Anantara has arrived in Vienna, opening its first Austrian hotel at Palais Hansen. The iconic building, originally designed by renowned architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World’s Fair, has undergone an extensive renovation, bringing together the best of Vienna’s architectural heritage and Anantara’s signature luxury. Located on the Ringstrasse in the city’s historic financial district, the hotel stands as a new urban luxury resort, marking the brand’s debut in Austria.
The history of Palais Hansen spans over 150 years, originally starting as a hotel before serving as a residential complex and a public administration building. It returned to hospitality in 2011, standing as a fine example of Viennese Neo-Renaissance architecture. Previously The Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna, Anantara’s renovation has ensured the preservation of the building’s classic features, including its marble floors, stucco ceilings, ionic columns, and heritage-listed staircases, all of which are preserved in the public spaces.
Anantara has revitalized the hotel’s 152 rooms and suites, blending historical charm with contemporary comfort. Interiors feature a thoughtful interplay of materials, including smooth and porous surfaces, glossy and matte finishes that maximize the natural light streaming in from the building’s three inner courtyards.
The rooms are designed in warm neutrals, with 3.5-metre ceilings and oversized windows that create a spacious atmosphere. Guests can enjoy luxurious touches such as marble bathrooms, Acqua di Parma amenities, and triple-glazed windows that ensure an undisturbed stay. Some rooms offer balconies with views of the tree-lined Ringstrasse, while the most exclusive accommodations boast expansive views of Vienna’s historical centre.
The Presidential Suite, which is the largest in Vienna at 270 square metres, includes seven French balconies, a lounge area with a grand piano for private concerts, and a dedicated dining space for entertaining. The suite also features a wellness area with a marble bath. On request, the suite can expand to four bedrooms, increasing its size to 408 square metres.
Dining at the hotel spans across three distinct concepts. Edvard, the Michelin-starred restaurant, offers innovative tasting menus by head chef Paul Gamauf. The dishes focus on sustainability and minimal waste, using locally sourced ingredients transformed into creative, avant-garde plates.
Theo’s Lounge & Bar, located in the former inner courtyard, brings Viennese coffee house culture together with high mixology. During the day, guests can enjoy homemade cakes and pastries like the traditional apple strudel, and in the evening, Theo’s becomes a vibrant bar serving smart cocktails crafted with local brandies, seasonal produce, and repurposed ingredients. Brasserie Sophie, named after architect Hansen’s wife, offers a reimagined take on Austrian cuisine with a global perspective, and hosts monthly themed brunches for guests.
The hotel also features an 800-square-metre Anantara Spa, which incorporates the brand’s ‘East meets West’ wellness philosophy. The spa includes six treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, a women-only area, a Finnish sauna, a Hammam-style steam bath, and a sanarium. Signature treatments include muscle-melting massages and high-tech therapies like intense pulsed light therapy, body contouring, and advanced facials using Valmont and Elemis products. The adjacent fitness centre ensures guests have access to their usual workouts, while scenic jogging routes along the Danube Canal and Ringstrasse provide an outdoor option for active guests.
The hotel offers a range of experiences for guests looking to explore Vienna. Guests can take part in guided historical tours, learning about the building’s past with a Hansen expert, followed by a visit to the Lobmeyr atelier, known for creating the chandeliers and glassware for Hansen’s palaces. In warmer months, guests can enjoy a visit to a vineyard within Vienna’s city limits, with wine tasting and a traditional Heurigen picnic. On property, Anantara’s Spice Spoons culinary classes offer an opportunity to learn how to prepare Austrian classics like semolina dumpling soup and Kaiserschmarren pancakes.
Palais Hansen also houses Vienna’s largest ballroom, with capacity for up to 265 guests. The venue is filled with natural daylight and has its own independent street access, along with a Hansen-designed foyer. Other event facilities include an executive boardroom, a private reading room, and eight additional meeting spaces, making it an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and private events.
