Home NEWS First Autograph Collection Hotel opens in Austria

First Autograph Collection Hotel opens in Austria

Imperial Riding School combines historic elegance with zeitgeist

Mar 25, 2024

imperial_riding_school_vienna — Photo: Marriott

Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection is expected to open in May in Ungargasse, Vienna’s third municipal district, marking the brand debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in Austria. Transforming from the former imperial and royal military riding school, the hotel has been redesigned by London-based design studio Goddard Littlefair to combine its historic elegance with the inspiring zeitgeist.

Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection will offer 342 guestrooms decorated with a new design concept characterised by equestrian elegance, a 450m² wellness area including a pool, a fitness area with a sauna and a steam room as well as an idyllic garden framed by a magnificent façade.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy exquisite cuisine in the glamorous Elstar restaurant as well as in the sleek bar, The Farrier. With all of its amenities, Imperial Riding School is set to attract both international and local guests, making their stay a unique, creative and enjoyable experience.

Evolving from a 19th-century military equestrian school founded by Franz Joseph I to the city’s largest cinema, this historic building has always been a defining part of Vienna’s cultural landscape. The hotel’s identity is also characterised by its proximity to the surrounding artists’ quarter. “Our hotel concept is as diverse and lively as the neighbourhood in which we are located. The inspiring mixture of formality with a dash of eccentricity, elegance with unconventional charm and Viennese spirit creates an atmosphere in which you can feel at ease,” says the hotel’s General Manager Jürgen Fleischhacker, speaking about the principal key points of the new positioning.

SECRET GARDEN IN VIENNA LANDSTRASSE

The outdoor area of Imperial Riding School provides visitors and guests with a spectacular experience. Where the orchards of the Palais Harrach once stood, Vienna’s largest inner city private garden is now an urban nature paradise. The restaurant and outdoor bar make the garden an attractive meeting place for hotel and local guests. Here you can lose track of time over an aperitif and celebrate lavishly at events, private parties and weddings.

Armand Thelen, Director of Sales and Marketing, describes why the hotel is so attractive for special days and occasions: “Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection embodies a story of Vienna that is still untold and brings new life to a magical place in this city. The elegant ambience is visually characterised by the history of the building, associated with royalty, horses and horsemanship, by nature as evidenced by the flourishing garden and by the artistic impulses of the district – but there is also space for visitors and guests to create their own story.” The new concept is characterised by the philosophy of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand, which champions the individuality and uniqueness of each handpicked property, making each travel experience Exactly Like Nothing Else.

MORE THAN “BUSINESS AS USUAL”

The versatility of this unique space makes Imperial Riding School a great destination for business guests. In addition to the options in the historic building and the garden, well-equipped rooms can be hired for workshops, meetings and conferences for up to 375 people. The location between Ungargasse, Linke Bahngasse and Rennweg makes the site an attractive choice, as both Vienna city centre and the airport can be reached in just a few minutes by public transport.

The opening of Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection is anticipated in May 2024, followed by the launch of Elstar restaurant offering 140 seats and The Farrier bar with 60 seats. A total of 145 jobs will be created.

Find more information at: Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection.