As the capital of the former Austro-Hungarian empire, Vienna is filled with architectural and culinary reminders of its imperial past. But the city is careful to reimagine its historical relics for contemporary audiences who might need more mod-cons than were available in the 19th century. Most recently, Vienna welcomed the Imperial Riding School – a Marriott property – and we checked in to discover a sleek, modern hotel that subtly references its stately past.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of the Imperial Riding School

Tucked into a quiet corner of Vienna’s historic Landstraße district, the Imperial Riding School is perfectly positioned within striking distance of the attractions in the Inner Stadt, though slightly removed from the centre’s hustle and bustle. From here, you can take a leisurely walk to attractions such as the Belvedere Palace and Botanic Gardens or catch a bus, tram, or train into the city centre.

Of Emperors and horses

Lobby at Imperial Rising School
From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re transported into an opulent ambience

The Imperial Riding School is where Emperor Franz Joseph I established his military equestrian school in the 19th century, and the hotel is a well-rendered ode to this legacy. Step through the sliding doors into the lobby and you enter a bright, regal space filled with vaulted ceilings supported by marble columns, grand archways, plenty of intimate seating groups, and touches of modernity in the form of metals and electronics. The eagle-eyed will also spot equine touches like stable-inspired flooring, each detail thought up by the team at London-based Goddard Littlefair.

I arrive by car, which can be a little confusing. The hotel’s pink-hued façade is situated on a side street off the main thoroughfare of Ungargasse that’s been paved over, though this aesthetic choice lulls some drivers into thinking it’s a pedestrian-only street rather than the hotel’s driveway.

Once inside, a large cruise group is checking in – the hotel seems to be popular with big tour groups – so I take a seat and enjoy the hotel’s smart interiors until the crowd thins and I can get to the check-in desks located towards the back of the surprisingly capacious lobby.

Regal digs

interior of deluxe room
Guests at the property can expect chic interiors with small nods to the hotel’s equine theme

Imperial Riding School is a 342-key hotel, with several different guest room categories and a handful of Junior Suites, though each reflects the building’s imperial past – and equestrian history – with subtle design cues, comfortable furnishings, and modern comforts.

Overlooking Vienna’s historic Landstraße district through postcard windows, our Deluxe Twin Room is cosy, well-appointed, and spacious enough to fit two overflowing suitcases while leaving room to walk about. There are the necessities – twin beds dressed in crisp white linens, a spacious wardrobe and luggage rack, a long console table that doubles as a desk, and a white-tiled bathroom stocked with sustainable local Saint Charles Apothecary products. The most comforting touches, though, are the concealed minibar – whose spacious countertop and mirror doubles as a dresser during our stay – and the sitting area featuring a corner banquette and marble-topped table that’s perfect for a quiet in-room Sunday dinner.

The space is fully functional, but it’s welcoming and elegant, too. Throughout, there are clean lines, rich textures of wood and velvet, and soft shades of whites, creams, and browns. Visual interest – and nods to the building’s past – come in the form of pops of colour (orange cushions, forest green banquette, and framed art on the walls) and horse-themed motifs, such as suspended bedside lamps and headboards inspired by reins and a throw pillow intricately patterned with horses.

Imperial feasting

Farrier Bar interiors
Expect luxe high ceilings and superb cocktails at The Farrier Bar

Befitting its royal antecedents, Imperial Riding School offers elevated drinking and dining, much of which offers a modern interpretation of Vienna’s culinary heritage while incorporating Eastern elements that are a legacy of the vast Hapsburg empire that stretched into Eastern Europe and Asia.

Named for the Dutch apple variety that grows in the hotel’s orchard, Elstar is the hotel’s main restaurant and offers indulgent lunches and dinners infused with local ingredients. The cuisine here draws on the concept that “Asia begins at the Landstrasse,” the royal thoroughfare that once led east, from Vienna to Hungary and beyond. The sophisticated, spacious restaurant is a light-filled space with high, vaulted ceilings, plush banquette seating, and friendly service. This is also the hotel’s breakfast room – expect a simple yet thorough buffet that’s more continental than American.

Behind the restaurant is Elstar The Garden. The hotel’s expansive private garden and orchard – a homage to Emperor Franz Joseph I’s beloved apple trees – is a chic alfresco space that’s perfect for sundowners. Enjoying chilled white wine spritzers – a Viennese classic – in the summer evening breeze is the perfect start to a Saturday night out on the town, though a more extensive bar bites menu would be handy for guests who want to graze rather than enjoy the full Elstar menu.

For a real drink, though, you’ll want to head to The Farrier Bar, which sits around the corner from restaurant. A bright coffee spot during the day, The Farrier evolves into a sophisticated cocktail spot by night. The friendly bartenders behind the expansive marble-topped bar are more than happy to have a chat as they shake up signature and classic cocktails – try their perfectly balanced Manhattan (be warned, it’s pretty lethal).

Wellness

Being a city hotel, Imperial Riding School isn’t the type of place to have extensive spa and sports facilities, but there are still enough amenities for those looking to keep up their wellness while on the road. The 24/7 gym is small but is perfectly equipped with cable and free weights and LifeFitness cardio machines, while the indoor pool – framed by marble columns and daybed alcoves – turns out to be the perfect spot to while away a morning.

Final thoughts

The Imperial Riding School offers a sleek, modern – and more accessible – version of Vienna’s imperial legacy, making it a great option for travellers looking for a comfortable, well-designed hotel without the over-the-top opulence of some of the city’s other hotels. Its very accessible location, just outside the Inner Stadt, also means guests can enjoy the best of the city without needing to stay in its bustling centre.

Find out more about Imperial Riding School or Book through Booking.com

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