VIENNA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of a multi-million Euro investment to restore Europe’s most iconic hotels under The Luxury Collection, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today unveiled the restored public spaces at Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna. The one-year, 11 million Euro (US$14 million) restoration of the hotel’s ground floor, which includes the landmark lobby, a signature restaurant, destination bar, Imperial Cafe and Imperial Torte shop, and private event venues, was led by esteemed British interior designer Alex Kravetz, in close collaboration with the Bundesdenkmalamt (Austrian Federal Office for the Care of Monuments).
“The careful restoration of Hotel Imperial reinforces the majestic heritage of this legendary hotel and we are proud to introduce new experiences to Vienna’s rich social, cultural and culinary scenes,” commented Michael Wale, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Through our Luxury Collection hotels and resorts, we aim to provide global explorers with indigenous experiences in unique destinations offering a service that is unequalled wherever they travel.”
“Just as with Prince de Galles in Paris and The Gritti Palace in Venice, we are thrilled to reestablish Hotel Imperial as the social centre of Vienna following its restoration,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St Regis and W Hotels Worldwide. “Restoring this Viennese icon – one of the brand’s first hotels – marks a momentous occasion for The Luxury Collection, now with over 85 hotels around the world.”
A New Imperial History
Hotel Imperial, with its palatial
splendour and Italian neo-Renaissance facade, has been the residence of
choice for royalty and high society visiting Vienna for the past 140
years. Originally built in 1863 as a private residence for Prince
Philipp of Württemberg, the palace was converted into Hotel Imperial for
the 1873 Universal Exhibition. Situated on the iconic Ringstrasse
(Ring Boulevard) and neighbouring the legendary Musikverein
(Vienna Philharmonic), Hotel Imperial is within a short walk of major
attractions such as the Vienna State Opera, Kunsthistorisches Museum and
Secession Building.
The original passage connecting the hotel to the Musikverein has been completely re-modelled and enlarged during the restoration. Newly re-opened, the historic Composers Entrance provides guests with a stately departure experience while en route to a performance at the world-renowned concert hall, home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Leading the way to this grand entryway is the Path of History, lined with archival photographs of the hotel and its illustrious guests, including the world’s finest maestros and musicians as well as aristocrats and celebrities. On the creation of the Path of History, the interior designer Alex Kravetz explained, “This new gallery-like environment, which provides a link between all the major public spaces and dining venues of the hotel, was pivotal to the entire master plan of the redesign.”
Exquisite Epicurean Experiences
At the heart of the hotel is 1873
– HalleNsalon, an elegant lobby bar reminiscent of a private
library. The magnificent high-ceilinged bar features sparkling crystal
chandeliers and restored angel friezes, beneath which guests can enjoy
intimate conversations and performances by emerging Viennese musical
talents.
Cafe Imperial Wien – known as the place in the heart of Vienna where philosophers, literati, artists and businessmen met for decades – provides the perfect setting to experience the iconic Viennese coffee house culture. Here, guests can taste or purchase the hotel’s famous Imperial Torte. Kravetz commented, “We wanted to create a brighter and more open ambiance while retaining the legendary atmosphere of Café Imperial Wien.” The distinctive chairs and narrow window tables designed by Oswald Haerdtl for the cafe in 1936, as well as the original parquet floor and light fixtures, have all been restored to recreate the historic setting. Cafe Imperial Wien has also been expanded and features rare, book-match marble floors, integrating the new space with a show kitchen and Imperial Torte display.
The new OPUS Restaurant combines architect Josef Hoffmann’s distinctive Viennese style from the 1930s with modern aesthetics. Passing through the restored entrance, guests enter an exquisite environment featuring original burr walnut panelling, crystal chandeliers and red candle wall lights. An inspired addition to the Viennese gourmet scene, OPUS reinterprets Austrian classics using contemporary techniques and lighter flavours. The menu features premium regional produce such as wild trout, Alpine beef and heirloom vegetables.
To date, The Luxury Collection and its partners have invested over 450 million Euro (US$580 million) to restore some of the most storied hotels in Europe, working with renowned architects and local artisans to preserve and reinvigorate the legacies of these hotels. Recently completed restorations and re-openings include The Gritti Palace in Venice, Prince de Galles in Paris, Santa Marina in Mykonos and Hotel Bristol in Vienna, while Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan will be unveiled in December 2014 following an extensive renovation.
For more information on Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna, please visit www.luxurycollection.com/imperial.
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About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury
Collection® is a collection of hotels and resorts offering unique,
authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the
global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's
most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a
unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the
destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent decor,
spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern
conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience.
Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe's most
celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a
glittering ensemble of more than 85 of the world's finest hotels and
resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular
destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes
award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by
offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each
hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels,
many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being
among the world's finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com
