- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Q: How did you get into dogs and what lifestyle do you associate you with them?
A: I grew up with dogs myself, and my family had long wanted a dog – a small, charming companion that could go everywhere with us.
With the toy poodle, we found exactly that: an intelligent, loving, funny, adaptable and lively breed of dog that fits perfectly with our lifestyle. Whether travelling, walking through the city or welcoming our guests at the Hotel Sacher – he is always by our side, bringing joy, warmth and lightness to our everyday lives.
Q: How often do you talk to your dog and about what (fashion, style...)?
A: Actually, I don't talk to her that much – a glance is often enough and she knows what I mean. When we “talk”, it's more about little things: whether it's time for a walk, when she'll finally get her treat or whether she's demanding too much attention again. We understand each other without many words – and that's what makes our relationship so special.
Q: What are your favourite restaurants, bars, cafes and parks to visit with your dog?
A: We love walking together through the Vienna Woods – she loves nature and I enjoy the peace and quiet there. She often accompanies me around town, including to the Hotel Sacher, where she feels almost at home. Every now and then, we like to stop at a nice café or cosy restaurant that is dog-friendly. For us, it's always a mixture of nature, style and places where we are both welcome.
Q: Which dog habits do you prefer to keep under wraps and what do you insist on?
A: Of course, she has her little quirks – for example, she likes to greet everyone and sometimes likes to attract the attention of guests at the hotel. I generously overlook that. But what I insist on is good behaviour, calmness in restaurants and hotels, and relaxed walks on a leash. A toy poodle can be charming, but good manners are simply part of the deal.
Q: Do you travel with your dog and where do you prefer to go? And what should not be missing?
A: When we travel, we are always well organised. Having got her used to the dog carrier from Top Dog and Cool Cat since she was a puppy, this is her basket for travelling, which she loves and enjoys using wherever we are.
We enjoy travelling to get new inspiration for the hotel – whether it's for short breaks in Austria or trips abroad. It's important to me that she feels just as comfortable everywhere as she does at home – and this bag, combined with her blanket, familiar toys and a few treats that we always take with us, ensures that.
Q: What do you value in dog accessories?
A: When it comes to dog accessories, I value quality, functionality, timeless design and hygiene. Everything should not only look good, but also be comfortable and, above all, practical for my dog – from the leash to their favourite basket.
ABOUT ALEXANDRA WINKLER
Alexandra Winkler (née Gürtler) is an Austrian entrepreneur and co-owner of the renowned Sacher Hotels. Together with her husband Matthias Winkler and her brother Georg Gürtler, she leads the long-established family business as part of the fourth generation, shaping the strategic development and careful modernization of the hotels in Vienna and Salzburg—always with the aim of combining historical identity with contemporary innovation.
Personal, warm hospitality is particularly important to her—this includes ensuring that dog owners feel welcome at the Hotel Sacher, a thoughtful exception that sets the Hotel Sacher apart in the international luxury hotel industry.
In 2025, the Hotel Sacher Vienna became the first Austrian hotel to be included in the prestigious list “The World’s 50 Best Hotels,” making it one of the world’s leading luxury hotels.
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