This Viennese Palace Has Underwent a Stylish Modern Transformation — and You Can Now Experience a Stay There!

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Vienna has long been celebrated for its luxurious accommodations and opulent hotels, with a number of high-profile brands making their mark in recent years. As 2023 came to a close, a new boutique hotel emerged in the form of the *Almanac Palais Vienna*, nestled within two historically significant palaces that have undergone extensive restoration.

The *Almanac Palais Vienna*, a project of the Almanac hospitality group—which also operates hotels in Barcelona and Prague—presented a special opportunity for the Haselbacher family, who are from Austria. Their dedication to preserving the architectural integrity of the 1871 structures is evident, reflecting a commitment to maintain the neo-Baroque facades and stunning marble doorways that evoke the grandeur associated with the original Palais. Historically, these buildings were the pride of affluent businessmen, including the influential German-Austrian industrialist Hugo Henckel von Donnersmarck.

Under the creative guidance of renowned Chilean designer Jaime Beriestain, the hotel has successfully merged historic elegance with contemporary art and design. The preservation of the building’s exterior is complemented by a sophisticated interior that features rich wooden finishes, a warm color scheme of creamy beiges, and metallic accents in shades of silver and gold. The inclusion of locally sourced artwork furthers the hotel’s aim to embed itself within the cultural fabric of Vienna.

The entrance into the hotel is breathtaking, immediately marked by a high marble lobby topped with a glass-covered atrium. This space, thoughtfully designed to combine historical elements with modern touches, creates a striking first impression. Noteworthy sculptures from partnerships with Galerie bei der Albertina Zetter enhance the aesthetic without overshadowing the hotel’s rich history.

Art is woven into the very fabric of the hotel, culminating in an all-Austrian collection that includes works from celebrated artists like Gustav Klimt, whose drawing *Sitzende Dame von vorne (Seated Lady Face-On, 1912-1914)* makes an exclusive debut in the Palais Suite.

The experience at *Almanac Palais Vienna* begins each morning with coffee from the stylish Elias coffee shop, followed by delightful breakfasts at the airy Donnersmarkt Restaurant. After a full day of exploration, guests can unwind at the serene spa, featuring a unique indoor pool that provides a rare relaxation option in the city. This establishment positions itself as not merely a place to stay but as a modern hub showcasing Vienna’s vibrant art scene.

Almanac Palais Vienna

The hotel showcases its commitment to the arts with various partnerships and frequent exhibitions of rotating artwork. Located on the historic Ringstrasse, guests can enjoy views of Rathauspark, combining preserved palace elements with contemporary design. Additionally, the subterranean spa offers a peaceful retreat for relaxation.

The Rooms

Traveling with family required two adjoining rooms, which proved to be spacious and comfortable. After a long red-eye flight, we were pleased to find our rooms ready upon return from the park. The first room offered ample space with a sitting area and king bed, while the second suite exceeded expectations with over 1,500 square feet of luxurious space. It featured a generously sized bed and a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance, making both rooms a welcome reprieve from city exploration.

The hotel comprises 111 rooms, with 80 suites that maximize comfort in a city where space can be a luxury. Despite the attention to modern amenities, many rooms maintain connections to the building’s historic past through thoughtful design elements, including antiqued gold mirrors and marble accents that evoke a sense of refined opulence.

Food and Drink

Donnersmarkt Restaurant & Bar, located on the ground floor, boasts a contemporary dining atmosphere adorned with a large mural inspired by Vienna’s diverse flora and fauna. The menu focuses on plant-forward Alpine cuisine, complemented by a selection of local biodynamic and organic wines. The bar, characterized by its striking circular gold design, serves as the perfect locale for evening cocktails.

The hotel also embraces Vienna’s rich café culture with Elias Coffee Shop, offering high-quality third-wave coffee and local pastries in a stylish setting, thus contributing to the vibrant culinary experience within the hotel.

Activities and Experiences

Beginning in 2024, guests can participate in monthly workshops featuring local experts that range from floral arrangement classes to art therapy sessions. These experiences are designed to promote creativity and mindfulness through engaging activities tailored for relaxation and personal exploration.

In addition, partnerships with local museums, including the Belvedere Museum, provide guests complimentary entry and exclusive after-hours tours, further enriching their cultural experience while staying at the hotel.

The Spa

The *Almanac Palais Vienna* honors Vienna’s historic bathing culture with its two-floor wellness sanctuary, which is exclusively available to guests. This tranquil escape features an impressive indoor thermal pool, multiple spa treatment options, and a fully equipped gym, providing a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Signature offerings like the Viennese Lift & Glow Ritual emphasize a blend of traditional and innovative wellness techniques, while customizable couples’ experiences include private use of the spa facilities, complete with pampering treatments and special amenities.

Accessibility

The hotel also prioritizes accessibility with four specially designed rooms that include wider entrances, emergency features, and additional support systems to accommodate guests with diverse needs.

Location

Perfectly situated along Vienna’s renowned Ringstrasse and adjacent to Stadtpark, the hotel is just a short walk from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Vienna State Opera House and the Museum of Applied Arts, making it a convenient base for exploration.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Guests can enhance their stay experience through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, receiving unique benefits such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and late checkout options when booking through this exclusive program.

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www.travelandleisure.com