Palais Coburg Residenz

Palais Coburg is one of the most distinctive places to stay in Vienna. The palace was built in the 19th century as the city residence of the Saxe-Coburg family on top of a surviving stretch of Vienna's old city walls, and its long white façade with columns still looks down over the Ring and the Stadtpark. Today part of the building is a five-star hotel with just 36 suites, which gives it a calm, private atmosphere that the larger grand hotels cannot match.

The suites were recently redesigned and come in several categories, from standard suites to multi-bedroom options, gallery suites on two levels and signature suites. All of them are generous in size, which makes the hotel a good choice for longer stays and for families who want separate bedrooms, as well as for couples.

The palace is famous among food and wine lovers. Its six wine cellars hold more than 60,000 bottles and are regarded as one of the most important collections in Europe. The Silvio Nickol Gourmet Restaurant serves multi-course menus that blend French, Asian and regional influences, with dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and reservations essential. The historic State Rooms host a modern Austrian kitchen for brunch, afternoon tea and dinner, which is a lovely way to see the palace interiors even if you are not staying. Guests also have access to massages and facials and a private spa and fitness area.

Palais Coburg suits couples, food and wine enthusiasts, families who need space and business travellers who value privacy. Book well ahead for Christmas and New Year, and reserve a table at the gourmet restaurant at the same time as your room if dining there is a priority.

The palace stands on the Coburgbastei on the south-eastern edge of the old town, a few minutes' walk from Stubentor station (U3) and Stadtpark station (U4). Wien Mitte, where the City Airport Train arrives, is about ten minutes on foot. The Stadtpark, the Museum of Applied Arts, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Konzerthaus are all within easy walking distance.

Even if you are not staying, booking afternoon tea or dinner in the State Rooms is a good way to see the palace interiors. Guests who love wine should ask about tastings or a look at the cellars when booking, as the collection is one of the main reasons people choose the hotel. Vienna adds a local accommodation tax to hotel bills, so check whether your quoted rate includes it.