Shangri-La to manage New Hotel in Vienna

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed a long-term lease agreement with BAI Bauträger Austria Immobilien GmbH, the development and management arm of the Immobilien Holding Group, for the Shangri-La Hotel, Vienna, opening late-2009.

The 207-room Shangri-La Hotel, Vienna will be located in the former Erste Bank headquarters on the Schubertring in the city’s 1st district (Bezirk). BAI purchased the real estate with four historic buildings late 2005 with the aim of developing a five-star hotel. The site comprises an entire city block with excellent views, situated directly on the grand 19th century boulevard Ringstraße with its characteristic historical and art nouveau architecture and the green oasis of Beethovenplatz. 

Located within walking distance of upscale shopping, fine dining and national attractions such as the Konzerthaus (Concert House), Musikverein, Oper (Opera), Belvedere Palace and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the Shangri-La Vienna will be a striking addition to the city’s luxury hotel district. The Vienna International Airport is easily accessed via the nearby airport express train or is less than half an hour by car.

Conceptualized as a top Vienna deluxe hotel, the project aims to blend the historical and partially protected heritage of the buildings with a modern spatial environment and state-of-the-art technical amenities. While injecting a crisp charm and contemporary soul into the hotel, the project will anticipate the needs of today’s business and leisure travelers alike, who appreciate an awareness for luxury living within the contemporary Viennese context.

Spacious accommodation will include guestrooms averaging 45 square metres and three presidential suites to accommodate visits by heads of state, high-ranking representatives of foreign governments and organizations, as well as CEOs and high level corporate guests. 

Dining options will include a specialty, fine-dining restaurant and bar, both with street access at Schubertring, and a lobby lounge for breakfast and light fare during the day. The highlight of the hotel’s technologically advanced conference and function facilities will be a ballroom crowned with a glass dome.

CHI, The Spa, will introduce Shangri-La’s exotic, signature spa concept to the city. Inspired by the legend of Shangri-La in the novel Lost Horizon, CHI offers treatments based on ancient Chinese and Himalayan healing rituals and traditions. Another first will be the health club's indoor swimming pool – the largest of any Vienna deluxe hotel.

“We are grateful for the confidence placed in us by BAI to provide a superlative hospitality experience to residents and visitors, equal to the prestige of this great world city,” said Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La managing director and chief executive officer. “As Vienna is also a gateway to Eastern Europe and beyond, the Shangri-La Hotel, Vienna represents a significant milestone in our westward expansion.”

“We have entrusted Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts with this jewel of a property based on its reputation as one of the world’s finest hotel operators and providers of distinctive luxury and style,” said Thomas Jakoubek, managing director of Immobilien Holding GmbH. “We spent quite a bit of time conducting a thorough search for the right partner. After many lengthy discussions, we believe to have found the best operator and look forward to reaching the mutual goal of creating the best hotel in Vienna.”

The Shangri-La Hotel, Vienna will complement the group’s two upcoming European properties opening in Paris in 2009 and London in 2011.

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