A new Vienna hotel revives and old equestrian theme

Vienna is rich with the sort of great-bones historic architecture that translates spectacularly to contemporary life. The new Imperial Riding School hotel, just east of the city centre in the Landstraße district, is no exception. A refurbishment of the 19th-century military equestrian school maintains its historic façade and vaulted arches while modernising with rich, elevated details that pay homage to the original.

The Vienna property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and now has 342 guest rooms—which start from €168 per night—with hardwood floors and quaint equestrian details like leather accents and horsehair panels. New furnishings play on classic styles and bring a touch of louche and bohemian allure to overnights. London practice Goddard Littlefair filled the rooms with pop art and brought in a jewel-toned palette that recalls the work of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Bathrooms are enveloped in hardwood too, and accessorised with deep green marble, but have arched mirrors and recessed lighting that echo the grand archways and arched doorways downstairs.

Those arches turn up everywhere. The lobby and café have sightlines through a succession of elegant curved arches. The dining rooms and meeting rooms are ringed with arched windows and transepts. Stained-glass artwork and a large metalwork sculpture hanging over the bar carry through the motif. A succession of tiled archways around the indoor pool double as niches for lounging.

And the horsey details come up again. In the landscape gardens and orchard, you might choose to relax in seating that’s been arranged in horseshoe formation.

‘Respecting the building’s illustrious past and heritage while navigating the constraints of a classical property was paramount in our approach,’ says Goddard Littlefair cofounder Martin Goddard. ‘By carefully preserving the architectural integrity and infusing it with contemporary elements, we’ve honoured the legacy of the Imperial Riding School, ensuring its continued relevance and splendour for generations to come.’