Updated October 2026: The former Palais Hansen Kempinski was rebranded as Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna by Minor Hotels in 2024, and a refurbishment of the lobby, restaurants and all rooms and suites was completed in April 2025. An 800 m² Anantara spa with a hydropool, saunas and a hammam-style steam bath opened in February 2025, Theo’s Lounge & Bar opened in December 2024, and fine-dining restaurant Edvard regained its Michelin star in 2025.
Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna at a glance
Location: Schottenring, on Vienna’s Ringstrasse | Price: $$$ | Best for: Food lovers and city breaks close to the Innere Stadt
Rooms: 152 rooms and suites | Best time to go: Spring, autumn or December for the Christmas markets
Why we love it: A listed 1873 palace by Theophil Hansen, rebranded as Anantara and fully refurbished in 2025. Michelin-starred Edvard and a new 800 m² spa make it a strong pick for food lovers.
Good to know: Formerly the Palais Hansen Kempinski, it became Anantara in 2024. The spa, with hydropool, saunas and steam bath, is open to day visitors as well as hotel guests.
Insider detail: The hotel goes all out for Christmas, with decorations and carols throughout, and the Hofburg and State Opera are a pleasant stroll away.
My stay at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna
This year I flew to Europe for my first Christmas away from home in one of my favourite European cities to visit; Vienna. Having grown up in Australia I have always spent my Christmases in the summer, so not only would this be my first Christmas away from home but also my experience of Christmas in winter.
Although there was no snow (dang!) it was just as magical as I envisioned it would be to spend Christmas in Vienna. The streets light up in the evenings and create a soft glow, people congregate around standing tables to sip on their glühwein and although it is often below freezing, layering yourself in thick coats is the perfect way to achieve cosiness.
Checking In: Palais Hansen Kempinski
For my few nights in Vienna I checked in to the Palais Hansen, a luxury hotel by the Kempinski group that do Christmas like nothing else. The entire hotel comes to life in the form of Christmas decorations, Christmas carols and a similar Christmas spirit to that you see in the likes of Home and Alone 2 (coincidentally my favourite Christmas film!)
The hotel is located in the 1st District of Vienna, a short and pleasant stroll to the likes of the Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera House and the hustle and bustle of the main shopping area in the centre of town.
My room was located on the 2nd floor of the hotel and made for the perfect base to explore Vienna. This city is hands down one of the most beautiful cities to be in during the month of December and although there is a high chance of having a White Christmas – unfortunately for me this year I missed out despite the cold temperatures!
Follow my adventures on Instagram for more travel inspiration!
Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna: frequently asked questions
Is Palais Hansen Kempinski still open?
The hotel still operates in the same building, but since 2024 it has been Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, run by Minor Hotels.
Does Anantara Palais Hansen have a Michelin-starred restaurant?
Yes. Edvard, led by chef Paul Gamauf, regained its Michelin star in February 2025.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, an 800 m² spa with six treatment rooms, a hydropool, Finnish sauna, women-only sauna and steam bath, open to hotel guests and day visitors.
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Brooke is a Tasmanian-born writer and professional baker who started World of Wanderlust in 2013 and has since travelled to 86 countries. These days her guides focus on what she knows best: the bakeries, hotels and places worth crossing the world for.
