At first glance, the Almanac Palais Vienna exudes classic Austrian baroque splendor. The grand white stone Imperial building with arched marble doorways dates to the 19th century. Inside, however, the property is all now — embracing a sleek modern aesthetic while celebrating Vienna’s deeply rooted history as an art destination.
Opened in 2023, the hotel comprises two historic palaces from 1871 and 1872: One was built by industrialist Hugo Henckel von Donnersmarck for his wife; the other was the home of cotton magnate Friedrick Franz Josef Leitenberger. It is the newest addition to the Almanac Hotels portfolio, which also has properties in Barcelona and Prague.
Luxurious Stay
The Almanac Palais offers 80 suites and 31 guestrooms. Sizes range from the 301-square-foot Almanac Room to the 4,197-square-foot Palais floor that interconnects multiple suites for a full-floor experience. Due to the hotel’s historic architecture, rooms of the same style may have slightly different structures.
I stayed in the 538-square-foot Duplex Suite. This two-floor accommodation features a living area on the bottom floor and a separate bedroom on the upper floor. A swooping wood-and-glass staircase connects the two rooms. Entry also is available from each floor’s main hallway.
The suite is contemporary, with marble floors downstairs and pale wood in a chevron pattern upstairs. Low-slung velvet furnishings in soft neutrals are complemented by dark woods. In the bedroom, the ceiling is covered with mirrors that mimic antique mercury glass mirrors. The large wardrobe is lined in red lacquer for a surprising pop of bold color when open.
Glass French doors connect the sleeping area with the bathroom. Clad in beige stone with a marble floor and brass fixtures, the bathroom includes an oversize soaking tub and standalone shower, separated by the stone double vanity. All rooms include TVs on each floor, a minibar and coffee maker, safe, and robes. Organic plant-based toiletries by Damana are provided.
Old Meets New at the Almanac Palais
The expansive lobby hints at the modern decor to come. The skylight-covered atrium, where to the two original buildings meet, is lined with 20 15-foot-high panels that showcase a graphic abstract design in taupe, white, and black by Spanish artists Alejandro Jaler and Nicolas Lucas. A rotating exhibit of contemporary art and sculpture surrounds the room, while the check-in desk is crafted from backlit onyx. Original details, such as intricate moldings and elaborate carvings peek over the brass-framed panels.
The hotel also has a spa with a sauna and 45-foot-long indoor swimming pool, as well as a fine-dining restaurant that offers Austrian Alpine-inspired plant-forward cuisine.
I stayed for three nights at the Almanac Palais, and it was the perfect base for exploring central Vienna.
Centrally Located
The Almanac’s location is far enough away from the Vienna’s bustling tourist core, yet close enough for a quick walk to all major attractions. Situated on the verdant tree-lined Ringstrasse, directly across from the Stadtpark with its iconic gilded statue of Johann Strauss, it feels like an exclusive escape. But in 10 minutes, guests can walk to the monumental Romanesque/Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of central Vienna. A tram stop across the street from the hotel’s front entrance makes it easy to get to attractions farther afield, such as the impressive Hofberg palace or even the mighty Danube River.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a Car Rental
- Get a universal plug adapter
Staying at the Almanac Palais
Rooms at the Almanac Palais Vienna start at approximately $320 per night for the Almanac Room and can go to upwards of more than $2,000 for a suite. A number of special packages are available, including a Christmas package and a curated escape for solo travelers. In addition, all room keys serve as passes to Belvedere 21, the contemporary art branch of Vienna’s Belvedere Museum. For those who can’t wait for their art fix, the Almanac Palais is home to an original work by Gustav Klimt.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
In 2025, the Almanac Palais Vienna was recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide.
For more Viennese accommodations, ranging from budget stays to art-filled properties, check out our previous reviews of places to stay in Austria’s capital.
