BACKGROUND
German chain — Kempinski Hotels S.A. is Europe’s oldest hotels group and operates 75 hotels across 30 countries. Vienna’s Palais Hansen Kempinski is a heritage establishment that was originally built for the World Exhibition in 1873. The hotel is relatively new as it opened its doors in 2013.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The Palais Hansen Kempinski’s airy lobby breathes a very sophisticated vibe. A partly glassed-ceiling allows ample natural light to enter the space, and a large black piano adjacent to its lobby lounge stands out. Viennese pillars charm the very modern decor of the reception and lobby area. Tones of white, beige and touches of maroon add a sense of luxe to the ambience. The lobby picks up in the evenings with pleasant music and houses a lovely collection of coffee-table books. The hotel intermingles rich Austrian antiquity with contemporary luxury in its decor quite effortlessly. Look out for the “red lady” who is the face of the hotel and the perfect personification of the Palais Hansen Kempinski.
WHERE IS IT?
Situated in the middle of the Ring Boulevard of Vienna, the hotel is walking distance from the Schottenring metro station. The Vienna International Airport is a 25-minute drive. St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace are at walking distances.
ROOM FACILITIES
The room categories are Superior rooms (32 sqm), Deluxe rooms (38 sqm), Grand Deluxe rooms (52 sqm), Junior suites (50 sqm), Hansen suites (52 sqm), Ring suites (60 sqm), Palais suites (68 sqm), Presidential suite (319 sqm) and Penthouse apartments (220 sqm). Opening into a beautiful, monochrome Viennese photograph amidst a minimal yet smart decor, my Junior suite was very palatial. The layout accommodated a wooden work-desk in front of a large bed. Opposite was a cosy lounge area alongside a walk-in wardrobe. Shades of brown, beige and white exemplified the hotel’s contemporary yet classic design philosophy. The mini-bar was equipped with some fine Austrian confectionary, adding a local flavour to the suite. An iPad was provided for controls, reservations and information. The bathroom was enabled with temperature control through buttons and speakers connected to the flat-screen television of the bedroom.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant — Edvard, is known for its fine Mediterranean cuisine. The breakfast spread at Die Kuche was notable for its exquisite presentation, extended menu, and Champagne addition. Its lobby lounge and bar alongside the hotel’s cigar lounge is known for its discerning collection of whiskies, rums and cigars.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
Palais Hansen Kempinski’s ballroom Theophil spreads across 281 sqm and can be separated into two areas. Henri Lou is its private event location that can be hired for exclusive events. The hotel further has six conference rooms namely Ring I (35 sqm), Ring II (35 sqm), Ring III (36 sqm), Hansen (116 sqm), Palais I (35 sqm), and Palais II (50 sqm) with latest conference technology and W-LAN.
LEISURE FACILITES
The hotel’s spa sprawls across 800 sqm on the mezzanine level with six treatment rooms, along with a hydropool, a steam-room, a bio-sauna, and a fitness centre with Technogym equipment. The space is designed in shades of brown and red, and is also open to day visitors. The hotel also houses a flower shop by Kunstgärtnerei Doll and a concept store called Vis-à-Vis by Kunstgärtnerei Doll on the ground level.
VERDICT
Contemporary luxury in the heart of the city. A very tasteful travel experience.
TESTED BY
Akanksha Maker
HOW MANY ROOMS?
152; 30 Superior rooms, 46 Deluxe rooms, 22 Grand Deluxe rooms, 18 Junior suites, 8 Hansen suites, 16 Ring suites, 11 Palais suites, 1 Presidential suite, 2 Penthouse apartments
HIGHLIGHTS
The Nespresso coffee machine in my room, the hotel’s amiable concierge and the pastries at the lobby bar.
PRICE
Prices for a mid-week stay in December started from ₹20,708 per night for a Superior room
CONTACT
Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna, Schottenring 24, 1010 Vienna, Austria; tel +43 1 236 1000; kempinski.com
Akanksha Maker
