Overall, an incredible stay. I've been waiting to write this review because I knew it would be a…read morelong one, but it's well deserved. I cannot recommend this hotel enough! I didn't want to leave! I'm so glad I chose to stay here. I've noticed there are so many hotels in Europe that are included in the Mariott Bonvoy brand, but don't really acknowledge that or don't include any elite benefits. That is not the case at Imperial Riding School. I felt very welcome as a platinum elite member. I arrived early, around 11 AM, because that is when my train arrived from Prague, and my room was available right away. I was upgraded to a suite. From the moment I stepped out of my Uber, I was greeted by a staff member with a friendly smile who asked if I needed assistance with my luggage. And then immediately walked up to the desk with no line and was greeted by welcoming and kind front desk staff who immediately offered me water and helped me get checked in right away, quickly and seamlessly. She told me all about the hotel and the benefits I would have as a platinum elite member. I was able to choose free breakfast as my welcome gift. I was also informed that the mini bar in my room was free. This may be because I was in a suite, I'm actually not sure. But the mini bar was awesome! They had bottled Aperol spritzes, organic apple juice, beer, water, and some Pringles. Not a huge selection, but it was refilled quickly and twice a day if needed. They had plenty of glassware available as well.
The room (and hotel) were beautiful! Beautifully designed, creative, efficient, everything in working order. I know that sounds silly to stay, but there are so many hotels these days that are cutting corners, trying to save money and so many random things are broken down or in disarray. Not here. I couldn't find one flaw. My room was huge, it had a sitting area and living room. The bathroom is massive with a giant soaker tub. Toiletries included bath salts if you want to take a relaxing bath. I did use the shampoo and conditioner, which was great quality. Not your typical watered down hotel shampoo. Same with the lotion. Huge and plenty full towels, nice thick bath robes. The bed was wonderful and the hotel is so quiet. I got a great night's rest and heard no noise from the street or the hallway. And that is saying a lot as there is construction going on outside the hotel right now (early September 2026) and the hotel was nearly full/at capacity.
The hotel is a little bit off the beaten path, but you can still walk to most major tourist destinations. It might take about 20 minutes. I did Uber to a few places. However, weather was beautiful, so I did walk most of the time.
Breakfast was amazing. Huge selection, plenty of space to sit in the restaurant, even though it was busy, it wasn't like you were fighting the masses for food. And as your free breakfast welcome gift, you have access to the entire buffet plus à la carte options. They have multiple coffee/espresso machines as well.
Food at the restaurant/bar is also spectacular. I went and got food there 3 different times! I love a hotel that has a great restaurant, it's just so convenient when you are busy traveling. I highly recommend the filet, the truffle gnocchi (I got this twice, spectacular) and the chicken Caesar salad. This is also one of the only places that made me an actual dirty vodka martini (yes, I'm an American lol). If you know, you know, that's really hard to find in Europe lol
The final little surprise that I didn't realize... They offer turn down service! They will place a little chocolate on your pillow, refill your mini bar and towels, etc.
100 out of 10 recommend. I will 100% stay here when I return to Vienna and I cannot wait. I feel like I got an amazing deal on this place. Definitely worth the money, I honestly would've paid more. Crazy, right? This is the kind of service that I expect from the Marriott Brand and Autograph Collection Hotels and they definitely deliver.