Vienna, also known as Wien, is a world-class destination with approximately 100 museums, countless opera houses, superb shopping, innumerable Viennese cafés and home to the Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Location
The Hotel Imperial’s unique position at Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse is the perfect place to begin exploring the imperial city and all of its magnificent sights. Constructed in 1863 as the Vienna residence of the Prince of Württemberg, the Hotel Imperial became a luxury hotel in time for the universal exhibition in 1873. The hotel is renowned around the world for its discrete and exquisite service. Presidents, chancellors, kings, queens, princes, princesses, and countless other VIPs continue to enjoy the elegant surroundings and impeccable service offered by the Hotel Imperial.
Dining
Café Imperial Wien
Spending time at a Viennese café is a favorite pastime of Vienna’s citizens and visitors. So much so that in 2011 Vienna’s world-famous coffeehouse culture was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The beautifully restored Café Imperial Wien, home to the famous and irresistible hand-made Imperial Torte, is an exceptional example of the Viennese café culture. I love spending time in the Café Imperial Wien, patronized by well-known musicians, philosophers, writers and artists for more than a century.
The imperial buffet breakfast, along with a glass of champagne and imperial coffee, is a decadent way to begin each day in Vienna. Tempting pastries, fresh fruit, and slices of Imperial Torte accompany made-to-order egg dishes and many other delicious offerings.
Café Imperial Wien serves Viennese culinary classics throughout the day, including a boiled beef dish, “Tafelspitz,” fluffy pancake dessert “Kaiserschmarren,” and arguably the best “Wiener Schnitzel” in town.
OPUS Restaurant
OPUS restaurant is Vienna’s new gourmet address, where creativity and culinary art blend with imperial traditions. In late 2014, OPUS was awarded two chef hats in the Gault & Millau 2015 guide.
Imperial Bar
The opulent Imperial Bar, located at the heart of the hotel, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a light snack along with a glass of champagne, Viennese coffee or refreshing juice. Gorgeous crystal chandeliers and restored decorative angel friezes adorn the ceiling in this palatial lounge.
Family Amenities
As a frequent traveling family, welcome amenities with a wow factor attract serious attention. These friendly lions at the Hotel Imperial set the tone for an extra-special stay.
Rooms and Suites
Rooms and suites at the Hotel Imperial blend timeless elegance with 21st-century comfort. Tasteful furnishings, generous marble bathrooms, silk-covered walls, and impressive amenities provide a royal retreat for Hotel Imperial guests.
Regardless of where you stay in the hotel, travel the Royal Staircase at least once. For guests in the gorgeous Royal Suites, this staircase leads to your opulent haven in the imperial city.
It is easy to imagine 19th-century Vienna as you ascend or descend the Royal Staircase, illuminated by magnificent crystal chandeliers. History is palpable amongst the massive columns, precious antiques, and soaring ceiling. If the walls could talk, the tales they could tell.
Butler Service
The Imperial Hotel is one of the few hotels in the world and the only hotel in Vienna offering personal butler service. Each unique suite at the Hotel Imperial includes the attentive service of a butler trained at the Imperial’s sister hotel, the St. Regis in New York, as well as butler schools in London. In-room check-in, personalized business cards, pressing service, shoeshine, and early morning tea or coffee at your bedside, along with a hand-ironed newspaper, are only part of this exquisite service.
Vienna is one of those cities we just can’t get enough of, and a stay at the exceptional Hotel Imperial ensures our visits to Austria’s capital are extraordinary.
Travel Tips
- Many of Vienna’s sights, including the Vienna State Opera, are located within walking distance from the Hotel Imperial.
- Read this article for suggestions on what to do and see if you are exploring Vienna with kids and teens.
- Purchase the Vienna Card for discounts at museums, theatres, and concerts, as well as shops, cafés, and restaurants. Enjoy free travel on Vienna’s public transport system while the card is valid.
- Be sure to try some Imperial Torte while you are staying at Hotel Imperial! It’s handmade at the hotel and so delicious. You can purchase Imperial Torte to take home at the Imperial Boutique and visit the online shop to order more.
- Visit the Hotel Imperial website for special offers.
Photographs are courtesy of the Hotel Imperial unless otherwise noted. On our most recent visit, we were fortunate to be guests of the Hotel Imperial as part of a collaboration with The Vienna Tourist Board. As always, my opinions are my own.
