Hotel reviews: Imperial

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A member of the American hotel chain Starwood since 1992, and holder of the Luxury Collection label, the Imperial hotel is Vienna's mythical address, the place where stars and royalty passing through the Austrian capital have to stay. Like its competitor, the Sacher, the Imperial has its own cafe and house specialty, the Imperial tochte. This hotel is a registered historic monument, which implies various constraints such as the interdiction to build a swimming pool. Those who wish to relax have, however, access to a sauna and an upscale fitness centre.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
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Built in 1869 and periodically renovated, the Imperial hotel offers 138 rooms including 80 suites in a majestic building of classic Viennese style, with 5 storeys and an elevator. The inside of the hotel is grandiose, beginning with the impressive lobby. One enters an imperial palace with gildings, chandeliers, statues, and tapestries. You will immediately notice the monumental marble staircase topped with a gorgeous painting of Emperor Franz-Josef and Empress Sissi. To relax, guests can enjoy a sauna and an upscale fitness centre.

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Standard rooms have a surface of 269 feet². They are all different, although they have the same elegance and superior comfort. They have, of course, comprehensive amenities, including telephone with Wifi Internet connection, a minibar (with charge), a very quiet individual air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite television (38 channels), a desk, and 2 armchairs. Classical music CD's (Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart) are at your disposal. You will also find a shoehorn, a brush, an umbrella, various items useful everyday. You will fall in the arms of Morpheus in a large, cosy canopy bed surrounded, on each side, with an oval portrait. The sumptuous decor evokes the room of a king or princess of the Habsburg era, but modernity is very present, although discreet: a computer keyboard, electronic safe with code, a DVD player. The floors are covered with fitted carpet, and golden accents and pretty paintings adorn the room. Everything is sumptuous: You think you are staying at a palace, but this is even better: you are in an imperial palace! The large windows offer great views of the Ring. Spacious, very clean and beautifully decorated with a chandelier, the marble bathroom includes a tub with handle and flexible shower, large separate tropical shower with fixed and flexible heads, a double sink, toilets in the room, a make-up mirror, a telephone, a large mirror with golden trim, numerous sophisticated welcome toiletries, handkerchiefs, slippers, robes, and a scale. Room service is offered 24 hours a day, and the Imperial is the only hotel in Vienna to offer butler service. The 20 Elisabeth suites have a surface of 700 feet² and two plasma screens. The 4 Executive suites have a surface of 753 feet² and feature a large balcony with a gorgeous view of Vienna and its monuments. Last, the two royal suites have a surface of 1,936 feet² and have no cause to be envious of the rooms in the château of Versailles. Some suites have a Jacuzzi bathtub.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The Imperial includes one of the most renowned gourmet restaurants in Vienna, a chic address where coat and tie are required, like the starred restaurants in the Michelin guide, in a quiet and distinguished atmosphere, with dimmed light and candles. You will sit in an elegant imperial armchair, in a cosy, hushed atmosphere, in a sumptuous dining room with wooden panelling and ceilings. There is a new menu every week. One waiter is in charge of the bread and offers a wide selection; another person serves butter, the sommelier suggests wines, and a last person will bring your meal after explaining the composition of your plate. Pleasure starts with amuse-bouche, such as cream ravioli with two pine kernels. Meat is delicious and tender as butter. The waiter places your silverware within inches. Don't become confused by your 5 glasses, allowing you to savour red, white, and rosé wines, water, and your kir aperitif, as well as a final digestive. Those who are on a diet should not be here. During your meal, you will be enchanted by piano music: The pianist invites you to suggest your favourite melody, and don't try to trick him: he has an infinite repertoire, whether English or international, classical or modern, he can absolutely play anything ! Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and dinner from 6:00 PM to midnight. The Maria Theresia bar is open from noon to 1:00 AM, except in the summer, when it opens only at 5:00 PM