Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel has emerged from a refresh, marking the official debut of the brand in Austria. Designed by architect Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World’s Fair, the heritage palace now stands as what the company touts as the city’s first urban luxury resort.
Originally built as a hotel, the storied landmark later served as a residential complex and a public administration building, before returning to its hospitality roots in 2011. With over 150 years of history, it is an example of Viennese Neo-Renaissance architecture. From original marble floors and stucco ceilings to ionic columns and heritage-listed staircases, many of the palace’s public spaces bear Hansen’s signature. Located on the Ringstrasse in Vienna’s historic financial district, Anantara Palais Hansen is just steps from the Servitenviertel, or Vienna’s "Little Paris."
The renovation has touched upon the hotel's 152 guestrooms and suites. Guests can expect marble bathrooms, Acqua di Parma amenities and triple-glazing, complemented by eleven-and-a-half-foot ceilings and oversized windows. Select rooms and suites offer balconies, while the most exclusive accommodations boasts views of the tree-lined Ringstrasse. The Presidential Suite, claimed to be Vienna’s largest at 2,906 square feet, is framed by seven French balconies and comes with a lounge centered on a grand piano for private concerts; a dining area for gastronomy-focused entertaining; and a wellness space anchored by a window-side marble bath. On request, the suite expands to four bedrooms, reaching 4,390 square feet.
The hotel’s gastronomic offerings are available across three concepts. At Edvard, the Michelin-starred fine-dining destination, head chef Paul Gamauf’s avant-garde cuisine is presented in tasting sets. Expect sustainable and low-waste dishes and beverages. At Theo’s Lounge & Bar, set in the former inner courtyard, Viennese coffee house culture meets high mixology. By day, homemade cakes and pastries such as the iconic apple strudel take centerstage; as night falls, Theo’s transforms into a destination bar serving cocktails made with local brandies, seasonal ingredients and repurposed produce. Weekly events range from bar takeovers to live music nights. Meanwhile, the newly launched Brasserie Sophie, named after Hansen’s wife, gives Austrian cuisine a global touch. it also hosts monthly themed brunches.
At the 8,611 square feet Anantara Spa, there are six treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite and a women-only area. These are complemented by a Finnish sauna, a Hammam-style steam bath and a sanarium. Beyond signature journeys and massages, wellness extends to high-tech therapies, including intense pulsed light therapy, body contouring and advanced facials with Valmont and Elemis. Workouts take place in the adjacent fitness center, with scenic jogging routes easily accessible along the Danube Canal and the Ringstrasse.
Vienna is perfect for on-foot exploration. History buffs can join a guided tour with a Hansen expert, followed by a visit to the storied atelier Lobmeyr, where chandeliers, glassware and decorative art for Hansen's palaces were once made. During the warmer months, guests can visit a vineyard located within Vienna’s city limits. On property, Anantara chefs lead cooking classes as part of the Spice Spoons experience, focusing on such local classics as semolina dumpling soup and Kaiserschmarren pancakes.
The hotel also claims to house Vienna's largest ballroom, which accommodates up to 265 guests and affords ample natural daylight, independent street access and a Hansen-designed foyer. Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel also offers an executive boardroom, a private reading room and eight additional meeting spaces.
Good to know: Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel is a 25-minute drive from Vienna International Airport (VIE).
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