The Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection welcomes a new era for one of Vienna’s most storied addresses. Once an imperial equestrian academy, today it stands as a design-forward hotel where heritage architecture, contemporary art, and creative gastronomy meet. With 342 guest rooms, a wellness area with pool, and one of Vienna’s largest private gardens, the hotel blends imperial elegance and modern expression.

The Imperial Riding School holds the distinction of being Austria’s first Autograph Collection hotel under the Marriott International portfolio. True to the brand’s spirit, each property is hand-selected for its individuality and design, offering memorable experiences that are exactly like nothing else.

“The multifaceted identity of the building is reflected in our new hotel concept, which is expressed through equestrian elegance and an idyllic natural paradise,” Jürgen Fleischhacker, General Manager

From Garden Palais to Elegant Hotel

The story of the hotel traces back to the 18th century, when Palais Harrach, a baroque masterpiece by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, the architect of the Belvedere Palace, stood as a noble residence and cultural salon. In the 19th century, Emperor Franz Joseph I established his military equestrian school here. His imperial presence still echoes through the vaulted ceilings and graceful archways of the historic façade.

Emperor Franz Joseph I, who ruled Austria and Hungary for more than six decades, founded the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy and oversaw Vienna’s grand 19th-century transformation, commissioning landmarks such as the State Opera House, Rathaus, and Parliament along the Ringstrasse, shaping much of the city’s iconic skyline.

Over time, the building evolved with Vienna itself, from a prestigious riding school to one of the city’s largest cinemas, later serving as a postbus depot after the war. Though much was lost in the 1980s, its magnificent portico, grand columns, and historic staircase were carefully preserved, enduring as symbols of the city’s architectural heritage.

Restored with reverence for its past, the property reopened as a hotel in 1988, welcoming guests from around the world. After a brief closure following the pandemic, it has been thoughtfully revived once again, blending imperial history with modern artistry to create a destination where Vienna’s past and present converge in elegant harmony.

Located in Vienna’s third district, Landstraße, the Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection offers refined comfort and seamless access to the city’s cultural treasures, from the Belvedere Palace to the Hundertwasserhaus and Kunst Haus Wien.

Heritage and Hospitality in Vienna’s Landstraße

Located in Vienna’s third district, Landstraße, the Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection offers refined comfort and seamless access to the city’s cultural treasures, from the Belvedere Palace to the Hundertwasserhaus and Kunst Haus Wien. Between Ungargasse, Linke Bahngasse, and Rennweg, the hotel is minutes from the city centre, airport, and train station. It’s an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers.



The 342 redesigned rooms reflect Vienna’s aristocratic heritage and creative spirit, blending woven leather accents and impressionistic watercolours in a refined, tranquil setting. Led by London studio Goddard Littlefair with BWM Designers & Architects and Lindle+Bukor in Vienna, the redesign preserves the hotel’s historic character while introducing artful details – from vaulted ceilings and wooden stable floors to custom lighting and art inspired by Viennese design traditions.

Superior Rooms: Located on the upper floors, these rooms offer sweeping views of Vienna or the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, complete with king beds, a cosy seating area, and connecting options for families. (24 sqm)

Deluxe Rooms: Spacious and stylish, Deluxe Rooms capture the charm of the Landstraße district with subtle colour accents and equestrian-inspired details. Available in King, Twin, Family, and Church View configurations. (24–26 sqm)

Junior Suite: A serene retreat combining refined textures and soft hues, the Junior Suite features a king bed, a separate seating area, and a marble-topped table. (44 sqm)

Empress Suite: The hotel’s signature suite embodies noble grandeur and modern luxury. Featuring a king bedroom, elegant living space, and connecting option, it offers panoramic city views, a bath and shower, and premium amenities. (100 sqm)

Guests can unwind in the hotel’s wellness area, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, yoga room, and state-of-the-art gym. The Imperial Riding School offers 13 versatile function rooms ideal for conferences, weddings, and private celebrations, earning recognition as Cvent’s #1 Top Meeting Hotel in Europe (2025).


The Kaisergarten and Gastronomic Delights

Behind the hotel’s majestic façade lies one of Vienna’s largest private gardens and a living tribute to Emperor Franz Joseph I’s orchard, once planted to supply the imperial court with fresh fruit. This 2,000 sqm sanctuary offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the city, where guests can relax beneath the graceful canopy of The Old Lady, a 150-year-old plane tree and one of Vienna’s oldest, which stands as a symbol of the hotel’s enduring grace.

At the heart of this serene setting is Elstar Restaurant , named after the Elstar apple and inspired by the emperor’s orchard. Under the direction of Executive Chef Max Kischnick, the restaurant reimagines imperial Viennese cuisine through a contemporary lens, blending regional flavours with subtle Eastern influences. Designed by Goddard Littlefair, the 140-seat restaurant opens onto Elstar the Garden, offering an idyllic setting for alfresco dining under The Old Lady. Signature dishes include the Elstar’s Garden Salad, Szegedin Goulash with Mangalitsa pork cheeks, and a caramelised apple strudel with vanilla cream and Marchfeld strawberries.

Just steps away, The Farrier occupies the hotel’s former riding hall — a stylish space where coffee meets cocktails. With Jugendstil-inspired metalwork and an atmosphere of creative sophistication, it transitions seamlessly from daytime café to evening bar. Guests can enjoy specialty coffees, fine wines, and inventive cocktails such as the Horse Tamer, paired with light bites like sourdough lángos and gourmet burgers.

Completing the trio, Cameo pays homage to the building’s brief life as one of Vienna’s grandest cinemas. This elegant takeaway offers sweet and savoury delicacies, curated gifts, and artisanal treats, the perfect stop for travellers and locals alike. Located near the S-Bahn station, it captures the hotel’s enduring creativity in a charming, cinematic touch.

From the stables of history to the suites of today, the Imperial Riding School continues Vienna’s tradition of timeless hospitality.

Discover more at: www.imperialridingschool.com