Starwood Vienna: which one? [Master Thread]
Nov 19, 2007, 12:38 pm
#152
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Nov 25, 2007, 11:19 pm
#153
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
Stayed last week. When checked SPG around noon, it showed I was upgraded to suite but when I checked-in at 7, I got an executive room. The hardfloor made a bit of noise so we moved to the Marriott instead.
Jan 1, 2008, 1:52 pm
#154
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,548
Spent 1 night last week at IMPERIAL. We booked an Exec Junior Suite and got upgraded to an Elisabeth Suite.
The check-in experience was flawless. We were handed out the amenity card immediately and were escorted to the Suite.
The suite is located on the first floor (2nd American) and has quite nice ceiling height. One enters through a foyer, where there is a powder room to the left. Then there's a sitting area with one lounge chair and a cabinet that houses mini bar. The next adjacent room is a sitting area with a sofa, 2 lounge chairs, a desk by the window. There is a mirrored sliding door that separates the sitting and bedroom. The bed is 2 twins pushed together. The bathroom has the same high ceiling with ornate ceiling ornamentation and a crystal chandelier. There is a crystal chandelier and Bvlgari amenities, a deep soaking tub, 2 sinks, a shower stall, a bidet..... but NO toilet. The toilet is located in the foyer. This is what I don't understand from old European buildings (hotels). What is the logic behind placing a toilet and a bidet separately -- sometimes 2 or 3 rooms over? I mean, to use the bidet after the toilet in the suite, one has to go through the first sitting room, the 2nd sitting room, turn right to the bedroom, then go to the bathroom...
The Butler came bearing Christmas gift (a cook book), a luggage tag, and some business cards and stationery bearing my name with the IMPERIAL address. Very impressive.
Room service was prompt, the food tasty and when called to clear the table, someone arrived within 2 minutes of calling.
Service in this hotel is outstanding!
The check-in experience was flawless. We were handed out the amenity card immediately and were escorted to the Suite.
The suite is located on the first floor (2nd American) and has quite nice ceiling height. One enters through a foyer, where there is a powder room to the left. Then there's a sitting area with one lounge chair and a cabinet that houses mini bar. The next adjacent room is a sitting area with a sofa, 2 lounge chairs, a desk by the window. There is a mirrored sliding door that separates the sitting and bedroom. The bed is 2 twins pushed together. The bathroom has the same high ceiling with ornate ceiling ornamentation and a crystal chandelier. There is a crystal chandelier and Bvlgari amenities, a deep soaking tub, 2 sinks, a shower stall, a bidet..... but NO toilet. The toilet is located in the foyer. This is what I don't understand from old European buildings (hotels). What is the logic behind placing a toilet and a bidet separately -- sometimes 2 or 3 rooms over? I mean, to use the bidet after the toilet in the suite, one has to go through the first sitting room, the 2nd sitting room, turn right to the bedroom, then go to the bathroom...
The Butler came bearing Christmas gift (a cook book), a luggage tag, and some business cards and stationery bearing my name with the IMPERIAL address. Very impressive.
Room service was prompt, the food tasty and when called to clear the table, someone arrived within 2 minutes of calling.
Service in this hotel is outstanding!
Jan 2, 2008, 12:03 pm
#155
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
The Imperial is still up to its old standards. One of the finest hotels in the world. All the suites that I have stayed at there had the toilet by the bathroom; your suite may not have been intended for sleeping in the original building design (it was built as a palace, not a hotel). Still rather surprised to read about this topology. Some of the suites have more than one chandelier in the bathroom (and the bathroom is large enough to need it!).
Jan 2, 2008, 5:29 pm
#156
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,548
I forgot to mention that when we were escorted to the suite, the front desk mentioned that our bathroom was originally a chapel.
Somehow I wish he didn't mention it to us...
Somehow I wish he didn't mention it to us...
The Imperial is still up to its old standards. One of the finest hotels in the world. All the suites that I have stayed at there had the toilet by the bathroom; your suite may not have been intended for sleeping in the original building design (it was built as a palace, not a hotel). Still rather surprised to read about this topology. Some of the suites have more than one chandelier in the bathroom (and the bathroom is large enough to need it!).
