Royal Retreat

Whether you are headed to Europe for business or leisure, a stop (or quick layover, as in my case) in Vienna, Austria’s capital, is memorable.

With a population of just under two million, it is a cultural mecca boasting an impressive artistic and musical lineage (Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Strauss, to name a few), Baroque architecture and — foodies will be happy to note — a city obsessed with coffee houses, pastries, wine and iconic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel — a breaded pan-fried veal cutlet dating back to the early 19th century.

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna offers the perfect blend of history, luxury and modernity — making it the ideal base to enjoy one’s stay while in the city. Designed by one of Vienna’s most distinguished architects, Theophil Edvard Hansen, for guests of the 1873 World’s Fair, it reopened in 2013 as part of Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski. The property integrates its original high arches, ornate staircases and Doric columns with thoughtful, modern design elements like elegant glass elevators in the lobby and high-tech touches in the rooms like iPads for room service and one-touch buttons for the shower and bath.

No expense is spared when it comes to guests’ comfort. All 98 rooms and 54 suites are spacious and bright, complemented with plush carpeting donning a Jugendstil floral design. Monochrome portraits depicting Vienna’s music and dance scenes harmonize with warm wood accents and soothing neutral tones.

Good sleep is taken very seriously here. Before arrival, guests can curate their pillow experience, choosing unique fillings like Cherry Pit or Horsehair.

Although I sampled these varieties, I resorted to a traditional pillow for the night.

Dining at Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna is unforgettable. Home to the one-star Michelin restaurant Edvard, patrons select a 5, 7 or 9-course tasting menu (a wine-pairing option is also available) celebrating modern Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine. While I was not able to secure a reservation during my overnight stay, dishes like Artic Char with Fennel and Figs, Mosaic of Potatoes and Chanterelles, Wild Boar with Corn and Plum and Chocolate, Quince and Walnut dessert, quickly tempted a return visit. A more casual, but equally enjoyable experience is the afternoon tea served at Lobby Lounge & Bar every day from noon to 5 p.m.

Modeled after the British tradition, guests enjoy a myriad of freshly made local pastries like the famous Apple Strudel Pouch or Vanilla Mango Tart and savory selections like finger sandwiches (Curry Chicken, Cucumber and Watercress caught my eye), Beef Tartare and Mille Feuille with Smoked Fish, Beetroot and Chives.

There’s an extensive selection of teas (many of which are made specifically for the hotel), Viennese coffee and champagne. It’s an opportune time to recharge while taking in the eye-catching architecture (you’ll want to photograph the stunning glass chandelier that serves as the space’s centerpiece). For breakfast or brunch, the hotel’s Wintergarten restaurant provides classic options.

With so much to explore in Vienna, it’s easy to overlook scheduling time to pamper yourself at the property’s spa. That would be a mistake. Between the Herbal Stamps massage (a technique applying aromatic herbal stamps to neutralize stress and increase blood circulation), Honey Detox massage or Coconut Scrub (great for sensitive skin), a visit here is bound to leave you restored and refreshed. There’s also a pool and sauna area featuring a hydro pool and steam bath.

Visitors to Vienna will find that, whether staying long term or simply 12 hours as I did, it is an enchanting, impressive city beckoning exploration (I walked over 6 miles in my short stay!). Between its beauty, elegance, history and commitment to excellence, a stay at Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna feels like a natural extension of the finest attributes that make Vienna a time-honored destination for travel enthusiasts near and far.

For more information, visit kempinski.com/vienna.