It’s no wonder Vienna, the “City of Music,” attracts nearly three times as many tourists as its 1.7 million residents yearly. Immaculately intact since its 17th and 18th century glory, Vienna is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities; a title that lures international urban planners to study its layout and culture. Austria’s capital city is home to dozens of opera houses, art institutes, and Baroque-era palaces that dazzle visitors who enjoy its refined preference for luxurious style.
Even corner cafés and the traditional Vienna sausage stands seem to glisten with opulence. The perfect complement to a history-packed tour of Vienna is a stay at the city’s Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel under the Starwood brand.
The Bristol still claims one of the most impressive addresses of the city at Kärntner Ring 1. Adjacent to the Vienna State Opera and numerous parks and museums, the property has long attended to elite travelers since its opening in 1892. Its past is sure to intrigue the guest who loves a place rich in historical importance and stories. Opera stars such as Nellie Melba and Enrico Caruso, made the hotel their residence while producing shows. Heads of states, such as President Theodore Roosevelt and the Prince of Wales, were consistent guests.
Perhaps the most intriguing era of the Bristol's history is its time as the headquarters for American troops during WWII. The beautiful brass railing that twists from the first to mezzanine floors is dented due to the soldiers’ rifle-butts. Original art nouveau mirrors, the same ones dignitaries and soldiers peered into from decades ago, fill the hallways of the property to this day. Don’t miss a ride in the small elevator—the first electric elevator in Europe installed in 1898.
The property's two-year restoration started with the unveiling of ten suites designed by coveted interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). Nearly all the luxury brand hotel groups, from Peninsula to InterContinental, have called upon PYR since its inception in 1979 to re-imagine classic and historical property's design aesthetics. PYR has artfully reinvigorated Bristol's legendary status as a Vienna icon while weaving in modern motifs for the more contemporary traveler. The Bristol suites convey a smart European-living style, complete with stylish black wooden floors, fantastic Art Deco molding, Bose surround sound, seasonal fresh flowers, and Bristol Cuvee (French wine).
For a more traditional stay, the Opera Suites are a prime choice, decked in royal and periwinkle draperies and exquisite wallpaper. Most notably, each opens into an oval salon filled with a glimmering center chandelier and elegant furnishings. The most opulent accommodation, the Prince of Wales Suite, is the largest in all of Austria at nearly 4,000 square feet. Golden ostrich feathers, part of Prince Edward VIII's emblem, remain in the entry way, a regal remnant of the Prince's former residence.
If magnificent ball gowns, the waltz, and long satin gloves sound alluring, then the Hotel Bristol's annual Vienna Opera Ball is a must in 2014. This annual affair, hosted to usher in the Opera season, is one of Europe's most distinguished and time-honored traditions. This season, the Bristol will offer a number of packages to accommodate the anticipated influx of guests seeking to attend the most luxurious event in Vienna on February 27, 2014.
The All-Inclusive Package includes a hairdo, make-up and manicure, transfers to and from the ball, and dancing lessons to master the waltz, the European standard at all regal events. The Bristol also includes invaluable etiquette pointers to ensure its guests are well prepared for attending such an affair. Watches, for instance, are "frowned upon" and "noble cavaliers all wear gold pocket watches with chains." Leave the Jaeger-LeCoultres at home, gentlemen.
With its historic past and beautifully designed interiors, no matter which accommodation you choose or what time of year you visit, Hotel Bristol will always be an impressive property with many stories to tell.
