The Imperial hotel can be found located right in the heart of the city of Vienna. It’s obvious as soon as you see this hotel that you have arrived somewhere very special. Being a former palace, this hotel boasts a wonderfully grand façade. Our car doors were opened with a friendly greeting and our luggage was whisked away before we were shown to the reception desk.
The Imperial hotel has one of the most impressive lobby areas I have come across in my time. With wonderfully impressive flooring, high ceilings, and the most gorgeous crystal chandeliers - you’d be forgiven for having your breath taken away by such a majestic foyer.
After an efficient check-in process we were escorted to the Royal Suite, following in the footsteps of no less than Queen Elizabeth II herself. It was with great anticipation that we awaited the opening of the huge wooden double doors to glimpse what lies within. We gasped in awe as the doors were opened and we lay our eyes upon a sight that I’m certain will remain with me for many years to come.
This suite really is quite astounding. The size of the suite is a hugely impressive sitting at around 160 square meters, with the layout being divided into two separate areas – a lounge area and the bedroom and bathroom. In each room you’ll find a sizeable flat screen television, a complimentary mini bar and of course, free Wi-Fi.
The lounge area salon comes adorned with various luxuriously comfortable arm chairs, sofas and coffee tables, as well as a dining table and chairs taking centre stage. The walls are filled with magnificent large artwork as well as fabric wallpaper and decorative plaster work. There’s certainly no shortage of light in this room but you’ll find plenty of cosy lighting options from lamps to chandeliers to compliment any ambiance. The attention to detail is simply mind blowing.
“The Imperial is undoubtedly a fine example of five star hospitality, where you're left wanting for nothing.”
Once we’d finally managed to pull ourselves away from the lounge, we wandered through to our bedroom. The area is similar in size to the lounge space and includes a desk, a dressing table, chaise lounge and of course a huge bed as the focal point, covered in huge drapes which hang from the ceiling - this is certainly a bed that is fit for royalty.
The bedroom leads through to the bathroom where you’ll find a separate bath and shower as well as his and hers wash basins. There is also a separate toilet enclosed behind another door. This bathroom is also complete with a huge selection of the fluffiest towels.
The Royal Suite offers a number of wardrobes and drawers for you to make yourself at home, and we were only too pleased to settle into this home from home and unpack from our new Samsonite luggage. You know a suite is truly remarkable when the only negative of staying there is that you ever have to leave.
However, we decided that we must drag ourselves away from our suite at least once to explore the rest of the hotel. The building holds a wealth of history which is evident in all the detail around every corner. 1873 is the hotel’s bar which can be found located on the ground floor, which was once home to the horses and stables. The bar offers a wonderful atmosphere to begin your evening. The cocktails are superb and can be sipped whilst enjoying the sounds of the resident pianist. Following your drinks you can make your way to the Imperial’s fine dining restaurant named OPUS.
If you’re looking for more active pursuits you will find a fitness room on the top floor of the hotel, which provides state-of-the-art equipment as well as complimentary chilled bottled water.
It’s important for me to note that the staff throughout the hotel are extremely friendly and welcoming, and we were especially fond of our butler who comes as another perk of staying in the Royal Suite. She was always on hand to provide recommendations of local restaurants and activities.
The Imperial is undoubtedly a fine example of five star hospitality, where you're left wanting for nothing. We can’t recommend it highly enough.
The Bill: £4,900 per night