Feb 10, 2008, 3:22 am
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
Stayed recently at both hotels so thought I would provide a comparison:
Arrival and CHECK IN
Bristol-Someone waiting to open your car door
LM- No, but staff inside are friendly (fewer of them than Bristol)
Bristol- Welcome back note signed by GM
LM- Acknowledgement you have been there before (you know where the elevators are, correct?)
Upgrade- Bristol: Jr Suite upgrade
LM: Booked Dlx room- rcvd Dlx room on SPG floor
Room Service
Both hotels are excellent. It seems the LM is faster however
Valet Parking
Big winner for LM- Bristol takes 30 minutes to get your car. LM 10 maximum.
Room Overall
Depends what style you like. Both are luxury hotels. LM follows the ArtandTech design that LM tested for a while. Bristol is classic opulence. Both are nice. Showers in the LM tend to leak into the bathroom area. Bristol rooms are maybe over the top for some people. Bristol rooms have a much quieter HVAC plant- I would be wary of this at LM as it is a fairly noisy system which may disturb some people.
PM if you have any specific questions.
Arrival and CHECK IN
Bristol-Someone waiting to open your car door
LM- No, but staff inside are friendly (fewer of them than Bristol)
Bristol- Welcome back note signed by GM
LM- Acknowledgement you have been there before (you know where the elevators are, correct?)
Upgrade- Bristol: Jr Suite upgrade
LM: Booked Dlx room- rcvd Dlx room on SPG floor
Room Service
Both hotels are excellent. It seems the LM is faster however
Valet Parking
Big winner for LM- Bristol takes 30 minutes to get your car. LM 10 maximum.
Room Overall
Depends what style you like. Both are luxury hotels. LM follows the ArtandTech design that LM tested for a while. Bristol is classic opulence. Both are nice. Showers in the LM tend to leak into the bathroom area. Bristol rooms are maybe over the top for some people. Bristol rooms have a much quieter HVAC plant- I would be wary of this at LM as it is a fairly noisy system which may disturb some people.
PM if you have any specific questions.
Feb 10, 2008, 6:32 am
#158
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: North Italy
Programs: Amex Platinum, Spg Gold, HH Gold, AZ Freccia Alata, Hertz Club Gold
Posts: 390
Am planning a trip to Vienna in late April/early May.....considering either Le Meridien or Bristol (as I'll be paying and not using points). The Imperial is a bit out of my budget.
Both Le Meridien and Bristol seem to be in the same general area. Price difference is about 25-30 Euros.
Any recommendations?
I travel alot for business and generally stay in Westin's. I like a bit of luxury for vacations, and the Bristol seems to be more historical palace look vs. the more modern Le Meridien.
Any comments on resturaunts? Also, best way from airport to these hotels?
Thanks in advance......
Both Le Meridien and Bristol seem to be in the same general area. Price difference is about 25-30 Euros.
Any recommendations?
I travel alot for business and generally stay in Westin's. I like a bit of luxury for vacations, and the Bristol seems to be more historical palace look vs. the more modern Le Meridien.
Any comments on resturaunts? Also, best way from airport to these hotels?
Thanks in advance......
BRISTOL
Splendid hotel in a very central zone ! ^
Jun 6, 2008, 11:34 am
#160
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: (not Montana. Nor is my name really Helena, nor am I female)
Programs: Delta, USAirways, Starwood, Priority Club, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 2,557
Best hotel w/kids?
I'm considering a trip to Vienna in early Feb. 2009. We may take the kids, who will be 6 1/2 and nearly 4 at the time. I have platinum status, and we'll probably book using either points or cash & points (or, if the timing works out and if it's graciously offered again, maybe the 50POR award), so we can consider the Imperial though either the LM or Bristol look plenty good and we'd prefer to save the points.
My question: Do any of these three hotels offer a decent option for sleeping 2 adults and 2 kids in a single room, and if so, which is best in that regard? And what about the chances of an upgrade that could allow us to sleep the kids in a separate room from the parents (I have platinum status)? I note from the online pics that the suites and junior suites don't seem to be equipped with sofa beds, which is an amenity we often take advantage of when travelling en famille in the U.S. Failing any of the above, is any of these hotels better than the others regarding the chance of getting 2 connecting rooms?
