Vienna has been named as the world’s number one most livable city five times in a row by the annual Mercer Study. In 2013, the ICCA rankings put the congress city in first place worldwide for the eighth time in succession with 195 international conferences in 2012.
The popularity of the Austrian capital is, in part due to its rich culture, green spaces and fine food. But for event planners, the vast and flexible choice in hotel accommodation holds much appeal.
Here’s a look at some of the major hotel projects that are planned for the city as well as the most important arrivals of the past 12 months.
Hilton Vienna Plaza
Hilton Vienna Plaza overlooks the historic Ringstrasse. It is only a short walk to St. Stephen's Cathedral, Burgtheater, the State Opera and Hofburg Imperial Palace.
From June, the Hilton Vienna Plaza will renovate guest rooms and meetings spaces in a £16m project.
All 254 of the hotel’s bedrooms along with 10 meeting rooms will receive refurbishments, with work scheduled to be completed in September.
Once finished, the events space will be able to host up to 150 people theatre-style whilst an updated executive lounge will offer an additional area for 70 delegates.
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/austria/hilton-vienna-plaza-VIEPWTW/index.html
Meliá Vienna
Austria’s tallest skyscraper the ‘Danube City Tower’, designed by the French star architect Dominique Perrault, is the new home to Meliá Vienna.
Opened in February, Meliá Vienna includes 253 guest rooms, including 14 suites with floor-ceiling windows and spectacular views to the Danube and the city.
Some 1079sqm of flexible event space is available including the Grand Ballroom with a terrace overlooking the city, offering a perfect setting for an exclusive gala dinner.
Eight smaller meeting rooms, all with floor-ceiling windows and views to the Danube and city are also provided.
The 57 Restaurant/Lounge offers national and international cuisine and a roof-top-bar on level 58 providing breathtaking views over the city.
http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/austria/viena/melia-vienna/index.html
Park Hyatt Vienna
This summer, the first Hyatt hotel in Austria will open.
Situated in Vienna’s new Goldenes Quartier, overlooking Am Hof square, the 143-room five-star Park Hyatt Vienna occupies a 100-year-old listed building that formerly served as a bank’s headquarters.
The hotel is located within Vienna’s First District, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The 143 guest-rooms include 35 suites and are amongst the largest in the city, ranging in size from 35sqm to 170sqm.
The hotel’s Bel Etage offers 800sqm of meetings and events space. The Bank Directors former private offices have been converted into five boardrooms, overlooking Am Hof square. Featuring authentic wood paneling and fine Viennese mirrors, all meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology.
www.vienna.park.hyatt.com
Motel One Wien-Staatsoper
Low-budget design hotel chain Motel One is planning to open further branches in the Austrian capital.
Following hot on the heels of the Motel One Wien-Westbahnhof (opened late 2011) and the Motel One-Wien Prater (opened late 2013), the 400-room Motel One Wien-Staatsoper will open to paying guests in a heritage listed building close to the State Opera in the second half of 2014.
Plans are also being drawn up for a 530-room Motel One at the new Hauptbahnhof station, due to welcome its first guests in mid-2015.
www.motel-one.com
Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten
The 390-room Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten welcomed its first guests in September 2013. It’s located close to the centre of Vienna and easily accessible from Vienna West Station and the new Vienna Main Station.
The building’s façade carries the distinctive design hallmarks of British architect David Chipperfield, while the four-star property’s interior was created by the Italian designer Matteo Thun.
The hotel offers 300sqm of events space including a two conference areas with four seminar rooms. There’s also an Acquapura City Spa located on the seventh floor with a view over the city.
http://www.falkensteiner.com/en/hotel/margareten
Article by
Mike Fletcher