OUR STAY: HOTEL IMPERIAL-VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Hotel Imperial, Vienna, Austria
Address: Kärntner Ring 16, 1015 Wien, Austria
Phone: +43 1 501100
Web: http://www.imperialvienna.com/

Setting foot in our visually stunning Elisabeth Suite at Vienna’s Hotel Imperial felt like taking a step back in time. Fit for a king- or a world-renowned classical musician- the rooms looked like a set from Milos Forman’s 1984 film, Amadeus.

Equipped with everything necessary to enhance our stay in Austria’s capitol, our temporary home included a glorious king-sized bed, a spacious living room with a stunning crystal chandelier, a box of the well-known Imperial Tortes, our own personal butler and, of course, a piano. Hotel Imperial impresses at every turn and is fittingly part of The Luxury Collection’s international fleet of gorgeous accommodations.

Built in 1863, “The Imperial” as it is often referred to, was originally constructed as a private residence for Duke Phillip of Württemberg and his wife, Duchess Marie Therese, but they only lived there for five short years before they decided to sell and move elsewhere. Becoming a hotel in 1873, Hotel Imperial has housed several historically famous guests including Queen Elizabeth II, Charlie Chapman and I was interested to find out that Marjana Gaponenko’s novel Who is Martha? is set in the Hotel Imperial, in the exact room where we stayed.

Hotel staff, including housekeeping, those at the reception desk, all of the waitstaff, concierge, and especially, our butler, made themselves accessible to us at all times and were quick to fulfill any request that we had. We were given some good suggestions as to places to go and things to eat- the latter being my first question for Locals every time we arrive somewhere new.

One of the hotel’s two restaurants, Cafe Imperial, is well-known to travelers throughout Europe and beyond, and is frequently sought out for it’s scrumptious chocolate torte. This delectable dessert can be purchased at the cafe either by the slice, as a whole cake, or in small individual squares, enclosed in a beautiful wooden box. The delicious treat is undeniable, as it even shows up at the hotel’s decadent breakfast buffet…conveniently displayed right next to the champagne. Needless to say, you can’t miss it.

And it’s not just the champagne and chocolate that make Hotel Imperial a culinary destination within the city, but in addition to the cafe’s diverse menu, the hotel’s other restaurant, Opus, also serves equally tasty options for adults, children (and vegetarians, like me) alike.

Hotel Imperial exudes elegance with lavish decor, an abundant history and hotel employees who dote on their guests around the clock. With its Viennese opulence and focus on the city’s love for music, this was the ideal place for us to spend our time in Vienna.

A traveler since childhood, Juliana Fraioli Wilson has always had a love for exploring. She is a published writer and an accomplished business owner with a background in music and art. Join Juliana, her husband Ryan, and their two kids in Wanderland! Follow along as they share tips, tricks, recipes and reviews from some of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.