Hotel Secrets: Hotel Imperial, Vienna, Austria

Originally built in 1863 as a private residence for a German prince, Vienna’s Opens in a new windowHotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is situated on the iconic Ringstrasse and a short walk from the State Opera. While the cobblestoned streets and baroque architecture of the city tell a rich story, travelers looking to uncover some of Vienna’s best-kept secrets must look no further than the hotel itself. General Manager Manfred Grassauer, who has been with Hotel Imperial for more than thirty years, let us in on a few of the treasures hidden behind the gilded doors and grand staircases within the storied destination.

Hotel Imperial is a Viennese institution and has over the years briefly been home to a variety of royalty, celebrities, and heads of state. Guests might never know that Charlie Chaplin spoke his first words into a microphone while staying at the hotel, although they might be able to guess that the property was the inspiration for the beloved hotel in American filmmaker Wes Anderson’s movie, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel.’

The hotel neighbors the historic Musikverein, an internationally renowned concert venue famous for its ‘Golden Hall,’ which is the seat of the Vienna Philharmonic. The hall has been open since 1870 and is home to majestic sculptures, superb acoustics, golden balconies, and soft oil paintings which adorn the ceiling and call to mind the concert-goers of the past. An original secret passage connecting the hotel and Musikverein is still (secretly) accessible. Guests can find their way through the Composer’s Entrance and depart the hotel for a performance as many legendary concert-goers have gone before.

Enter a world of polished elegance and thrilling history when staying at this majestic property. Stop by Manfred’s desk during your stay and he might let you in on a few more secrets…