Round The World and other travels

October 2012: Imperial Riding School Renaissance, Vienna

True to its name, this hotel was a military riding school in the 19th century. However the Imperial Riding School should not be confused with the Spanish Riding School, which exists to this day as an integral part of the Hofburg Palace and which is a major tourist attraction right in the heart of the city centre. The Renaissance lies a little outside the main central area but still enjoys a fairly spectacular location, thanks entirely to being situated next door to the Russian Orthodox cathedral. It is also within walking distance of the Belvedere Palace and with Vienna's superb public transport system at their disposal, guests need never feel that they are far away from anything.

As befits the former standing of the main building, the public areas are impressive, none more so than the excellent lobby bar. Less public areas such as the upper-floor corridors were perhaps a little tired-looking and in need of some refurbishment. Although we were not in an Executive Room we were given access to the club, which was situated in a modern building just across the lane leading up to the cathedral.

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