Austrian hospitality group Almanac Hotels is expanding its collection of luxury boutique hotel properties with two new additions to its European portfolio.
In early 2023, Almanac X Prague and Almanac Palais Vienna will join the existing Almanac Barcelona, as the Haselbacher family continue to grow their luxury portfolio.
One of Prague’s landmark hotels – the 204-room Alcron – has been refurbished and will re-launch in January as the Almanac X Prague, the first of the Almanac X brand, introducing a new interpretation on luxury hotels with a contemporary, relaxed feel and an authentic approach on the local cuisine, with a lead on seasonal and local produce.
Following a €20 million re-design of every room and all the public spaces lead by interior designers Tres Cinco Uno and local architects Marani, the hotel will offer its own, modern take on local Czech cuisine activating alternative and traditional cooking, with a plant-forward and head to tail approach.
With the renovation of this iconic institution comes new additions: a rooftop terrace, a concept store and speciality coffee shop, all designed to re-create the hotel’s prominence as a cultural hot-spot and give guests an experience which is original, different and in tune with their personal lifestyles.
The revival of two great central Viennese buildings – former Palais Henckel von Donnersmarck and Palais Leitenberger both located on the famous Vienna Ringstrasse and opposite the lush Stadtpark – will see the birth of Almanac Palais Vienna in February 2023. Very much a landmark location in a city rich with architectural heritage, these monumental Neo-Gothic and Neo-Baroque buildings form part of the urban renewal that took place under Emperor Franz Joseph I in the late 19th century.
At this time, Salon Culture was alive and thriving with beautiful, grand ornate socialising spaces built for families to entertain and show their standing in society. The Almanac Palais Vienna benefits from the original ornate socialising spaces that date back to Salon culture with breath-taking public areas from entrance hall, lobby to restaurant and bar on the ground floors.
Spanish designers Beriestain have sympathetically woven modern interiors into the bones of the buildings without detracting from the original grandeur and history. Comprising 111 guestrooms and suites with an emphasis on spacious suites, a luxurious spa with an indoor pool, and about 1000m2 of meeting and event spaces, the décor throughout is inspired by the Imperial period in Austria as well as the mosaics of Klimt and other contemporary artists. The interior palette features warm colours, combined with natural light and a beautiful finish throughout, resulting in a luxurious yet relaxed interior.
With a focus on local culinary traditions, the new Donnersmarkt restaurant at Almanac Palais Vienna will offer a modern and creative take on plant-forward Alpine cuisine. The menus include historic recipes recreated with local flowers, herbs, cheeses, vegetables and meat. As well as the restaurant, the hotel will feature a fabulous gold circular bar where Austrian craft beers, spirits and natural wines will take centre-stage, and a specialty coffee shop.
