Remarkable Renovations of Historic Hotels across Europe: Vienna, Salzburg, and Cologne
New Luxury Hotels in Europe Preserve History and Offer Modern Comfort
In Europe, several historic buildings have been transformed into luxury accommodations, blending heritage, architecture, and modern comfort. The latest additions to this exclusive list are The Amauris in Vienna and the Wasserturm in Cologne.
The Amauris Palais: A Neo-Renaissance Gem on Vienna's Ringstraße
Originally a 15th-century hunting lodge for Salzburg's prince-archbishops, The Amauris Palais has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Operated by the Breiteneder family, known for their real estate and parking garages, this newcomer in Vienna's luxury hotel scene boasts spacious rooms, quiet yet attentive service, and a small but striking spa. The hotel's forest-fringed infinity pool, restaurants, and tea salon emphasize regional sourcing, while the restaurant Glasswing already draws attention from the Michelin Guide and locals for its ambitious, regionally grounded menu.
The interiors of The Amauris Palais blend international polish with regional craftsmanship, with nearly everything tailor-made, including the heavy Italian marble doors and the last original Stigler elevator. Much of the art on the walls comes from the family's private collection, reflecting styles popular when the Palais was first built.
The Wasserturm Cologne: A Reimagined Industrial Masterpiece
Once Europe's tallest water tower, supplying the city with fresh drinking water until 1930, the Wasserturm has been reimagined as a luxury boutique hotel that respects its industrial bones and is a part of Hilton's Curio Collection. The hotel features original steel beams, exposed brick, and a spiraling black staircase in its lobby.
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, located 30 minutes by car from Salzburg's city center or airport, has been renovated and reopened as a luxury hotel. The hotel offers heritage suites that reflect Alpine seasons and feature local artwork. The hotel is rumored to have Europe's largest private art collection ever shown in a hotel. The Art Suite in the Wasserturm by local pop artist Sascha Dahl features thirty-five original works, adding playful bursts of color and personality to the contemporary interior.
These historic hotels stand out for preserving the historical and architectural integrity of their buildings while incorporating high-end amenities such as fine dining, wellness centers, and exclusive experiences tied to their heritage and location. Many such hotels belong to networks like Heritage Hotels of Europe, which curate tradition-rich castles, palaces, and manors converted into luxury accommodations.
Examples include Villa Treville on the Amalfi Coast, Italy, Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, Ireland, and Borgo Castelvecchi in Tuscany, Italy. Each offers a unique blend of history and luxury, providing guests with unforgettable experiences.
References: 1. Villa Treville 2. Ashford Castle 3. Heritage Hotels of Europe 4. Borgo Castelvecchi
- The Amauris Palais in Vienna, having been meticulously restored and joined by Hilton's Curio Collection, offers luxurious accommodations in a converted historic building, showcasing a harmonious blend of modern comfort, historic architecture, and regional heritage.
- The Wasserturm Cologne, a reimagined industrial masterpiece and a proud member of the Hilton Curio Collection, maintains its original structure while offering contemporary amenities, making it a standout example of luxury travel in Europe that emphasizes both history and lifestyle.
