Hotel in Vienna, Unknown, Unknown
Hotel Imperial Vienna
Check rates & availability on imperialvienna.comBuilt as a private palace in 1863 and converted to a hotel for the 1873 World Exhibition. Vienna's most imperial hotel, the preferred choice of visiting heads of state and royalty since 1873. The Imperial Torte is a rival to Sachertorte.
Hotel Imperial Vienna commands a prominent position at Kärntner Ring 16 in Vienna's 1st District (Innere Stadt), on the grand Ringstrasse boulevard commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I in the 1860s. The building was constructed in 1863 as the private Viennese residence of the Duke of Württemberg in the Italian Renaissance style and was converted into a luxury hotel specifically for the 1873 Vienna World Exhibition. Since that opening, Hotel Imperial has served as the preferred Vienna address for visiting heads of state, royalty, and international dignitaries—guests over the decades have included Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, and numerous European monarchs. The hotel is a Luxury Collection property managed by Marriott International.
The Ringstrasse location places the hotel beside the Vienna Musikverein and within easy walking distance of the Vienna State Opera, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Albertina. The Karlsplatz U-Bahn station (U1, U2, U4) is a five-minute walk, and multiple tram lines run immediately in front of the hotel on the Ringstrasse. The 138 rooms and suites retain an imperial character throughout: high ceilings with original stucco work, tapestries, antique furnishings, and Austrian artworks create an atmosphere of genuine historical grandeur. The Royal Suite—which was used by Emperor Franz Joseph I—preserves original 19th-century furnishings under heritage conservation requirements.
The Café Imperial is a formal institution beloved by Vienna residents for its Imperial Torte—a five-layered marzipan and chocolate confection that rivals the Sachertorte in local esteem and can be purchased in gift packaging at the café counter. The hotel restaurant serves Viennese and international cuisine, and the Imperial Bar is an elegant setting for pre-dinner cocktails. The concierge service is experienced in securing access to the Vienna Philharmonic, Burgtheater productions, and private events at the city's major cultural institutions.
Spa facilities include treatment rooms offering therapeutic and relaxation services, and a fitness area is available to guests around the clock. Valet parking and butler service are available for suite guests. The hotel's combination of royal heritage, prime Ringstrasse position, and consistently high service standards makes it the natural choice for guests seeking an authentically imperial Vienna experience.
Amenities
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Concierge
- Valet parking
- Butler service
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Kärntner Ring 16, 1010 Vienna
48.2024, 16.3726 — View on map
Highlights
- Imperial Café
- Imperial Torte
- Royal Suite
- Ringstrasse location
- Historic artwork collection
Tips
- The Imperial Torte is available at the Café Imperial bakery counter daily without a reservation and can be purchased in gift boxes to take home.
- Rooms on the Ringstrasse side offer views of the boulevard but receive more street noise; inner courtyard rooms are considerably quieter for lighter sleepers.
- The hotel's Ringstrasse position is ideal as a starting point for a walking tour of the boulevard's landmarks—the Opera, Parliament, Rathaus, and Burgtheater are all within a thirty-minute loop.
- Confirm Ringstrasse tram schedules with the concierge for late evening opera outings—frequencies reduce after 23:00.
FAQ
When did Hotel Imperial Vienna open and what is its history?
The hotel opened in 1873 for the Vienna World Exhibition, having been converted from the private palace of the Duke of Württemberg, built in 1863. It has operated as a luxury hotel continuously since that time and is now managed by Marriott International as a Luxury Collection property.
What is the Imperial Torte?
The Imperial Torte is the hotel's signature cake—a five-layered confection of almond marzipan and fine chocolate, created in the 19th century. It is served at the Café Imperial and sold in gift packaging at the café counter.
Does Hotel Imperial Vienna participate in a hotel loyalty programme?
Yes, the hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy programme as a Luxury Collection property. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points for stays and access member benefits.
Are there family-friendly facilities at Hotel Imperial Vienna?
The hotel accommodates families with interconnecting room options and cot provision on request. The property's formal imperial character is best suited to adult travellers, though older children who appreciate historic surroundings are welcome.
Accessibility
Hotel Imperial Vienna has a lift serving all guest floors. The main entrance on Kärntner Ring has a small raised threshold; guests with wheelchair requirements should contact the hotel directly in advance to arrange ramped access and appropriate room allocation on lower floors.