My question: Do any of these three hotels offer a decent option for sleeping 2 adults and 2 kids in a single room, and if so, which is best in that regard? And what about the chances of an upgrade that could allow us to sleep the kids in a separate room from the parents (I have platinum status)? I note from the online pics that the suites and junior suites don't seem to be equipped with sofa beds, which is an amenity we often take advantage of when travelling en famille in the U.S. Failing any of the above, is any of these hotels better than the others regarding the chance of getting 2 connecting rooms?
Dec 18, 2008, 5:05 pm
#161
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SYD, Australia......Hotels: HHon LT Diamond, Hyatt LT Glob, Marriott AMB (LT Gold), IHG AMB (20 years of SCC and RoyAMB dropped 2024)...Airlines: BA GGL (OW Emerald), LH FTL (*S), QF Plat (LT Gold), VA, UA Silver (*S), SQ Silver (*S)
Posts: 2,101
Bristol or Imperial Junior Suite?
OK, here is the dilemma. I had booked a Junior Suite with Balcony at the Bristol over New Year's Eve quite a while ago. Last week I was able to also book an Imperial Junior Suite at the Imperial for the same time. The cost difference in points is 50% more points for the Imperial room though. 
Now, I've read most of the reports from 2006/07 and I would like to hear from someone who actually stayed in both these room types in both hotels and can share their experience. It's going to be a very busy period so I don't think there will be any upgrades from the room types I have booked. But it would be interesting to hear whether there is a chance of getting a "bad" Junior Suite in either of the hotels due to location/view etc. From my research it sounds as if this could happen at the Imperial where rooms can vary a lot within the same room type.
Is the Imperial worth the extra points? I see that the rooms at the Imperial are definitely larger (around 60m vs 40m) which is quite a difference. But then again, no balcony at the Imperial (it's winter though so not sure how much use a balcony really is). One thing that got me a bit worried is that the view from the Imperial Junior Suite can apparently be quite limited. I guess the Bristol Suites being on the top floor should have the nicer views.
We just got back from the St. Regis in Rome and we do like the old style decor with the thick curtins, antique furnitures, lots of gold and warm colours. I'm a bit worried that the Bristol does not quite have the "old European feel" that the Imperial has. I have seen a few pix of rooms at the Bristol and they look rather boring with lots of colour (many green and brown) but we prefer warmer colours and more luxurious rooms.
I read the Imperial has Bulgari stuff in the bathroom. Don't know what the Bristol offers but it shouldn't be the most important factor. However, the size of the bathroom and whether any of the suites has double sinks would make a difference I guess.
At the Imperial the Butler service is not included in that room type (only in the Executive Junior Suite). I don't know what the Bristol offers but Butler service would be a nice touch to have.
Decision, decisions....
Now, I've read most of the reports from 2006/07 and I would like to hear from someone who actually stayed in both these room types in both hotels and can share their experience. It's going to be a very busy period so I don't think there will be any upgrades from the room types I have booked. But it would be interesting to hear whether there is a chance of getting a "bad" Junior Suite in either of the hotels due to location/view etc. From my research it sounds as if this could happen at the Imperial where rooms can vary a lot within the same room type.
Is the Imperial worth the extra points? I see that the rooms at the Imperial are definitely larger (around 60m vs 40m) which is quite a difference. But then again, no balcony at the Imperial (it's winter though so not sure how much use a balcony really is). One thing that got me a bit worried is that the view from the Imperial Junior Suite can apparently be quite limited. I guess the Bristol Suites being on the top floor should have the nicer views.
We just got back from the St. Regis in Rome and we do like the old style decor with the thick curtins, antique furnitures, lots of gold and warm colours. I'm a bit worried that the Bristol does not quite have the "old European feel" that the Imperial has. I have seen a few pix of rooms at the Bristol and they look rather boring with lots of colour (many green and brown) but we prefer warmer colours and more luxurious rooms.
