Many hotels fancy themselves as “Grand” and “Royal,” but in the case of Vienna’s Hotel Imperial, the description can be taken literally.
Custom-built in 1863 as Palais Württenberg, it was designed and constructed as a residence for Duke Philipp of Württemberg, who married Austrian Archduchess Maria Theresa. Five years later, when they sold it and moved, the palace was converted into a hotel for visitors attending the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair.
Since that time a century and a half ago, the hotel has been patronized by a magnificence of celebrities — Queen Elizabeth, Charlie Chaplin, Sigmund Freud, the Rolling Stones, and the Emperor of Japan to name a few.
Situated conveniently on the Ringstrasse just a ten-minute stroll from the city’s iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and a two-block walk from the Opera House, it retains its splendor as a Luxury Collection Hotel under the efficient management of the Marriott group.
Directly from the street, guests enter the sumptuous lobby with a multi-colored patterned marble floor, gold-frame chairs upholstered in red velvet, and royal portraits of Prince Philipp and the Archduchess gazing down at the reception desk overseen by the hotel’s acclaimed “Clef d’Or” Imperial Concierge.
Doors at the far end open into Imperial Hall, which originated as an open courtyard for horses and carriages. Its cobblestones have been covered over in marble with frieze panels adorning the walls.
Within, the Imperial Bar serves cocktails and snacks, and during his stay, tenor Luciano Pavarotti delighted hotel guests when he used the cocktail pianist’s grand piano to rehearse.
To the left of the main doors, the Café Imperial is fitted out in paneled wood and chandeliers with windows overlooking the street. The breakfast buffet is laid out there, and all day long, belying its origin as the birthplace of the legendary Viennese kaffeehaus, several coffee delicacies are served. These include a Wiener Melange mixture of coffee and milk, the Pharisaer local version of Irish coffee, and Maria Theresia spiced up with orange liqueur and whipped cream. Afternoon tea and champagne brunches are offered.
For fine dining, elegant meals are served in Restaurant OPUS five days a week.
Furnished in the style of Schönbrunn Palace where Marie Antoinette spent her childhood, two symmetrical Royal Suites provide bedrooms and seating areas with brocade draperies, upholstered walls, and glittering chandeliers. The traditional décor is carried out in a variety of classic suites that feature desks and seating areas, large screen televisions, and walls of closet space.
Even basic suites offer Marriott Residential Amenities in large marble bathrooms with tubs, showers, and double sinks. Butler service is provided with many of the more expensive rooms.
Not to be overlooked is the establishment’s famous Imperial Torte. Created in honor of Emperor Franz Joseph I to commemorate the Hotel’s 1873 opening, its secret recipe that fuses buttercream and marzipan with a slight aroma of almonds and melty chocolate icing, is a legendary favorite to this day. And it’s a good reason to use the array of elliptical machines, exercise bikes, stair climbers, and weights in the extensive Fitness Studio with a sauna, which is open 24 hours a day.
For an extra cleaning fee, one dog is allowed per room and greeted with a Pet Welcome Kit, including a bowl, bed, and mat.
A first floor hallway is lined with posters of photos and quotes tracing the hotel’s fascinating legacy of celebrities and events. Studying the information, hotel guests can feel a part of the establishment’s unfolding history and lore.
The author received a complimentary stay at this property, but as always, we’re committed to providing you with unbiased assessments of our experiences.
Sharon King Hoge has an extensive background in print and broadcast media and in public relations. Currently a media consultant and writer, she was one of the original Contributing Editors at Conde Nast Traveler. She is a Contributing Writer at Global Travelerand Editor at Large for the Cottages & Gardens magazines.
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