Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

Old World grandeur meets modern comfort
VERIFIED LUXURY

Lauded for its innovation when it opened in 2013, Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna exudes a stately calm, primarily from the inspired architecture by Theophil Hansen. Danish architect Hansen originally designed the building in 1873 for the World’s Fair hosted in Vienna.

More than a century later, the Kempinski hotel collection renovated the heritage building, cleverly bringing together three palaces and courtyards under one glass ceiling. The high arches, ornate staircases and Doric columns from the original design remain, while modern marble foyers and lushly carpeted halls have updated the Vienna hotel to meet today’s luxury standards.

The property’s location on the Ringstrasse is situated away from the hustle of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (though still less than a 10-minute walk) and offers closer access to the lively Donaukanal waterfront, the Sigmund Freud Museum and multiple public transport options.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

  • Be sure to enjoy a meal or a pop-up cooking class at the breezy but lush Die Kuche restaurant. The breakfast buffet and juice bar are particularly appealing for those who prefer healthy and wholesome morning meal options.
  • The Ottoman-inspired spa facilities are larger than what you’d typically find at a city-center hotel. This stylish space offers a retreat from the daily grind with a wide array of treatments accompanied by steam rooms, loungers and a hydro pool.
  • Though the luxury hotel may be historic in nature, it doesn’t skimp on the high-tech touches. Baths are controlled by integrated one-touch buttons, and iPads can be used to request room service from the comfort of your bed.
  • We appreciate the blended architecture and thoughtful interior design that marries the neo-classical elements of the building with subtle modern touches, such as elegant glass elevators and modern art.
  • The expansive lobby area has spacious tables and an eye-catching glass chandelier as its centerpiece. The nearby lobby lounge provides plenty of seating, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, short business meetings or your afternoon people-watching session.

Things to Know

  • In March 2018, the hotel opened its newest expanded bar, 26 East, with contemporary cocktails created by local mixologist David Penker that never disappoint.
  • The hotel’s head pastry chef, Georg Hölbl, leads apple strudel baking classes on the first Saturday of each month, sharing his grandmother's recipe and the secret tricks to baking the Austrian sweet treat. If you’re shy in the kitchen, you can still get a taste of this confection every day in the lobby lounge.
  • The gym is expansive and open 24/7. A personal trainer can also be booked to assist in maintaining your fitness regimen during your stay.

The Rooms

  • Decidedly contemporary in design (wall-size prints of Viennese artists adorn each room) with nods to the history of the venue (rich carpets with Jugendstil flower motifs), the rooms are comfortable and spacious, with plenty of natural light.
  • The materials found throughout each room are of the highest standard. Maplewood desks and cabinets, full pillow menus and marble baths ensure a luxurious night’s stay.
  • The showers and baths are controlled by one-touch buttons integrated into the tubs, while an iPad is available in place of the traditional telephone in your room.
  • In-room Nespresso machines can fill your caffeine deficit between restaurant visits.
  • Every room has high ceilings, thanks to the original Altbau-style architecture that provides an open and airy atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions

  • The Sigmund Freud Museum is within walking distance of the hotel’s doorstep, offering you a peek into the daily workings of the storied psychoanalyst.
  • The lively Donaukanal area with its pop-up bars, restaurants and, during the summer months, live music is a just short walk away and worth exploring to see Vienna from a local’s perspective.
  • A stroll into Vienna’s Old Town is highly recommended — as you approach from the hotel, you’ll see more cobbled alleyways and hidden churches than you would from a more standard route into the city center.
  • The original Vienna Stock Exchange building, also designed by hotel architect Theophil Hansen, is nearby. Admire its grandiose arches and entrance stairway.

Amenities
Bar
Gym
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Schottenring 24 Vienna, 1010, Austria
TEL43-1-236-1000
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
VIE (22-30 min)  
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