Indulge royal dreams in Vienna historical hotels

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna. Photo: Jeff Bechtel via Trover

Westerners may think of Vienna as the city of tiny sausages, a famous boys’ choir and a Billy Joel song. It’s also the ‘City of Music’ with grand waltzes and symphonies but also considered the ‘City of Dreams’ as the world’s first psycho-analyst, Sigmund Freud practiced there.

Dreams may well rule in the historic city center where Baroque castles and gardens still flourish. The grand buildings, monuments and parks of the late 19^th century Ringstrasse host some of the grandest hotels in Europe. If you’re looking for royal treatment, consider one of Vienna’s historical hotels.

Theresien Platz in the city of horses. Photo: Maria Theresien via Trover

Stay in the Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna

Housed in a former military riding school dating back to 1850, the hotel near Belvedere Palace has been renovated with the latest luxuries. A study in contrasts, there’s an indoor pool with a sunbathing area and a garden offering BBQ facilities as well. When you book an Imperial Club room you’ll be offered wine or champagne in the elegant Lounge each evening. All guests are treated to a sumptuous daily breakfast buffet.

Hotel Regina

The palatial Hotel Regina was built for the Hapsburg family and the royal vibe still reigns inside and out. There are exquisite meeting and event rooms, a lobby that wears the hotel’s 4-stars well and a restaurant featuring Austrian and Viennese dishes. The complimentary breakfast offers Kaiser cake and a wide selection of pastries, breads and cheeses. The rooms are draped in grand swaths; many have coved ceilings with large windows looking across to the park and the stunning Votive Church.

Hotel Imperial

Feel like a Queen (or King) for a day enjoying the pampered elegance at Hotel Imperial. Marble and gilded furniture holds court alongside world-class contemporary amenities in what Travel and Leisure calls one of the world’s best hotels. Treat yourself to an afternoon tea in the 1893 Bar on the weekends while listening to the grand piano or sip one of the elegant cocktails in the evenings. Service and an old world pace make this a perfect place to unwind after busy days in Vienna.

Statue of Johann Strauss in Vienna. Photo: Algirdas Sidiskis via Trover

Radisson Blu Style Palais

With fewer than 100 rooms, the Radisson Blu Style is a sensuous retreat of color, light and contemporary design inside a historic twentieth century building. The five-star treatment begins as you enter to register, then enjoy a pillow top bed and access to a spacious gym and spa. While centrally located across from a park and next door to the famous Café Central, don’t miss the award-winning hotel restaurant, Sapori, and the H12 bar.

Palais Hansen Kempinski

Five star elegance and tradition have morphed into modern luxury at the Palais Hansen. Located on the famous Ring Boulevard, the hotel was originally built during the World Exhibition in 1873. Enter past towering columns and archways into the main hall. The staff prides itself on service and maintaining a quiet atmosphere. The Michelin Star restaurant, Edvard, focuses on the freshest of regional ingredients with modern interpretations.

Visiting one of these Vienna historic hotels will turn your fantasies of living like royaltyl into reality.

Written as part of the Hipmunk City Love Project.