I read the Imperial has Bulgari stuff in the bathroom. Don't know what the Bristol offers but it shouldn't be the most important factor. However, the size of the bathroom and whether any of the suites has double sinks would make a difference I guess.
At the Imperial the Butler service is not included in that room type (only in the Executive Junior Suite). I don't know what the Bristol offers but Butler service would be a nice touch to have.
Decision, decisions....
Dec 18, 2008, 5:45 pm
#162
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
I haven't stayed at the Imperial, so I fail your first request of someone who can contrast and compare. Regardless, I'll forge ahead with my input on the Bristol.
I have seen a junior suite at the Bristol, and it is bad. I didn't like it at all. I was upgraded to a lovely suite there, but I saw the junior suite that an FT plat was in. It was an awkward configuration, long and narrow. In winter, I like to stay somewhere that I'll be happy if I need to pass some hours in my room. I wouldn't be happy in that one. As for the balcony, it was small and narrow, not very usable at the best of times, and certainly not in December/January.
The suite I had at the Bristol was spectacular, very old world as you want. There certainly was no butler service.
Here is dhammer53's report on the Bristol junior suite.
Here are pictures that claes059 posted from a 2004 stay. He described the room in a similar way to Dan, though the pictures don't convey the long narrow nature of the room.
I have seen a junior suite at the Bristol, and it is bad. I didn't like it at all. I was upgraded to a lovely suite there, but I saw the junior suite that an FT plat was in. It was an awkward configuration, long and narrow. In winter, I like to stay somewhere that I'll be happy if I need to pass some hours in my room. I wouldn't be happy in that one. As for the balcony, it was small and narrow, not very usable at the best of times, and certainly not in December/January.
The suite I had at the Bristol was spectacular, very old world as you want. There certainly was no butler service.
Here is dhammer53's report on the Bristol junior suite.
Here are pictures that claes059 posted from a 2004 stay. He described the room in a similar way to Dan, though the pictures don't convey the long narrow nature of the room.
Last edited by SanDiego1K; Dec 18, 2008 at 5:59 pm Reason: Added links
Dec 18, 2008, 6:04 pm
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
OK, here is the dilemma. I had booked a Junior Suite with Balcony at the Bristol over New Year's Eve quite a while ago. Last week I was able to also book an Imperial Junior Suite at the Imperial for the same time. The cost difference in points is 50% more points for the Imperial room though.
Now, I've read most of the reports from 2006/07 and I would like to hear from someone who actually stayed in both these room types in both hotels and can share their experience. It's going to be a very busy period so I don't think there will be any upgrades from the room types I have booked. But it would be interesting to hear whether there is a chance of getting a "bad" Junior Suite in either of the hotels due to location/view etc. From my research it sounds as if this could happen at the Imperial where rooms can vary a lot within the same room type.
Is the Imperial worth the extra points? I see that the rooms at the Imperial are definitely larger (around 60m vs 40m) which is quite a difference. But then again, no balcony at the Imperial (it's winter though so not sure how much use a balcony really is). One thing that got me a bit worried is that the view from the Imperial Junior Suite can apparently be quite limited. I guess the Bristol Suites being on the top floor should have the nicer views.
We just got back from the St. Regis in Rome and we do like the old style decor with the thick curtins, antique furnitures, lots of gold and warm colours. I'm a bit worried that the Bristol does not quite have the "old European feel" that the Imperial has. I have seen a few pix of rooms at the Bristol and they look rather boring with lots of colour (many green and brown) but we prefer warmer colours and more luxurious rooms.
I read the Imperial has Bulgari stuff in the bathroom. Don't know what the Bristol offers but it shouldn't be the most important factor. However, the size of the bathroom and whether any of the suites has double sinks would make a difference I guess.
At the Imperial the Butler service is not included in that room type (only in the Executive Junior Suite). I don't know what the Bristol offers but Butler service would be a nice touch to have.
Decision, decisions....
Now, I've read most of the reports from 2006/07 and I would like to hear from someone who actually stayed in both these room types in both hotels and can share their experience. It's going to be a very busy period so I don't think there will be any upgrades from the room types I have booked. But it would be interesting to hear whether there is a chance of getting a "bad" Junior Suite in either of the hotels due to location/view etc. From my research it sounds as if this could happen at the Imperial where rooms can vary a lot within the same room type.
