A historic recognition for a Viennese legend. The secret of excellence according to director Andreas Keese.
The Hotel Sacher in Vienna has officially entered the World's 50 Best Hotels ranking, the only representative from the entire DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) to earn a place among the fifty best hotels in the world. This achievement confirms the reputation of this icon of European hospitality, which combines tradition, hospitality, and timeless luxury. For director Andreas Keese, who has been at the helm of the hotel since 2020, this is both a personal and professional achievement: “I am incredibly proud of our team. This recognition means a lot, especially since we are the only ones in the German-speaking area to have made it onto the list”, he told Rolling Pin.
The service philosophy: always going the extra mile
What sets the Sacher apart is not only its history, but also its approach to hospitality, which focuses on personal attention. Keese calls it “the extra mile”: a series of spontaneous gestures that transform a stay into a memorable experience. Each employee has a dedicated budget to surprise guests: if a customer confides that they have never been on a horse-drawn carriage ride, the team can organize a night ride for the following morning. This philosophy makes the hotel not just a place to stay, but a home away from home.
A gastronomic offering that celebrates Viennese opulence
The hotel is home to numerous dining concepts, designed to offer guests a variety of experiences. Guests staying for two or three nights can choose a new setting every day, accompanied by the ever-present Original Sachertorte, the star of the most special celebrations. The attention to detail starts with the materials, from fabrics to silverware, and continues with the redesign of the rooms and the innovations introduced in the post-pandemic years. Every intervention stems from the desire to enhance comfort and keep tradition alive with a contemporary twist.
People at the center: the value of human capital
“The soul of the Sacher is the people who work there,” says Keese. With around 420 employees, the hotel is like a big family where professional growth is a priority. A key role is played by the Sacher School of Excellence, an internal training program that offers courses in sewing, languages, and soft skills. In addition, there are numerous benefits: childcare subsidies, an in-house canteen, and gifts for birthdays and holidays. It is this care for its employees that allows the Sacher to maintain the highest standards and internationally recognized service.
A young director at the helm of a centuries-old tradition
When Keese was appointed director at the age of 35, he found himself at the helm of one of Europe's most iconic hotels. “It was a tough challenge, but an incredibly formative one. The greatest honor is the trust of the family and the management.” Originally from Magdeburg, he began his career with the group at the Sacher Salzburg before moving to the Vienna headquarters, where he made a decisive mark in the Food & Beverage department. His leadership style, based on sensitivity and rigor, is considered one of the key elements of recent success.
A history spanning almost 150 years
Founded in 1876 by Eduard Sacher, son of the inventor of the famous cake, the hotel soon became a meeting place for aristocrats, artists, and politicians. After Eduard's death, his wife Anna transformed it into a symbol of Viennese elegance, even during the most difficult moments in European history. Today, the property is owned by Georg Gürtler and Alexandra Winkler, who continue to carry on the brand's legacy with locations in Salzburg and Seefeld. Part of Leading Hotels of the World, the Sacher remains an international benchmark for those seeking authenticity, hospitality, and contemporary luxury.
Looking to the future: staying among the best in the world
The goal is now clear: to maintain our position among the Top 50 and, if possible, climb even higher. “The competition is strong and never sleeps,” says Keese. “But that's what motivates us to improve every day.” With a philosophy based on attention to detail, staff training, and an identity firmly rooted in Viennese culture, the Hotel Sacher is preparing to write new chapters in its long history.
