Anantara reopens Vienna’s Palais Hansen following elegant refresh

The storied Ringstrasse address has been reimagined as Anantara’s first Austrian property, blending imperial grandeur with contemporary design and the brand’s Asian-inspired service

Anantara Hotels & Resorts has officially launched in Austria with the reopening of Palais Hansen Vienna, a 19th-century architectural landmark newly refreshed as a luxury urban resort. Set along Vienna’s iconic Ringstrasse, the 152-room hotel marks the Thai-born brand’s Austrian debut.

Originally designed by architect Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World’s Fair, the heritage-listed palace has served various roles over its 150-year history, including as a hotel, private residence and government building. Its most recent transformation sees the return of elegant public spaces – complete with marble floors, ionic columns and stucco ceilings – paired with thoughtful contemporary updates.

Rooms

Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned in a soft palette of warm neutrals, with materials selected to reflect both classic and modern influences. Triple-glazed windows and soaring 3.5-metre ceilings lend a sense of peace and space, while marble bathrooms, Acqua di Parma amenities and, in select rooms, private balconies, enhance the residential feel. The 270-square-metre Presidential Suite is Vienna’s largest and features seven French balconies, a grand piano and a marble-clad wellness space overlooking the tree-lined boulevard.

Dining

The hotel’s culinary offering spans three venues. Edvard, the Michelin-starred signature restaurant, serves seasonal, low-waste tasting menus by head chef Paul Gamauf. Theo’s Lounge & Bar blends Viennese café culture with creative mixology in a courtyard setting, while the new Brasserie Sophie takes a global approach to Austrian classics and hosts a monthly themed brunch series.

Wellness

The Anantara Spa offers six treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, Hammam-style steam bath, Finnish sauna and advanced wellness therapies including IPL, body contouring and high-performance facials. Fitness facilities include a private gym, with nearby jogging trails along the Danube Canal and Ringstrasse. Guests can also book immersive experiences such as Viennese cooking classes or private heritage tours with local experts.

Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna is a 25-minute drive from Vienna International Airport. Rates start from €550 (about AU$960) per night including breakfast.

anantara.com/en/palais-hansen-vienna