Inside a building designed by Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World Expo, the lobby appears as a bright atrium, with skylights beaming onto the tasteful lounge area and reflecting off intricate chandeliers. This place is luxurious, but without the Old-World pomp of some of its Ringstrasse peers. From the lobby, side doorways lead to the restaurants, bars, and cigar lounge. At the back of the lobby are two glassed-in elevators taking guests to the first three floors and others to their private residences above. Rooms are ample in size and state-of-the-art when it comes to technology. Beds are kingsize and bathroom facilities are clad in marble and Botticino stone. An iPad in each room helps guests when ordering room service or making a spa appointment. You can even connect your own mobile device to the in-room entertainment system. Little touches like a Nespresso machine in every room convey a feeling of leisure even before you make your way downstairs to the to-die-for breakfast at Die Küche, with five different freshly squeezed juices and scrumptious fresh bread, pastries, and an omelet bar. There's great dinner there too, serving everything from truffled pasta to braised trout; definitely not your usual hotel restaurant. The Kempinski's other restaurant Edvard is more experimental, with breathtaking presentations and a matching price tag. Finally, the fitness area has high-quality equipment and while the spa is somewhat small, it's spaciously laid out with a decent-size pool for swimming laps. Massages and treatments are available with prior booking. This hotel achieves a laid-back version of the lap of luxury.