In Vienna luxury can take a highly traditional form. Although the Austro-Hungarian monarchy ceased to exist in 1918, the high quality standards set by the former purveyors to the imperial court continue to have their place in the modern era. Around 500 companies were granted the royal k. u. k. (kaiserlichen und königlichen) warrant, making them Hoflieferanten. With this honor came the right to supply the Imperial Court with goods and services. Whether they had the imperial seal or not, in Vienna these long-standing local companies and their artisanal traditions continue to shape the city’s unmistakable appearance and fuel unique shopping experiences in the twenty-first century.
Viennese luxury from the first step on the airport
Since 29 March 2022 Vienna International Airport put Terminal 2 once again into operation, ensuring a new travel experience for passengers. The oldest airport terminal was completely modernized and expanded to encompass new features. Travelers can take advantage of a modern and very exclusive lounge covering an area of 2,400 m² as well as new restaurant and shop offerings. Vienna’s long history of former purveyors to the imperial court can be experienced already on arrival: The hall itself is decorated with life-size, elegant chandeliers manufactured by the traditional Viennese family company J & L Lobmeyr, which is the epitome of handmade Viennese luxury.
The company founded in 1823 with its head office on the most famous shopping street Kärntner Strasse in the city center, manufactures chandeliers in all shapes and styles as well as high-quality crystal glass. Know-how passed on through generations and a rich archive – the chandelier workshop has over 10,000 cast models – allow the authentic recreation of every style of chandelier, while also being a source of endless possibilities for new ideas – a variety of 17 shades of gold are available to choose from.
The company used to supply the Imperial Palace in Vienna as well as other European royal families. One of the largest chandeliers ever manufactured by Lobmeyr was for the Great Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
First Rosewood in the German-Speaking Countries
Another luxury hotel addition, the 5-star Rosewood Vienna, is set to open its doors in a sought-after first district location on July 15 2022. It is the fifth Rosewood Hotel in Europe and the first to open in a German-speaking country. Discerning guests have the pick of 99 spacious rooms and suites while various function rooms are available for meetings, conferences, and gatherings of all kinds. The property features a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a rooftop bar with exceptional city views and a vibrant restaurant with a terrace garden serving European cuisine designed to appeal to guests and locals alike. The lavish reworking of this historic former bank building dating back to 1830 has successfully retained the property’s authentic charm. Viennese craftsmanship from Lobmeyr can be found at the Rosewood Vienna as well. The “Hoffmann House”, the property’s 178 m2 presidential suite, is adorned with the iconic Metropolitan chandelier of Lobmeyr, which brings Viennese luxury and elegance into the room.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from the GCC region, so that they can experience the premium destination Vienna first-hand. Vienna has a host of surprises for the luxury-loving guest from the GCC region, who prefer the more tasteful things in life. And it wouldn’t be Vienna if the extravagance were not accompanied by a hint of the city’s typical charm.”
Matthias Schwindl, Media Manager Middle East at the Vienna Tourist Board