Park Hyatt Vienna

The opulent entrance hall already hints at the spectacular: The walls and floor are made of two-tone marble - a splendor reminiscent of the imperial era, an elegance reminiscent of Art Nouveau. Just a few steps up, and the next precious gem lies at your feet: "The Bank" restaurant, which was once the cashier's hall of the Länderbank, which had its headquarters here. But dinner will have to wait - with all this bling-bling, our curiosity about the room is particularly high. The receptionist takes us up to the fourth floor in the glass elevator - incidentally, there is also a historic elevator that used to discreetly transport the bank directors from the mezzanine floor to their offices on the Beletage. Number 414 is one of seven "Park Suite View" suites, measures a good 60 m2 and has two walk-in wardrobes as well as an eye-catching oversized brooch as a wall sculpture. An imperial feeling of living is created, slightly dampened by windows that do not close hermetically. The spacious marble bathroom with rain shower and free-standing bathtub is wonderfully bright. The stylish silver washbasins: handmade by Premier Copper Products. The lights: from Lights of Vienna. All highly appetizing. Speaking of which. "The Bank" is waiting.

Max Eggenberger, Chef de Rang from the Schneeberg region, is flexible and overturns the prepared menu: As a starter, two pan-fried scallops are served with asparagus sauce, lardo and cuttlefish crispy chip, even more delicious than the tuna tartare with avocado, coriander and ponzu-braised onion. After the halibut as the main course, the feast comes to a rustic end with a sour cream pancake and hay milk ice cream. Another tribute to the bank's heritage awaits in the spa: it is located in the former vault. The glass tiled floor made of gold leaf is a reminder of the gold bars that once lay dormant here. No question: this luxury hotel is making waves - even more than nine years after its opening.