Since its origins in the 19th century, the Grand Hotel Wien has been far more than a place to stay: it has been a privileged witness to Vienna’s social, cultural and political evolution. Its walls have hosted memorable celebrations, eras of splendour, periods of transformation and a constant dialogue between tradition and modernity. This is the story of a hotel that has known how to reinvent itself without losing its soul.
In 1862, the Viennese hotelier Anton Schneider purchased the land where the Grand Hotel Wien now stands and commissioned the construction of a maison meublée, a refined furnished residence designed by the renowned architect Carl Tietz. A few years later, that building would make way for an unprecedented project.
On 10 May 1870, the Grand Hotel Wien officially opened its doors as the first Grand Hotel in Vienna, marking a turning point in European hospitality. With 300 rooms, 200 bathrooms, steam lifts and a telegraph office, the hotel became a symbol of modernity and luxury. It soon became the epicentre of Viennese social life, hosting historic events such as the celebration of Johann Strauss’s 50th artistic anniversary in 1894, and cementing a reputation so exclusive that finding a vacant room was, for decades, a true privilege.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the hotel entered a decisive phase of expansion. In 1911, two adjoining buildings were incorporated, increasing capacity with 100 new rooms and elegant function rooms. However, history also brought a period of pause: in 1945, the hotel closed for ten years after being occupied by Russian troops following the Second World War.
After a brief reopening, the building was acquired by the Austrian state and made available to the International Atomic Energy Agency, which established its headquarters there for more than two decades. It was not until 1989 that the property regained its hotel vocation. Following an ambitious restoration led by All Nippon Airways, the building was returned to its original size, its historic façade was preserved, and the interiors were completely renewed, integrating cutting-edge technology without sacrificing its classic spirit.
On 14 June 1994, following an investment of 100 million euros, the hotel reopened its doors, achieving a perfect balance between its brilliant past and a resolute взгляд towards the future. Since then, the Grand Hotel Wien has continued to write its story as one of the great icons of Viennese hospitality—true to its legacy and in constant evolution—offering an experience where tradition and excellence continue to lead the way.