Hotel Imperial

The Imperial opened in 1873 and from that day forward has been the hotel of choice in Vienna for visiting dignitaries—it’s the official lodging for guests of the Austrian government. And in a city with as rich a musical history as Vienna’s, it’s no surprise that the guestbook reads like a who’s who of the musical arts, from Wagner in 1875 to, more recently, the likes of the Three Tenors and even the occasional pop star.

The march of history has left little impression on this place, as everything remains in meticulously preserved 19th-century style. A grand marble staircase leads to the first floor Royal Suites, connected to adjoining rooms for bodyguards and assorted entourage. One nod to progress is the installation of lifts, making the formerly neglected upper-floor rooms suddenly desirable.

All rooms, though, are impossibly elegant, decorated in 19th-century antiques and rich fabrics, many with crystal chandeliers and period artworks. Some fifth-floor rooms have terraces with views of the Ringstrasse and the downtown area, and all of the suites are serviced by private butlers.

The restaurant, Opus, is as formal as they come, serving a classic Austrian cuisine with international influences; meanwhile Café Imperial Wien is the home of the Imperial Torte, one of the most famous desserts in a city that specializes in sweets.