Austria Trend Park Royal Palace ★★★★S

In a city whose very name conjures up a phantasmagoria of elegantly twirling dancers, grand concert halls, baroque palaces, fine arts, majestic churches and fairy-tale architecture, a splash of modernism is a rather welcome surprise. This is the chance to swap strudel in a quaint café for cocktails in a swanky bar. Vienna’s is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. And whether you want a soothing sanctuary after an afternoon in the summer sun, or a warm, cosy nest after a bitter and blustery morning at a winter market, the Hotel Park Royal Palace is perfect for every occasion, offering everything you need but with a luxurious 21st century twist.

As you approach, the glass and gold-coloured panels glint and shimmer lazily in the sunlight, sparkling like the lavish interiors of a Viennese palace or opera house. It is a theme which continues as you cross the threshold and glimpse the golden streamers which gracefully dangle from the lofty ceiling of the palatial lobby. Yet, apart from this luxurious colour scheme and the general air of refinement which weaves its way like a golden thread through every room of the hotel, there is very little to associate the hotel to the grand monuments which stand proudly and imposingly in the city centre. The design is unashamedly contemporary, more fit for a modern day A-lister than one of Vienna’s historic cultural icons – think Schwarzenegger rather than Schubert. As if to prove a point, the soaring columns and huge desk in the lobby jut out at impossible angles, while lights hang from the ceiling like futuristic orbs.

Step one on your sightseeing tour, however, will transport you firmly back into the classical Vienna. Just five minutes’ stroll from the hotel, the Schönbrunn Palace is a symphony of rococo grandeur and luxuriant gardens. A walk through the capacious and extravagant chambers is like a crescendo of luxury, while outside, the grounds are a perfect harmony of wild woodland, meadows and exquisitely manicured gardens. If this merely serves to make you greedy for some more of the Austrian capital’s cultural riches, a short journey on the underground will soon have you immersed in art, music and architectural gems. Mosey through the splendid 19th century Kunsthistorisches fine arts museum and marvel at the marble pillars, gilding and frescoes on the decadent interior of the Jesuit Church; take a tour of the magnificent gothic cathedral and admire the Albertina’s unique blend of art and architecture; and before you know it, another starry night will have fallen and you will be dressed up in all your finery for a show at the State Opera House…

That is just one of many suggestions for the evening’s entertainment. In fact, you could happily spend the whole night without ever setting foot outside the Hotel Park Royal Palace. After a busy day dancing your way around the sights of Vienna, revive yourself for the night ahead with a blissful massage treatment or wallow in the soothing atmosphere of the steam room and sauna. Alternatively, if you are more the kind to attempt to justify the indulgent excesses to come, burn off some calories in the state-of-the-art gym. Then it is time for a quick change and an aperitif at the Chino Bar. In winter, you can make yourself comfortable in the cosy indoor area, surrounded by polished dark wood and leather, while in the summer you can take your pick from the list of inventive and classic cocktails and sit on the terrace, overlooking the parkland behind the hotel.

Moving on, the Regio restaurant’s classic Viennese cuisine with a creative, contemporary twist and fine Austrian wines, is a delectable way to end a day – a day which began so many hours ago, with the equally delightful Austria Trend breakfast at Morgenstund', with vast spread of local specialties and many organic choices. Tired and most satisfied, by the time you finally retreat to your Deluxe Room you will sink blissfully into your plush bedding and personally selected pillow. For the time being, you do not even look at the sleek modern décor and elegant wood panelling, you do not appreciate the roomy living area or the stunning bathroom, you do not care about the high speed Wi-Fi or flat screen TV, and you simply slip into a deep sleep. These things will certainly come in handy the next morning however, to set the tone for another luxurious day in this incredible city!