Hotel Imperial Vienna Review: Romantic Luxury in the Heart of the City

Once an aristocrat’s residence, the Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna is the kind of property that makes you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive. As you step past the historic façade and ascend the grand staircase, the energy of the Ringstrasse fades into an atmosphere of opulence, history, and grandeur. Rich fabrics, glittering chandeliers, and meticulously preserved architectural details hint at Vienna’s imperial past, yet the service feels warm, personal, and timeless rather than distant or museum-like.

My husband and I stayed for four nights to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and from start to finish, the experience felt thoughtful and celebratory in all the right ways. Between the attentive service, beautiful suite, and indulgent breakfast, the hotel delivered a stay worthy of a special occasion.

🏨 Style: Historic former palace with regal, old-world opulence and timeless Viennese charm

🛏️ Rooms: 138 elegant, classically furnished rooms and suites featuring chandeliers, period décor, and spacious layouts

📍 Location: Prime Ringstrasse address within a 10-minute walk of the Vienna State Opera, major museums, and shopping streets

🍽 Dining: Imperial Café serving Viennese specialties; OPUS fine-dining restaurant; refined lounge and bar with high tea and live music

⭐ Facilities: Concierge service, onsite and in-room dining, fitness center, and spaces for events and meetings

💰 Value: A splurge-worthy luxury stay offering exceptional service, indulgent breakfast with champagne and caviar, and an ambiance fit for special occasions

✔ Best For: Couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking romantic luxury, historic atmosphere, and personalized five-star service

Hotel Imperial at a Glance

Hotel Imperial's service was exceptional and fully lived up to its five-star reputation. Every staff member we encountered was polite, professional, and genuinely eager to assist. Housekeeping kept our suite immaculate throughout our stay, and a team of dedicated associates was available 24/7 to ensure our stay felt extraordinary. For guests seeking an extra level of personalized attention, a private butler service could also be requested. The only minor inconsistency we noticed was with turn-down service. One night we received chocolates on our pillows, but the next night there were none. This was hardly an issue and did not affect our overall experience whatsoever.

The concierge team, in particular, deserves special recognition. When I had questions about attending an opera, I was quickly connected with their in-house “opera expert,” who not only answered everything in detail but also offered insider tips on how to make the evening feel extra special. Each time we needed guidance or a recommendation, the team was quick, thoughtful, and incredibly resourceful.

To mark our anniversary, the hotel surprised us with a handwritten card, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and a heart-shaped cake. These thoughtful touches made the stay feel even more special and memorable.

Service

The rooms and suites at the Hotel Imperial are designed to feel like a private invitation into Vienna’s aristocratic past. Across the hotel's 138 rooms, original paintings, antiques, stucco ceilings, and rich fabrics set the tone, creating spaces that feel luxurious without tipping into excess. The hotel’s aesthetic is a careful blend of imperial grandeur and modern comfort with silk textures, intricate woodwork, and heirloom furniture paired with contemporary amenities that make the stay feel effortlessly comfortable. This balance between historical opulence and everyday ease is what gives the Imperial its distinctive warmth and subtle sense of magic.

For travelers seeking the height of old-world indulgence, the royal suites offer the rare chance to sleep in the former apartment of Duke Philipp of Württemberg, an option that perfectly encapsulates the property’s storybook appeal. Yet even the more modest room categories maintain the same elegance and attention to detail.

We stayed in one of the red-themed Sisi Suites, a space that felt perfect for celebrating our anniversary. Shimmering chandeliers and warm red accents lent the suite a romantic glow, making our stay feel even more special. The suite included a large walk-in closet; a sitting room with two chairs, a couch, a desk, and a dresser equipped with a TV, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge; two bathrooms; and a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, an additional chair, and a second TV. One bathroom featured a full bathtub, a large vanity with double sinks, and a separate shower, while the other bathroom off the living area contained the toilet, bidet, and another sink. Though having two bathrooms felt slightly unconventional, the suite’s elegance and spacious layout more than made up for it.

Rooms & Design

The hotel sits on Vienna’s prestigious Ringstrasse, putting you within easy walking distance to the city’s most iconic landmarks. In under ten minutes, you can reach the Vienna State Opera and the main shopping streets. Right next to the hotel, you’ll find a supermarket and a bank with an ATM, making any errands convenient. The area is safe, clean, and well-lit, and hotel doormen assist with entering and exiting taxis, adding an extra layer of ease and security to your stay.

Location

For breakfast, the champagne brunch was a daily highlight. It was served in the cafe with a generous array of options, including made-to-order hot dishes like eggs Benedict and pancakes as well as an open buffet of breads, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, fruits, and yogurts. Maintaining the luxury feel, breakfast also included champagne and caviar at no additional charge. Coffee and tea were also served in branded Hotel Imperial china.

During the day, the café transitioned into a traditional Viennese coffee house, complete with classic specialties and beautifully packaged cakes available to take away. In the evenings, guests could choose between OPUS, the hotel’s modern fine dining restaurant, or an extensive room-service menu featuring both Austrian and international dishes.

The Hotel Imperial also offers a lounge and bar. It is yet another impressively beautiful space. Throughout the day and evening, it offers coffee, cocktails, and champagne. On certain days, they offer afternoon tea service and special events with live music.

In addition to the dining spaces, the property also includes a fitness center and several small and large-sized spaces for private meetings and events.

Dining & Amenities

As a Platinum Bonvoy member, I enjoyed several benefits during our stay. We were welcomed with a handwritten note and fruit basket from the general manager and granted late check-out. I also received the choice of complimentary breakfast or Bonvoy points, and I opted for breakfast for two, which included champagne and was served in the hotel's cafe.

In addition to these elite status perks, the hotel surprised us with a bottle of champagne, a celebratory card, and a chocolate torte for our anniversary. This extra touch made the stay feel even more special.

Like many properties in the Luxury Collection, the Imperial does not have an executive lounge. Even so, we never felt the absence of one, thanks to the comfortable workspace in our suite and the champagne-filled breakfasts.

Marriott Bonvoy Benefits

Ultimately, I highly recommend the Hotel Imperial, especially for travelers celebrating a special occasion or for anyone who appreciates a stay steeped in history and glamor. From the moment you arrive, the combination of exceptional service, beautiful accommodations, and thoughtful touches makes you feel truly valued and cared for.

Whether your visit to Vienna is for world-class music, cultural landmarks, or a romantic getaway, the Hotel Imperial puts you in the heart of the action. For a taste of royal living in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the Hotel Imperial is hard to beat. It is a property that leaves a lasting impression, and I now count it among my favorite hotels in the world.

Overall Value

Interested in staying at the Hotel Imperial? Send me a message below, or explore more of my Vienna travel guides here.

Disclaimer: I paid for my own stay at the Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna. All opinions in this review are based on my personal experience.

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