By, Judith Baker
1 min read
ByJudith Baker, Judith Baker
The five-star Hotel Imperial has been a landmark in the Austrian capital of Vienna for 140 years. Originally the residence of the Prince of Wurtemberg, the stately palace on the magnificent Ring Boulevard was transformed into the Hotel Imperial for the universal exhibition in 1873.
During the Roaring Twenties, the Imperial Café became the focal point for European intelligentsia.
Now part of the Starwood Luxury Collection, and after extensive modernisation, it is again one of the most iconic hotels in Europe.
It is located on the famous Ringstrasse in the city centre overlooking the Baroque cupola of the church of St Charles Borromeo. A short drive from Vienna's international airport, it is a stroll to the palaces and museums as well as the business district.
The Imperial Opus restaurant has developed a reputation for being Vienna's new must-go gourmet address with many a politician, the odd royalty, dignitary and celebrity having been spotted there.
For such esteemed clientelle it makes sense that the hotel offers butler service, a limousine service, gym, sauna and free Wi-Fi.
There are 76 rooms and 62 suites, with antique furnishings, marble bathrooms and walls draped in silk.
The Royal Staircase leads up to the Royal Suites and the Maisonette Suite has a private balcony with views over the roofs and spires of old Vienna.
Dining is at the Opus and the Hallensalon, a historic salon now transformed into a lounge bar with comfortable armchairs beneath chandeliers, and a live pianist. The gracefully restored Café Imperial Wien serves Viennese culinary
classics, such as the fluffy pancake dessert "Kaiserschmarren".
Rates: from £308 to £2,300 per night. www.imperialvienna.com