Is the Imperial worth the extra points? I see that the rooms at the Imperial are definitely larger (around 60m vs 40m) which is quite a difference. But then again, no balcony at the Imperial (it's winter though so not sure how much use a balcony really is). One thing that got me a bit worried is that the view from the Imperial Junior Suite can apparently be quite limited. I guess the Bristol Suites being on the top floor should have the nicer views.
We just got back from the St. Regis in Rome and we do like the old style decor with the thick curtins, antique furnitures, lots of gold and warm colours. I'm a bit worried that the Bristol does not quite have the "old European feel" that the Imperial has. I have seen a few pix of rooms at the Bristol and they look rather boring with lots of colour (many green and brown) but we prefer warmer colours and more luxurious rooms.
I read the Imperial has Bulgari stuff in the bathroom. Don't know what the Bristol offers but it shouldn't be the most important factor. However, the size of the bathroom and whether any of the suites has double sinks would make a difference I guess.
At the Imperial the Butler service is not included in that room type (only in the Executive Junior Suite). I don't know what the Bristol offers but Butler service would be a nice touch to have.
Decision, decisions....
Hope you get more specific information from other replies.
Dec 18, 2008, 6:17 pm
#164
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
having only been in the Lobby and Public areas of both, Id say The Imperial is liken to the White House (where the Pres is) and The Bristol would be Blair House (where the VP is)
The Imperial is Grand the Bristol was nice. We were in The Imperial 1st. After being in both we decided if we ever stayed in either The Imperial it would be, Major differences feeling wise
The Imperial is Grand the Bristol was nice. We were in The Imperial 1st. After being in both we decided if we ever stayed in either The Imperial it would be, Major differences feeling wise
Dec 23, 2008, 8:24 am
#165
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SYD, Australia......Hotels: HHon LT Diamond, Hyatt LT Glob, Marriott AMB (LT Gold), IHG AMB (20 years of SCC and RoyAMB dropped 2024)...Airlines: BA GGL (OW Emerald), LH FTL (*S), QF Plat (LT Gold), VA, UA Silver (*S), SQ Silver (*S)
Posts: 2,101
I haven't stayed at the Imperial, so I fail your first request of someone who can contrast and compare. Regardless, I'll forge ahead with my input on the Bristol.
I have seen a junior suite at the Bristol, and it is bad. I didn't like it at all. I was upgraded to a lovely suite there, but I saw the junior suite that an FT plat was in. It was an awkward configuration, long and narrow. In winter, I like to stay somewhere that I'll be happy if I need to pass some hours in my room. I wouldn't be happy in that one. As for the balcony, it was small and narrow, not very usable at the best of times, and certainly not in December/January.
The suite I had at the Bristol was spectacular, very old world as you want. There certainly was no butler service.
Here is dhammer53's report on the Bristol junior suite.
Here are pictures that claes059 posted from a 2004 stay. He described the room in a similar way to Dan, though the pictures don't convey the long narrow nature of the room.
I have seen a junior suite at the Bristol, and it is bad. I didn't like it at all. I was upgraded to a lovely suite there, but I saw the junior suite that an FT plat was in. It was an awkward configuration, long and narrow. In winter, I like to stay somewhere that I'll be happy if I need to pass some hours in my room. I wouldn't be happy in that one. As for the balcony, it was small and narrow, not very usable at the best of times, and certainly not in December/January.
The suite I had at the Bristol was spectacular, very old world as you want. There certainly was no butler service.
Here is dhammer53's report on the Bristol junior suite.
Here are pictures that claes059 posted from a 2004 stay. He described the room in a similar way to Dan, though the pictures don't convey the long narrow nature of the room.
On the hotel website they advertise this room type as Executive room though...You're right that we'll spend more time in the room so it will be more important to get a nice one that feels comfortable.
I wouldn't judge the hotels from the loby experience. Quite often that can be very misleading. Even going by what the standard rooms look like is probably not telling you much how their Junior or other suites look like. It'd be great if someone could post who has actually stayed in both...