms in warm weather. I've also walked through the PH and Sacher.

To me, the Bristol is a four star version of the Imperial. Both have been renovated recently and the Bristol's location on the ring is a bit better, especially if your room has an opera house view. I was not very impressed with service at the Bristol. When I stayed here a year and a half ago, smoking (including cigars) was permitted in the bar. Its thick smoke was noticeable to me in the lobby and I feared that my clothes and hair would reek if I were to walk within ten feet of the entrance to the bar.

The Sacher is a couple blocks inside the ring from the Bristol. It looks faded and it seems always to be mobbed with tour groups. Even the restaurant and cafe menu displays on the street seem oriented toward wanting lots of cheap tourists. For these reasons, I would never consider it a luxury hotel despite it's iconic history. BTW, at one time the Imperial claimed ownership of the Sacher torte, but now they seem to offer an Imperial cake/torte which you can also purchase at the Bristol IIRC, at least to take home.

The PH looks ravishing and is located on an amazingly quiet and beautiful square.

Personally, I'd take the PH if you can confirm a DSU and otherwise go for the Imperial as a Plat100.

I can't picture Palais Coburg. Is it located in the park near the shopping mall with the express train to the airport, IIRC also with a casino? Or is it perhaps away from the center of Vienna?

In fairness, I should add that the Sacher Hotel Salzburg looks much better than the original in Vienna.