By Angela Fairhurst
Originally designed as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, the luxurious five-star Palais Hansen Kempinski is a landmark building located on right on the famous Ringstrasse Boulevard in the heart of the city. The building blends historic architecture with modern design and sumptuous luxury.
The hotel is both innovative and classic, relaxed and unconventional. All 152 rooms and suites at the Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna offer views of the surrounding historic buildings or the inner courtyard. They are well-appointed, handsomely furnished, and decorated in 20s and 30s design with high-quality fabrics and carpets. Unique pieces of walnut, flame and birds’ eye maple specifically designed by Jean-Claude Laville adorn the spaces. All rooms are non-smoking and each is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and an iPad entertainment and ordering system.
The sleek lobby has a lot of natural light, with its partial glass ceiling and opaque lighting making up the difference. The modern glass elevator transports guests to their rooms on seven floors.
The Lobby Lounge & Bar is the living room of the hotel and the place where the Viennese and their guests meet. Coffee specialities or pastries from the in-house patisserie are available any time of day.
There are two award-winning restaurants in the hotel. Edvard is a one Michelin Star restaurant serving seasonal dishes with international influences and regional products and Die Küche serves a wide range of characteristic Viennese specialties, as well dishes from all over the world in a more casual atmosphere. The hotel serves an outstanding breakfast buffet and let’s not forget the hotel’s signature dish: freshly Baked Apple Strudel.
There is a Cigar Lounge with historical columns and glass walls. Cigar smokers can choose from a wide selection of fine cigars – from Bolivar to Partargas – and also permanently rent their own humidors. The lounge also offers an array of aromatic cognacs, whiskeys and rums.
