Vienna - The Amauris a dream hotel on the Ring

Garlands of stucco and flower rosettes wind their way across the almost snow-white façade. The high windows are elegantly framed by neo-classical architraves and a narrow balcony sits majestically above the entrance portal. The multi-storey corner building on Kärntner Ring radiates pure elegance. Built in 1862 as a noble palace, it has a long history: it was the home of an aristocratic family until the end of the monarchy, later serving as a bank building and then housing two hotels. It was then kissed awake to new nobility in 2018: a Viennese entrepreneurial family bought it in 2018 and renovated it from the ground up. In February 2023, it opened as the exquisite boutique hotel The Amauris with 17 suites and 45 rooms and is part of the Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel association.

Anyone checking in here will not only be staying in a prime location - the State Opera is diagonally opposite and almost all of Vienna's sightseeing highlights are within walking distance - but will also feel completely at home in the elegant design ambience with a wonderful restaurant and service.

As soon as you walk up to The Amauris, a relaxed feeling of anticipation sets in: Shady trees in front of the door and a terrace with an awning and beautifully laid tables. Breakfast, lunch or a glass of champagne before a visit to the opera - the terrace is a wonderful, urban place to start the day in Vienna or for a sightseeing break in between: Viennese stroll past on their way to the shops or work, the tram runs around the corner and the view of the opposite side of the street with its magnificent Belle Époque buildings such as the Hotel Bristol or the world-famous neo-Renaissance State Opera is stunning.

The Amauris' live-in concierge greets every guest in a friendly manner, parks their car and takes care of their luggage. Then into the lobby: you are greeted by a refined ambience that emphasises light and dark contrasts. Light, fluffy cocktail chairs, marble flooring and mouldings, magnificent coffee table books, designer accessories and an expansive, fragrant flower arrangement exude tasteful aesthetics. The bistro and the charming Glasswing restaurant are also located in the entrance area. Two lifts lead to the upper floors - one modern and one nostalgic from the early years of the building, lovingly renovated.

Anyone standing in front of their room or suite door will be amazed by an ‘open sesame’ moment: the doors are made of solid, brightly marbled marble and open majestically, almost like the gateway to a temple. 160 tonnes of marble are used in the interior of The Amauris and set spectacular living accents. These include opulent marble bathrooms in a classic-modern style, as in the Opera Suite. The largest suite at The Amauris has 120 square metres of space on the Beletage of the palace with a typically narrow ‘Parade’ balcony overlooking the Ring and high old building ceilings. All rooms are furnished with timeless classics, mainly by Italian and Swiss designers, such as sofas, lamps plus wonderfully comfortable beds with luxurious Italian linen and light down duvets.

My tip: The Grand Deluxe Room next to the Opera Suite on the second floor is beautiful enough to fall in love with. High ceiling, parquet flooring, view of the Ringstrasse, a midnight blue, piped velvet sofa with marble table on a light-coloured wool carpet, console table and separate dressing room. As a design highlight, the mini-bar hidden in a double-leaf lacquered cupboard is a real eye-catcher. The coffee capsule machine, the fridge drawer with drinks for every taste and occasion, snacks and stylish glasses keep guests supplied at all times if they do not wish to make use of the 24-hour room service. The walls are adorned with appealing, modern-minimalist art and in other rooms - such as the bar and restaurant - valuable 19th-century landscape paintings provide a harmonious and stylish contrast to the modern furnishing style. In the marble bathroom and the separate toilet, guests can freshen up with Acqua di Parma cosmetic products and enjoy the fresh flowers on the washbasin. The subtle, understated chic is simply a feel-good factor.

If you need a regenerating break after sightseeing in Vienna, pay a visit to the fitness or spa area on the second floor with its large skylight window overlooking the inner courtyard. Due to the 19th century architecture, the pool is of course not an Olympic pool, but it is large enough and perfect for swimming laps thanks to the counter-current system. It is also well tempered with a whirlpool area. Afterwards, a visit to the sauna or steam bath plus a ‘power nap’ on the loungers and the evening in Vienna's nightlife can begin.

You might be hungry beforehand: in the bistro with bar, you can sit in a cosy, informal atmosphere and order just an appetiser or put together your own menu, depending on how hungry you are. The selection appeals to a discerning, international clientele: the menu includes everything from Asian ramen soup to caviar, wagyu fillet or crossover creations such as tandoori-style pepper chicken with Korean kimchi and curd cheese dumplings.

According to the menu, French-Romanian chef Alexandru Simon offers upscale fine dining at the Glasswing restaurant. I haven't eaten here, so I can only say what the dishes and photos promise, which seems quite tempting and has its price. A seven-course menu costs 190 euros.

Breakfast at The Amauris is excellent. Guests can choose what they fancy à la carte, from classic egg dishes such as Egg Benedict to French toast, fruit or homemade cereals.

The Amauris - a first-class, new hotel address in Vienna.

www.theamauris.com

Price example:

Deluxe room: from 390 EUR per night incl. breakfast

Executive Suite: from 720 EUR per night incl. breakfast

Grand Maisonette Suite: from 970 EUR per night incl. breakfast