During my stay in Vienna, I chose to live an atypical experience by staying at the Hotel Imperial Vienna. Rich in history, this hotel is the former palace of the Prince of Wurtemberg and his wife Maria Theresa. As part of the 1873 World’s Fair, the palace was transformed into a 5-star luxury hotel and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Many personalities have stayed in this hotel, including Queen Elizabeth II and Charlie Chaplin.

During my stay, the cost of a night was close to $950 or 69,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. So, I chose to use my points to save on my stay.

Here is another example for a reservation during the Quebec Day weekend where the cost for one night is 60,000 points or $1,095 (or €741).

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to be a Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Cardholder (and/or Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Cardholder).

In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (35,000 point value) as well as 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Here is some information about the hotel:

The location of the hotel is ideal for walking around the city. The metro is a 5 minute walk away and a tramway station is just around the corner. The famous Vienna Opera House is less than 200 meters away.

As soon as you enter the main hall, you are impressed by its height, marble and gilding. It’s chic, you really feel like you’re entering another era!

Once I got there, the check-in was very quick because I had done it in the app beforehand. I was told that I had been upgraded to a Sisi suite and was able to choose breakfast as a welcome gift (a savings of €82 for 2 people). The service was very friendly and professional.

The hotel has 138 rooms and suites:

• 39 Classic Rooms
• 40 Deluxe Rooms
• 24 Imperial Junior Suites
• 4 Junior Executive Suites
• 3 Suites Maissonnette
• 17 Suites Sisi
• 6 Elisabeth Suites
• 3 Imperial Suites
• 2 Royal Suites

During my stay, I stayed in a Sisi suite. These suites have just been launched in March 2023. I was able to visit different rooms and see that they are all unique, either by size, color or configuration.

Our suite was in green tones, but it also exists in blue tones.

The room has the same refinement and majestic decoration that can be found throughout the hotel.

The Sisi suite measures approximately ^60m2. When you enter the suite, you come to a corridor with a separate toilet and a closet where the safety deposit box is located.

The suite is divided into two spaces with a living room and office area and the bedroom side.

The marble bathroom has a separate shower and bathtub.

The classic rooms measure approximately 30^m2.

The two royal suites measure ^150m2 each and are located on the same floor. If you like to have space, you can even book the whole floor, as the suites are concomitant for a total surface of ^460m2.

Breakfast is served at Café Imperial on the first floor from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The service is in the form of a buffet and an a la carte choice. Thanks to our status, we were able to access the buffet as well as a selection of dishes on a slightly lighter menu than the main one. Please note that mimosas are included.

The buffet offer is not extravagant, but here quality prevails over quantity. There are fruits, pastries, cold cuts and an impressive choice of jams. As for the dishes on the menu, I still think about the eggs Benedict; I’ve never had better.

Café Impérial is also famous for its “Imperial Torte“. A confectionary that was created by Xavier Loibner on the occasion of the opening of the hotel in 1873 in honor of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The pie is made with a melting chocolate icing, a slightly acidic almond flavor and a chocolate buttercream and almond paste.

The fitness room is open 24 hours a day. It is very little used and the equipment is new. There is also a sauna.

The business center is simply a computer and a printer at your disposal. It is located in the hallway just above the entrance hall. The location didn’t seem ideal to me; the place is noisy and doesn’t allow for any privacy since anyone can walk behind you.

The Imperial Bar is located off the lobby. It is impossible to pass by without admiring its enormous chandeliers and the marble on the walls. The bar is open every day from 9 am to 1 am.

The Imperial Vienna Hotel is a perfectly renovated historic hotel located close to public transportation and points of interest in the city.

The service is attentive and lives up to the hotel’s reputation. My only regret is that I only stayed there for one night!