Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection | Vienna, Austria
Where Imperial Heritage Meets Contemporary Design
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A remarkable transformation of a former imperial cavalry school into one of Vienna’s most distinctive lifestyle hotels.
● Sophisticated interiors by Goddard Littlefair that subtly weave equestrian history into contemporary design.
● A rare private garden, elegant dining, and beautifully designed social spaces just beyond the historic city centre.
A Building with Many Lives
Few hotels in Vienna can claim a history as layered as the Imperial Riding School. Originally established as a military riding academy during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the building later became one of Vienna’s largest cinemas before serving as a postal bus depot. Today, following an ambitious redesign by Goddard Littlefair in collaboration with local architects BWM Designers & Architects and Lindle+Bukor, it has entered an entirely new chapter. Rather than recreating imperial nostalgia, the designers have carefully translated the building’s remarkable past into a contemporary hotel filled with warmth, character, and subtle storytelling.
Design Inspired by Equestrian Heritage
From the moment guests enter the spacious lobby, the hotel’s history quietly reveals itself. Original arches and columns remain proudly intact, while warm timber flooring recalls the site’s former stables. Bespoke lighting crafted from glass, metal, and horsehair references traditional riding equipment, while an elegant brass ring sculpture anchors the space and guides guests deeper into the hotel. Historic details—including a restored Franz Joseph sign discovered during the renovation—sit comfortably alongside contemporary furnishings, creating interiors that feel both refined and approachable.
Rooms with Quiet References to the Past
Across the guestrooms, the equestrian theme appears through thoughtful design rather than obvious decoration. Carpets subtly trace the hoof patterns of Empress Elisabeth’s horse, leather-strapped lighting recalls bridles, bedside tables echo stirrups, and scalloped bathroom vanities reference traditional saddles. Warm colours, tactile fabrics, soft leather, timber, and layered lighting create rooms that feel unmistakably Viennese while remaining fresh and contemporary. The result is elegant without becoming formal, historical without feeling nostalgic.
A Garden Hidden in the City
One of the hotel’s greatest surprises lies behind the building: one of Vienna’s largest private gardens. Once planted as an orchard during the reign of Franz Joseph I, the peaceful green space now provides a rare urban retreat where guests can enjoy breakfast, afternoon drinks, or simply escape the rhythm of the city. It gives the hotel an atmosphere few central Vienna properties can match.
Dining with Character
The hotel’s two signature venues each tell part of the building’s story. Elstar, named after the apple variety once cultivated on the grounds, combines elegant Secession-inspired detailing with warm colours and seasonal cuisine before flowing naturally into the garden terrace. The Farrier Bar embraces a richer palette of brass, velvet, and metal, creating an intimate setting for expertly crafted cocktails inspired by the hotel’s equestrian heritage.
Quiet Moments of Wellness
The hotel’s spa continues the understated design language found throughout the property. A serene indoor pool, tiled alcoves, soft lighting, and calming natural tones create a peaceful sanctuary where guests can unwind after exploring Vienna. It’s wellness designed for relaxation rather than spectacle.
Why It Works
Imperial Riding School succeeds because it never allows history to become decoration. Every design decision feels connected to the building’s remarkable past while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary hospitality. The result is a hotel that feels authentically Viennese yet refreshingly modern—rich in character, beautifully designed, and full of quiet surprises. For travellers looking beyond Vienna’s traditional grand hotels, this thoughtful reinvention offers one of the city’s most compelling contemporary stays.
