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Five Questions for… Alexandra Winkler-Gürtler, the Sacher Hotel

The Gürtler family has owned and operated the elegant, world-renowned Hotel Sacher since 1934. Indagare spoke to one of its members, Alexandra Winkler-Gürtler, about the property’s legacy, as well as her favorite spots in the city.

What is it like to be so intimately involved with arguably the most iconic hotel in Austria? It’s a great pleasure to own one of Vienna’s most notable institutions, but it is a challenge to manage the only privately owned five-star hotel in the city. My family’s greatest goal is to uphold the quality of the hotel so we can pass on an economical flourishing company to the next generation.

How does the Sacher remain modern despite its long history and traditional style? It’s important to stay critical, innovative and aware of our competition. This means having perfect ‘hardware’ and, even more important, having great employees who work with passion and expertise to create a unique Sacher experience for each guest.

Related: Favorite Finds: Vienna

​What are some of your favorite cafés, shops and so on in the city that a visitor should know about? For food, Naschmarkt offers a variety of restaurants, such as Skopik & Lohn . For shopping, I like the family-owned Schullin Jewellery (7 Kohlmarkt) and Lanz, which sells classic Austrian clothing.

How would you spend your ideal day in Vienna? I would have breakfast at the Do & Co Albertina and see an exhibit at the museum. After lunch overlooking Stephansplatz at Do & Co Terrace (12 Stephansplatz), I would visit a friend who is the co-owner of Artissimi (artissimi.at) to participate in one of the center’s bespoke programs, which range from exhibitions to gallery visits. Later, I would have a La Prairie facial at the Hotel Sacher Boutique Spa and finish the day at Sacher’s Blaue Bar.

How would you briefly describe Vienna? Young and trendy, full of culture, history and architecture. It’s a great city in which to make discoveries and relax at the same time!

Related: Austria in Four Seasons

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