Description:
This hotel is definitely the grandest in Vienna. Luminaries from around the world use it as their headquarters -- especially music stars who prefer the location, just 2 blocks from the Vienna State Opera and 1 block from the Musikverein. Richard Wagner stayed here with his family for a few months in 1875 (some scholars claim that he worked out key sections of both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin during that period). The hotel was built in 1869 as the private residence of the Duke of Württemberg. The Italian architect Zanotti designed the facade, which resembles a massive government building with a heroic frieze carved into the pediment below the roofline. It was converted into a private hotel in 1873. The Nazis commandeered it for their headquarters during World War II, and the Russians requisitioned it in 1945. Massive expenditures have returned it to its former glory, with special care paid to its fourth and fifth floors, which hold the most desirable rooms. Accommodations vary greatly in size, as befits a hotel of this era. Those on the mezzanine and first floors are lavishly baroque; as you go higher, appointments diminish, as do bathroom sizes.
What, No Palace Fit for a Queen? -- The 1969 visit of England's Queen Elizabeth II to Vienna was one of the Hotel Imperial's high points. She was not initially pleased at the idea of lodging in a hotel. Wasn't there a spare palace in this former imperial city? Sure. But none of them offered the luxurious splendor of the Imperial. As it turned out, Queen Elizabeth enjoyed her stay very much. According to the hotel manager, the Queen left with warm words of gratitude and a little present for every single employee.
- © Frommer's 2012
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User Reviews for Hotel Imperial
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If Vienna, Then Here
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We're not sure we'd have liked Vienna quite so much had we not stayed here. The hotel is fantastic and worth the extra expense. Great location, staff, décor. You definitely have...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.28.12
- by Dean-Laura
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Elegant hotel in superb position in need of some upgrading
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I went to Vienna as part of an Art Appreciation group. At first glance, this hotel seemed very nice - grand lobby, friendly staff, spacious bedrooms and marble bathrooms. However, we...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.20.12
- by LondonTraveller17
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NOT QUITE 5*
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I have just returned from Vienna and stayed in the Imperial Hotel which is meant to be the best 5* there and I have to say that Although I liked the authentic old fashioned Viennese...
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review
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.20.12
- by deborahc438
Awards:
Frommer's
- Very Highly Recommended 2010
- Details
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Contact:
- visit website
- tel: +43 1 50 1100
- fax: +43 1 5011 0410
- send email
Address:
- Kaerntner Ring 16
- Vienna, WI 1010
Amenities:
- air-conditioning
- bar
- business-facilities
- computer
- currency-exchange
- fitness-club
- internet-available
- laundry
- minibar
- non-smoking
- more
Payments:
-
Hotel star rating:
- User Rating
