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Where to Stay: e Ritz-Carlton Vienna No matter where you go in the world, e Ritz-Carlton has set a standard that never wavers—and Vienna is no exception. From my first step into e Ritz-Carlton Vienna, I knew my instincts were right to choose the hotel's centralized façade as my home. In classic Ritz-Carlton fashion, warm welcomes and fresh tea made my arrival feel more like a homecoming (and quickly suppressed the city's early June heatwave). Repurposed from four 19th-century palaces, e Ritz-Carlton is at the edge of Vienna City Park and is just a short walk from the State Opera House and the Wiener Musikverein. It's one of those features that reminds you just how well the brand incorporates the essence and heart of its local culture. e hotel features two top restaurants including the newly- opened Pastamara and the highly regarded Dstrikt Steakhouse, the latter of which I had the privilege of experiencing. For me, Dstrikt is a perfect dinner setting aer spending a day out in the city—one which gave me a choice of a dozen steak knives. Dstrikt features a farm-to-table menu that's home to Austria's finest cuts of meat. Set right on renowned Ring Boulevard with tall glass windows, you still feel the pulse of the city even inside the restaurant's contemporary accommodations. Aerwards, you can head to the hotel's eighth floor rooop bar for a relaxed evening vibe and unbridled views of Vienna. e hotel features 202 guest rooms and 43 suites with a fitness center and a 60-foot indoor pool (and underwater music). Looking back, I don't think my experience in Vienna would be quite as seamless without choosing this location. Besides its centralized location, there's a certain level of professionalism that the brand brings to your experience. It's one that's not oen duplicated.e Ritz-Carlton Vienna is the perfect setting for travelers wanting to explore the city yet, come home to the comforts of a five-star hotel. V U E N J . C O M 149

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