Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna

With a backstory that reads like notes from a Wes Anderson script, the hotel began in 1863 as a short-lived royal palace, but in an era of rapid geopolitical upheaval, it found itself converted into a grand hotel by 1873 (the same year the metropolis of Budapest was formed). The hotel quickly became a Viennese hub for culture, frequently hosting the likes of Wagner and Brahms, as well as the Emperor himself. The structure survived both World Wars and for over a decade served as a post-war Soviet headquarters, re-opening as a hotel again in 1958. The former 19th-century palace retains much of its original opulence, and a 2013-2014 renovation by Starwood Hotels & Resorts added modern amenities without disturbing too much of the extraordinary original elegance.

A landmark of the Ringstrasse, Hotel Imperial is centrally located near some of the city's most famous cultural destinations. It's walking distance to the Vienna State Opera, Musikverein, and Albertina, as well as Ringstrassen Galerien's upscale shopping. Kohlmarkt Street, home to brands such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, is also less than a 15-minute walk away. The U-Bahn station at Karlsplatz is four blocks away, making for easy access to other parts of the city. Expect a 25- to 30-minute drive to Vienna International Airport.

There are 138 individually-decorated Neoclassical rooms here, a large number of which are suites (it was, after all, a palace). Most are on the lower floors. Upper floors house the smaller classic rooms who trade a great deal of pomp for more commanding views of the city. Chandeliers, rich heavy drapery, and reproduction period furniture make the Imperial decor come alive. The Classic Rooms are on the small side, while Deluxe Rooms have more generous space and include writing desks and sitting areas. Bathrooms are basic and can be a bit cramped, but they do pack in an incredible amount of marble around the double-sink vanities and walk-in rainfall showers. A number of suite types are available; all have around double the ceiling height of the average rooms and include details such as original parquet floors. Some have multiple levels and contain antiques and oil-paintings. Guests can also stay in suites that were once the personal rooms of the Prince, and all come with a private butler.

The hotel's Cafe Imperial produces and sells its own famous cake, the Imperial Torte, a lavish confection that combines marzipan with a touch of cocoa creme under a milk-chocolate glaze that's been selling out on a regular basis since 1874. Popular with older locals, the coffeehouse -- known for its wiener schnitzel -- also doubles as the breakfast room, where a buffet spread is served every morning for a fee. The new heart of the hotel is the marble and gold bar,1873 HalleNsalon, where cocktails and light snacks are served late into the evening with classical pianists providing entertainment under the massive crystal chandeliers dangling overhead. OPUS restaurant is only open for dinner, serving its modern international take on traditional Viennese favors in an intimate dining room. 

Five event spaces include three smaller salons, newly opened in the last renovation, along with two beautifully restored 19th-century halls that can accommodate 110 people each. The small business center could use some newer computers, but its high gilded ceilings make it a spectacular place to work. Wi-Fi is also available for a fee, though guests are allotted a small amount of free Internet at check-in. 

There's a small fitness room with an attached sauna, but no spa, pool, or hot tubs. Premium pampering comes in the form of the hotel's butler service (included with suites). Apart from tasks such as laundry and bath drawing, the butlers can also arrange for custom business cards with the hotel listed as a temporary address. Additional perks include free breakfasts, in-room open bars, and limousine service -- butlers will also accompany guests on shopping trips.