Abu Dhabi , 14 May 2013: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna  is bracing to receive tourists from Gulf Cooperation Council countries during summer, saying it has prepared attractive packages for families from the region.

"I am pleased to welcome our guests from the UAE and the other GCC countries to spend great holidays at our hotel which is located in the heart of Vienna," the hotel's general manager Hanz Olberts said.

He said special offers and packages had been prepared for Gulf tourists by the hotel, which was reopened in March following renovation and maintenance work of two and a half years.

Mr Olberts noted that Vienna has always been a major attraction for Middle East tourists given its relative proximity to the region and the abundance of flights linking it to the Middle East by national airlines, including Etihad and Air Berlin, as well as German and Austrian carriers.

He noted that tourists feel comfortable in Vienna due to its easy transport network, which he described as one of the best in the world.

"Vienna is one of a handful of cities where tourists do not need a car to move around because of its massive public transport network, famous bicycles and the fact that only pedestrians are allowed into its main markets," he said, describing Vienna as the "City of arts, museum, operas and culture."

Speaking about the hotel, he described it as a real historical palace dating back to the Renaissance age and consisting of 152 rooms and suites as well as a large SPA, 17 apartments and a hall with an area of more than 3,000 square feet.

He said Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna - originally built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873 - captivates the visitor with a historic building, modern architecture and contemporary luxury. "It is perfectly located in the heart of Vienna, right at the famous Ring Boulevard."
"It is a glamorous hot spot with 152 elegant rooms and suites, two restaurants and three bars including a Night Bar & Cigar Lounge. A spa and fitness area as well as conference rooms and a ballroom are part of this listed hotel," he said.

"There is much more to Austrian cuisine then just schnitzel. Executive Chef Philipp Vogel's team is very creative in their use of the freshest local ingredients and they promise to provide unforgettable culinary moments for everyone who loves celebrating life with food."

Mr Olberts said the hotel has two "innovative" restaurants offering light meals taking inspiration from farmers and old people to ensure guests will relax while eating.

The first restaurant, Die Küche, is a "refuge" for those who appreciate today´s luxuries while still cherishing things that are down-to-earth and homey, he said.

A brochure by the hotel said:"Enjoy the art of cooking in three different areas: the living room, the winter garden and the kitchen. Two "adventure-cooking stations" await in "Die Küche", where all dishes will be prepared right in front of your eyes."

The second restaurant is Edward where the cooking style focuses on "Fresh Cuisine" - seasonal, light foods with a distinct and pure taste. Tasty meats and fish from the lakes of Austria, Alpine cheeses, butters and core oil and the best local products are the focus of the restaurant.

"Dishes are seasoned with spices from around the world and prepared in the very best methods and with lots of creativity by our young kitchen team."

Mr Olberts said that guests from the Gulf and other Middle East countries already know that Kempinski hotels are among the best and most luxurious hotels in the world. "We can tell them that Kempinski Vienna is one of the most luxurious hotels in the group and it is now open again to welcome them," he said, adding that it is Kempinski's second hotel in Austria.

The hotel- originally built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873 - captivates the visitor with a historic building, modern architecture and contemporary luxury. It is perfectly located in the heart of Vienna, right at the famous Ring Boulevard.

It is located in the historic heart of the metropolis by the Danube, close to the former Vienna stock exchange, St. Stephen's Cathedral and other sights of the city. It takes only 25 minutes by car to reach Vienna International Airport and the hotel is easily reachable by public transport.

© Press Release 2013