The Imperial in Vienna is one of the few hotels in the world and the only hotel in Austria offering a personal butler service.

After training at the Imperial’s sister hotel, St. Regis in New York, and in butler schools in London the elegant butlers are on call. For guests in Imperial double rooms and all suites, the personal valet is always at the disposition of the traveller at no extra charge.

In-room check-in, personalised business cards, pressing service, shoeshine, a personal wake-up call and early morning tea or coffee at your bedside is only part of the service. Even the morning paper is hand-ironed! ‘If desired, the butler takes care of special wishes and accompanies you on your shopping tours in Vienna or even on a private jet to any other destinations,’ says General Manager Oscar del Campo.

A guest history, dating back some 50 years, guarantees that every guest is treated like a personal friend fulfilling wishes even before they are expressed. "With this exclusive butler service, the Hotel Imperial once again proves its distinguishable award of having been voted Best Hotel in the World in 1994 and offers to its guests a service of the leading rank", explains Oscar del Campo. “You will find many beautiful hotels in top locations. In the long run, however, only a unique and individual service will make the difference.”

Urbane and widely travelled guests look forward to immersing into pure luxury, a new service offered by the “Bath Butler” of the Imperial. Prior to indulging in your private relaxation, your butler will prepare fruits, cigars, brandy or choose your favourite music. The essences of exclusive French cosmetics manufacturer L’OCCITANE promise pure bathing bliss, either in the Gentlemen’s bath amidst delicate rose blossoms, or in a refreshment bath with ferns and green leaves (vegetable sticks being served as energy boosters besides).

Living up to his high standards, the Imperial Butler will simply anticipate guests’ every wish.

Stories from The Hotel Imperial in Vienna

The composer Richard Wagner honoured the Imperial by his arrival in 1875. He occupied seven rooms in the first hotel in the city while the master prepared performances of “Tannhäuser” and “Lohengrin”. Wagner had a grand piano set up in the salon of his suite. Supplied with pots of black coffee, he played music all night long, composed and re-arranged main parts. The Imperial guests soon got used to the impressive sounds from Wagner’s room and did not complain. 

When King Ibn Saud was lodging at the Imperial, the Sheikh of Quatar was also staying there. They happened to meet. After the ceremonial embrace and kisses, two platforms had to be erected at the lobby. Two gilded chairs were placed and they had coffee together. 

A recent guest bought a puppy dog in Vienna and asked to send him back to a Middle East country alone – on a seat in the airplane. The concierge started to explain that an unattended dog on a plane…. And was answered with a “Don’t worry, it’s my airline”. 

Luciano Pavarotti requested to use the grand piano in the Imperial Hall to quickly rehearse a few arias before performing at the State Opera. So the concierge politely asked the guests if they would not mind… and after some disbelieve they where quite surprised and delighted. 

The great actress Sarah Bernhardt drove the servants at the Imperial to despair. The eccentric diva’s numerous suitcases contained not just her wardrobe, but also gold bars. Fear of inflation was rampant at this time! 

The floor of the Royal Suite at the Imperial was one foot high covered with white roses, when diva Eleonora Duse arrived.

As guest wanted to hire a helicopter and throw 5000 roses over the Imperial. Sadly, the police did not allow him to do so, but the Butler organized the hugest bunch of roses ever – and soon a wedding was celebrated.

And: Did you know that today’s Imperial lobby was the driveway for the arriving coaches and cobble stone is hidden under the marble floor of the reception? It was here that horse drawn carriages pulled up and unloaded the guests of the patron Prince of Württemberg. The carriages turned round in the grand hall and the horses were tied on in the little niches, which still can be seen. In 1912 only the entrance was closed and elegant silence made the Imperial what it is now: A residence for our most discerning guests.