A Design Renaissance: Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel Reopens in Vienna
Vienna’s first true design hotel, reborn with timeless elegance and modern sophistication
From Post Station to Design Pioneer
The story of Das Triest begins long before it became Vienna’s first true design hotel. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the building was a vital post station, a resting point for carriages making their way along the route from Vienna to Trieste. When British design legend Sir Terence Conran transformed it into Das Triest in 1995, it immediately set a new benchmark for Austrian hospitality — a hotel that rejected kitsch and pomp in favor of sleek lines, clever detailing, and cosmopolitan energy. It became a landmark of modernist elegance, beloved by design-savvy travelers and locals alike.
Interiors That Whisper Elegance
Today, following a meticulous renovation, the hotel has stepped confidently into a new era. The 120 rooms and suites are serene, light-filled sanctuaries, where clean design meets luxurious comfort. Muted tones create a calming atmosphere, while herringbone floors, bespoke lighting, and handcrafted materials add depth and texture. Large windows frame Vienna’s iconic rooftops, and some even offer glimpses of Stephansdom, reminding guests of the city’s historic grandeur beyond the glass.
A Balance of Heritage and Modernism
What makes the new Das Triest remarkable is how it bridges past and present. The original minimalist DNA — Conran’s clear, uncluttered aesthetic — has been preserved, but elevated with Radisson Blu’s international sophistication. Every surface, every furnishing, every detail feels intentional, balancing understatement with refinement. The effect is timeless, neither stuck in nostalgia nor chasing fleeting trends, but instead creating a style that belongs wholly to Vienna today.
Flavors with Italian Soul
The hotel’s Italian spirit shines at Bistrot Bertarelli 1894, named for a historic family with deep ties to Vienna’s cultural life. Here, classic Mediterranean flavors are reinterpreted with modern finesse, served in an atmosphere that is both stylish and welcoming. On warm evenings, the terrace extends the experience outdoors, turning every dinner into part of Vienna’s lively urban scene. The revitalized Silver Bar adds another dimension — a glamorous yet relaxed space where cocktails and conversation flow easily. Guests can slip into velvet banquettes, sip a perfectly mixed drink, or step out into the leafy courtyard garden for a quieter moment under the open sky.
A Location Steeped in Energy
Set just off Karlsplatz, the hotel sits at the intersection of old and new Vienna. The Secession building, the State Opera, and the grand Ringstrasse are all within walking distance, while the narrow streets of the Inner City beckon with cafés, galleries, and hidden courtyards. Staying at Das Triest places you right at the cultural heart of Vienna, yet the hotel itself remains a private, design-driven sanctuary.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Radisson Blu Das Triest is more than a hotel — it’s a chapter in Vienna’s design history, written first by Sir Terence Conran and now renewed with bold modernity. With its blend of heritage, international flair, and subtle sophistication, it remains one of the city’s most compelling addresses. For travelers who crave design with substance and history with style, Das Triest is not just a place to stay — it’s an experience to savor.
