Among the world’s best hotels, the role of concierge is an art form as delicate as paint on a canvas. A concierge must be at once bright-eyed yet all-knowing, courteous yet a little bit guarded, groomed to perfection but with the ability to blend in seamlessly. Some concierges become so immersed in their hotels, that in these rare instances of transcendence, it’s hard to know which came first. 

Such is the case for Michael Moser, the longtime concierge at Opens in a new windowHotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna, who for over 30 years has been synonymous with the grandeur, luxury and celebrated legacy of this jewel of Vienna. As Chief Concierge, Mr. Moser was the eyes and ears of the former palace, and today remains as its official archivist, where he toils with its belongings to the delight of history enthusiasts far and wide. We sat down with Mr. Moser to learn how he made his way to the Hotel Imperial and what he treasures most about this storied hotel.

Can you describe your role at Hotel Imperial?

I was Chief Concierge of the Hotel Imperial Vienna for three decades before retiring in 2014. Today, I’m the hotel’s archivist.

How long have you been at the hotel and what was your path leading up to that point?

I set out to pursue a career as a musician. To this day, I’m a regular guest at the opera and I attend numerous concerts. When I came to Vienna after completing my education at the Hotel Management School in Kleßheim, I sang in the Jeunesse Choir under Leonard Bernstein in 1980. Eventually I began to study art history and worked part-time as a night porter at the Parkhotel Schönbrunn. After my father’s death, I had to return to Carinthia to run the family hotel with my mother. I didn’t see myself as an entrepreneur, however, so I went to Italy, England and France for three seasons before I started working as a concierge at the Hotel Imperial in 1983, where I found my dream job.

What makes Hotel Imperial so special and unique?

For 150 years, guests of state, scientists and artists of all genres have been welcomed and courteously looked after with great warmth and typical Viennese charm at the Hotel Imperial. What distinguishes the Hotel Imperial are the associates and the service they provide day after day.

Can you recall a favorite or memorable moment at the hotel?

Johannes Mario Simmel, a regular guest for many years, was certainly memorable. One day he calls me and says, “Herr Moser, please go to Peter-Jordan-Street and see what trees are growing there. If I write that chestnut trees are there, 50 Viennese friends will call me and say: ‘You fool, those are not chestnut trees.’” He wrote me as the character Leo Lehner in one of his books.

What’s something we’d be surprised to learn about you and your role, or the hotel?

That I was a model for Hollywood. Film director Wes Anderson was inspired by me for his film, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Larry Pine plays Mr. Mosher.

How many Imperial Tortes do you think you’ve eaten at the hotel? What makes them so special?

I have enjoyed countless or approximately 500 Imperial Tortes and still love our sweet little luxury. The Imperial Torte is an exquisite master confection, handmade at Hotel Imperial, which will spirit nostalgics back in time to imperial Vienna, bite by delicious bite.

How do you believe the hotel has come to symbolize the beauty and history of the city of Vienna itself? 

Originally built in 1863 as a private residence of Duke Philipp of Wuerttemberg before it was converted into Hotel Imperial for the 1873 Vienna’s World Fair, the celebrated hotel is situated in a prime location on the city’s Ring Boulevard and offers easy access to various cultural highlights. Furthermore it is an iconic building of architectural beauty and it is its history that sets it apart from other luxury properties.

Originally built as a private residence of Duke Philipp of Württemberg, the Palais on Vienna’s Ring Boulevard was transformed into the Hotel Imperial for the Vienna World’s Fair and was ceremoniously opened on April 28, 1873. This year marks the 150th anniversary of our hotel, and with it the exceptional opportunity to experience a truly Viennese institution.