Destination Touchdown: Vienna

By Shannon Skeels

Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

Vienna, the city where imperial luxury meets modern sophistication, continues to captivate event planners. Known for its historic charm, beautifully decorated venues, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the capital of Austria is an ideal destination for meetings and incentive trips.

From the long list of new and refurbished venues, to the spectacular Strauss bicentenary celebrations, there’s never been a better time to take a closer look at this vibrant city.

Getting There

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Getting to Vienna from London is effortless, with non-stop flights leaving the UK capital every few hours via Austrian Airlines and British Airways. Flight time is an easy two hours or so, and Vienna International Airport provides fast transport links that get travellers into the city centre in under 20 minutes.

For international events with delegates flying long-haul or outside the Schengen zone, Austrian Airlines’ newly opened Non-Schengen Lounge offers a refined pre-flight experience. Open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the lounge blends Austrian hospitality with modern comfort, featuring cosy seating, a serviced coffee house with Austrian delicacies, and an exclusive area for HON Circle members. 

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

What’s New in Vienna? 

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Vienna’s hotel landscape has expanded in 2024 with several exciting new openings and refurbishments, blending history, design, and sustainability, adding further appeal for event planners and business travellers.

The Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper has been welcoming guests for over a century and has recently undergone a complete renovation by British designer Nina Campbell.

The hotel features just twelve rooms, each named after a famous musician, meaning its intimate size ensures a more personalised experience, and its central location makes it perfect for incentive groups looking to explore Vienna’s rich musical heritage and shopping districts.

Vienna’s Hotel Astoria has been a favourite among aristocrats, diplomats, and film stars since 1912, and after a €15 million refurbishment, it’s back to its glamorous best. The redesign preserves its historic Art Deco charm, with opulent chandeliers, elegant fireplaces, and a lavish lobby bar - the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.

Boasting 125 newly refreshed rooms, including a romantic Beletage suite with a private balcony, the hotel combines old-world glamour with modern comforts. For business events, four fully air-conditioned meeting rooms provide an ideal location for conferences and corporate gatherings, right in the heart of the city.

 Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

 Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Vienna’s hotel landscape has expanded in 2024 with several exciting new openings and refurbishments, blending history, design, and sustainability, adding further appeal for event planners and business travellers.

The Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper has been welcoming guests for over a century and has recently undergone a complete renovation by British designer Nina Campbell.

The hotel features just twelve rooms, each named after a famous musician, meaning its intimate size ensures a more personalised experience, and its central location makes it perfect for incentive groups looking to explore Vienna’s rich musical heritage and shopping districts.

Vienna’s Hotel Astoria has been a favourite among aristocrats, diplomats, and film stars since 1912, and after a €15 million refurbishment, it’s back to its glamorous best. The redesign preserves its historic Art Deco charm, with opulent chandeliers, elegant fireplaces, and a lavish lobby bar - the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.

Boasting 125 newly refreshed rooms, including a romantic Beletage suite with a private balcony, the hotel combines old-world glamour with modern comforts. For business events, four fully air-conditioned meeting rooms provide an ideal location for conferences and corporate gatherings, right in the heart of the city.

 Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

 Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

Imperial Riding School

Imperial Riding School

Imperial Riding School

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

If you’re after a hotel that will leave a lasting impression, the Imperial Riding School - which is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection - certainly won't disappoint. Originally built as a military riding school in the 19th century, this venue reopened in May 2024 following an extensive redesign by British interior specialists Goddard Littlefair. The vaulted ceilings and stone columns in the lobby give the whole place a regal feel, while the lush private garden and indoor pool add a touch of zen.

For event planners, this hotel is a dream venue. With a meeting hall that can accommodate up to 375 people, it’s perfect for conferences, gala dinners, and private receptions. Business trip or not, this is one place where you’ll want to linger a little longer.

Marking its first entry into Austria, The Hoxton Vienna embraces its typical open-house concept, reflecting the districts in which each hotel is located. Set in a beautifully restored 1950s mid-century building, this eight-storey hotel is a vibrant venue, located just moments away from Stadtpark. The almost 200 rooms blend vintage design with modern touches, and the communal spaces are designed to be just as much for locals as for travellers.

The real showstopper of this venue has to be Cayo Coco, the rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can sip cocktails while taking in panoramic views of the Vienna skyline. There’s also a basement speakeasy for late-night drinks, several meeting rooms and a dedicated events space, making it a fantastic option for corporate groups looking for something a little different.

