In the historic setting of Palais Chotek, where Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand once resided with his wife Sophie Chotek, a new haven of tranquility has emerged on Vienna’s Währingerstraße.
The history of Palais Chotek dates back to the 19th century. Built between 1871 and 1874 by architect Lothar Abel in the Neo-Renaissance style, it served for 30 years as the family residence of Count Otto Chotek. In 1906, it was acquired by master cabinetmaker Friedrich Otto Schmidt—supplier to the Imperial Court. In collaboration with artists of the Wiener Werkstätte, the palace developed into a meeting point for Vienna’s art scene and bourgeois culture. In 2016, EST Hotels & Residences acquired the building with the aim of translating its cultural significance into the present.
After six years of extensive renovation, Palais Chotek opened in May 2026. With 164 rooms and suites and a spacious inner garden, the property is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. “Storytelling is particularly important to us. At Palais Chotek, we drew inspiration from the era of Friedrich Otto Schmidt, when members of the Wiener Werkstätte would come and go here,” says General Manager Thomas Duxler. This concept is reflected in the choice of furnishings; for example, the furniture comes from the Thonet brothers. Modern accessories bring the property into the present, because, as Duxler explains, “we do not want to be a museum—our guests should feel at home here.”
The centerpiece of the building is the lovingly restored historic staircase leading to the Beletage, the former representative main floor of the house, which is ideally suited for events and social gatherings. In the daytime bar “Sophie,” the paneled wooden ceiling and historic fireplace evoke bygone times. Subtle lighting elements, such as a samovar-style lamp, create a “cozy experience” and attract not only hotel guests but also visitors from the surrounding neighborhood. “It was important to us to include the local community. In the first courtyard, there is an outdoor area accessible to non-hotel guests,” says the General Manager.
The two inner courtyards have been completely landscaped, and the palace structure has been expanded to seven floors, offering state-of-the-art rooms in various categories, including terrace and rooftop options. Duxler particularly emphasizes the sense of calm created by the rooms’ orientation toward the inner courtyards, providing guests with a retreat from the noise of the city. Additional relaxation is offered by the fitness area with sauna facilities—all just a ten-minute walk from the Freyung.
“The EST® Hotel Palais Chotek has been a true passion project for all of us from the very beginning. Preserving the authenticity of this building while adapting it to modern standards was our top priority. Of course, the realization came with challenges, but in the end we are simply happy to have made a small contribution to preserving Vienna’s magnificent history with this special property,” says Managing Director Lukas Koller.
General Manager Thomas Duxler also looks forward to the new chapter: “Finally, guests can experience the beauty of this city palace and the authentic service of our team. As in the past, a stay here should be defined by the highest level of hospitality and filled with inspiring moments.”