We ended our Grand European Tour with the PH VIE and I am delighted that we did.

We have previously stayed at the Rosewood London, PH Paris, Hotel Martinez and then the PH VIE. I understand and wholeheartedly agree with the rave reviews of the property under Monique Dekker's leadership.

We booked the Diplomatic Suite and made many requests prior to arrival. Monique responded personally and the Concierge handled our hotel car, restaurant reservations and VIP Terminal departure efficiently.

The property is a former Bank and they have perfectly preserved the original elements, elevated and modernised them. I believe this to be one of the few hotels that as managed to get this formula right.

Check In

By the time we excited the arrivals hall we were in the hotel S Class within a few minutes. We were at the hotel in around 25 mins, welcomed by the doormen and checked in swiftly.

Once you walked in you are in awe of the beauty of the common areas from The Lobby to The Bank and Bar.

The front desk escorted us to the room which always sets the tone for the stay.

Room

We had a Deluxe Suite at the Rosewood, the Prestige Suite at the PH Paris, a Suite at Martinez and the Diplomatic Suite outshone them all. The room is simply stunning with an entrance lobby, study, enormous living room overlooking the Golden Quarter, large bedroom, guest WC, but the real drawcard is the incredible bathroom, rainfall shower and bathrub.

The room is luxurious, residential in feel and with Silver as well as Mother of Pearl features.

The room is filled with natural night, two sets of double glazed windows that open and the electronics are modern with HDMI ports, electric blinds, curtains and lighting controls.

As a special occasion we had a welcome amnenity of Champagne, fruit platter, Chocolates and two handwritten cards, including one from Monique.

I realise that I didn't give mu husband's name to the hotel, however they managed to address us both by our full names in the cards.

They delivered a large glass bottle of Sparkling and Still water each day and there was an illy Espresso machine in a very large mini bar cabinet.

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Service

Service has been exeptional, particularly the Concierge. They are eager to help and anticipate your needs. Whenever we call to ask for something it is delivere in moments.

As the height of Summer many of the permnanent staff are on leave and there are lots of new trainees. Despite this, you can see them working hard to deliver the personalised PH service.

Dining

The food and beverage has been exceptional. Breakfast is a wonderful affair in The Bank where hot dishes are made to order from a selection. We wanted standard Eggs Benedict rather than the one on the menu and it was delivered without question.

One of the waiters had the Chef make mine with Turkey Ham, I think he may have thought I don't eat Pork because of my name. I appreciated the gesture.

Room service has been phenomenal. The Weiner Schnitzel was so good we ordered it several nights in a row. Instead of the standard Potatoes we asked for Mash and again it was arranged without question.

I was keen to try the cocktails of The Bank Bar's world renowned Barman Martin but he was on leave. He arranged for Mike to look after us and he made us custom cocktails that were spectacular. We ordered the Rossini Burgers which were very good.

We tried the Bolly Bar, but it gets occupied with people shopping outside, many of whom smoke Cigars. We moved inside and tried the Cakes and Mocktails and met the Pastry Chef who was delightful and clearly very proud of her work.

Location

The location could not have been more perfect. After weeks of ultra long haul flights, intra EU flights and cars we enjoyed the preeminent location and being able to walk to the Hofburg and around town.

The Pool

The Pool, Spa and Sauna are beautiful relaxtion areas.

Just as they have preserved the history of the hotel, the pool is located in the former Bank Vault and is lit to a charming effect.

I am not intro Crystals, however one of my colleagues is and she loved the photo of the Quartz Tower which she advised is used for balancing and harmonising.

Overall

Overall, we had a truly magnificent stay. The PH VIE is particuarly special as many FTers have experienced.

PH is our favourite hotel brand and we have visited most, but the PH VIE will have a special place in our heart.

The Diplomatic Suite and the property is stunning and we have spent much of our time on property.

Monique has clearly mastered the art of running a special property that makes guests feel like home.

We have already decided we will return and explore more of what this incredible city has to offer.