Imperial Riding School

Imperial Riding School

Imperial Riding School

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

If you’re after a hotel that will leave a lasting impression, the Imperial Riding School - which is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection - certainly won't disappoint. Originally built as a military riding school in the 19th century, this venue reopened in May 2024 following an extensive redesign by British interior specialists Goddard Littlefair. The vaulted ceilings and stone columns in the lobby give the whole place a regal feel, while the lush private garden and indoor pool add a touch of zen.

For event planners, this hotel is a dream venue. With a meeting hall that can accommodate up to 375 people, it’s perfect for conferences, gala dinners, and private receptions. Business trip or not, this is one place where you’ll want to linger a little longer.

Marking its first entry into Austria, The Hoxton Vienna embraces its typical open-house concept, reflecting the districts in which each hotel is located. Set in a beautifully restored 1950s mid-century building, this eight-storey hotel is a vibrant venue, located just moments away from Stadtpark. The almost 200 rooms blend vintage design with modern touches, and the communal spaces are designed to be just as much for locals as for travellers.

The real showstopper of this venue has to be Cayo Coco, the rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can sip cocktails while taking in panoramic views of the Vienna skyline. There’s also a basement speakeasy for late-night drinks, several meeting rooms and a dedicated events space, making it a fantastic option for corporate groups looking for something a little different.

The Hoxton Vienna

The Hoxton Vienna

Finally, if sustainability is high on your event-planning radar, you wont want to miss out on Hotel Schani UNO City. The entire hotel is powered by state-of-the-art automation, with motion sensors controlling lighting, heating, and cooling to minimise energy consumption across its 202 rooms and suites.

However, just because it’s smart doesn’t mean it lacks personality. The interiors are cosy and inviting, with plenty of green spaces, locally sourced materials, and spots to work or relax. With multiple co-working spaces and meeting rooms, it’s an ideal base for conference-goers attending events at the Austria Center Vienna.

Alongside all these new openings and refurbishments, Vienna boasts an impressive lineup of properties from other major hotel brands, such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Intercontinental, all offering high-end accommodation conveniently located close to the major conference centres.

On top of that, the city is full of unique and historic event spaces, such as the palatial halls of Schönbrunn Palace, to the iconic Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic or even more contemporary venues like the MuseumsQuartier, giving event planners multiple options to suit any occasion.

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Finally, if sustainability is high on your event-planning radar, you wont want to miss out on Hotel Schani UNO City. The entire hotel is powered by state-of-the-art automation, with motion sensors controlling lighting, heating, and cooling to minimise energy consumption across its 202 rooms and suites.

However, just because it’s smart doesn’t mean it lacks personality. The interiors are cosy and inviting, with plenty of green spaces, locally sourced materials, and spots to work or relax. With multiple co-working spaces and meeting rooms, it’s an ideal base for conference-goers attending events at the Austria Center Vienna.

Alongside all these new openings and refurbishments, Vienna boasts an impressive lineup of properties from other major hotel brands, such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Intercontinental, all offering high-end accommodation conveniently located close to the major conference centres.

On top of that, the city is full of unique and historic event spaces, such as the palatial halls of Schönbrunn Palace, to the iconic Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic or even more contemporary venues like the MuseumsQuartier, giving event planners multiple options to suit any occasion.

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Hotel Schani UNO City

Incentive Ideas

Photographer: Paul Bauer

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Vienna is gearing up for an exciting year in 2025, with over 55 events expecting to host 1,000+ delegates - and some drawing in over 15,000. Outside of the meeting room, Vienna offers endless opportunities to keep delegates engaged and inspired. Take an exclusive backstage tour at the Vienna State Opera or head out on a bike tour to see the most famous sights around the old town. Explore Schönbrunn Palace after hours, and take in the grandeur of imperial Austria minus the crowds, or head to the Prater amusement park for a ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, offering incredible city views. 

2025 also marks 200 years since the birth of the Waltz King, Johann Strauss II, and Vienna is hosting an extraordinary year-long celebration. The city has planned Strauss-themed events across 69 locations around Vienna, in order to bring together locals, visitors, and event attendees.

 Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection - California

Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

For event planners, the Strauss bicentenary provides unique incentive ideas, with venues like the Hofburg, where Strauss himself once conducted, offering authentic experiences. Delegates can take Viennese waltz lessons at the Elmayer Dance School, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein, or explore Strauss-themed exhibitions at the Theater Museum. If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, the House of Music’s Virtual Conductor allows guests to lead an orchestra through the famous Blue Danube Waltz.

With its perfect blend of world-class conferences and rich cultural experiences, Vienna in 2025 is not just an ideal place to do business - it’s a city to be inspired by and celebrated in.

Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

For more information contact: Sharon Dana
sharon.dana@vienna.info

Photography © Vienna Convention Bureau