© laif/Peter Rigaud

Oh, those were the days when only the British Club at Hotel Sacher in Vienna served a proper Scotch or an exceptional Slivovitz of outstanding quality! The English managed the hotel after World War II, placing great importance on fine spirits—which is why, in February 1948, writer Graham Greene stayed amidst its plush surroundings.

© Hotel Sacher Vienna

He had been commissioned by Hollywood producer Alexander Korda to write a screenplay about the city, which was then divided by the Allies. For two weeks, he searched for inspiration, growing increasingly frustrated by his lack of ideas. “Three days left, and I still don’t have a story—not even a narrator!” he wrote in his diary. On the second-to-last day, he met a young intelligence officer in the hotel’s Blue Bar. The future Duke of St. Albans spoke of underground tunnels and political intrigue. Greene was electrified. His imagination kicked into high gear, and he jotted down notes on a napkin. Thus, The Third Man, one of the most famous films set in Vienna, was born in one of the city’s most legendary hotels.

Icon with a cigar and bulldogs

© Hotel Sacher Vienna

Originally opened in 1876 by Eduard Sacher as Hôtel de l’Opera, it was located behind the Vienna State Opera. After his untimely death, his widow Anna Sacher took over in 1892 and transformed the city palace into a prestigious address. Both the hotel and its owner became iconic: Anna Sacher was notorious for smoking cigars in public (a scandal at the time!), rarely being seen without her French bulldogs, and her reputation as an intimidating business woman. For years, no one dared question the finances—until 1929, when Anna Sacher was declared legally incompetent, and the fortune was found to be depleted.

© Hotel Sacher Vienna

In 1962, the Gürtler family took over Hotel Sacher, and since 2015, Georg Gürtler and his sister Alexandra Winkler have been at the helm. The dark blue brocade walls, crystal chandeliers, and plush sofas still whisper of the past. However, Alexandra Winkler, in collaboration with French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, has introduced a modern design language. The 152 rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms and suite tablets. In the restaurant, the chefs craft seasonal fine dining, while guests can unwind above Vienna’s rooftops with a chocolate signature treatment at the spa.

© Hotel Sacher Vienna

The famous chocolate-apricot cake plays a significant role in the hotel’s history. Baked 360,000 times a year for the establishment, it carries its name to all continents—and occasionally sparks controversy. British cookbook author Nigel Slater once wrote that the elegant simplicity of the world’s most famous chocolate cake is a disappointment for many. Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti, on the other hand, admires the cake so much that he named both his production company and his cinema in Rome after it.

© Hotel Sacher Vienna

Another fan: In March 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono hosted a Bagism event in the hotel's Red Salon. For the occasion, the former Beatle and his wife climbed under a linen sheet. With the sack over their heads, Lennon answered questions. A reporter asked him to take off the sheet: "Would you come out if we gave you Sachertorte?" Lennon replied, "We won't come out for the conference, but we'll come out later for chocolate cake." The musician clearly knew where his priorities lay.

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In addition to Lennon, the five-star luxury hotel has hosted heads of state, royalty, and celebrities. Conductor Herbert von Karajan, ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, and U.S. President John F. Kennedy are just a few notable names. Director Ernst Marischka found inspiration in a bust of Empress Sisi displayed in the lobby, which led him to cast the young actress Romy Schneider as the empress in the iconic Sisi films.

© Hotel Sacher Vienna

Over the decades, Hotel Sacher has created a global resonance that places it on par with the Ritz in Paris or the Waldorf Astoria in New York—historic establishments that honor their heritage and promise quality. The Sacher simply has soul—and, of course, a delightful chocolate side.

Web: sacher.com

Read more: Why Vienna is a paradise for foodies and wine lovers