When the waltz resounds on Vienna's Graben for the first time on November 11, it opens the traditional ball season, which transforms Vienna into a sparkling dance paradise. More than 450 balls, including the world-famous Opera Ball and the elegant Philharmonikerball, attract avid dancers from all over the world to the Austrian capital. The months of January and February mark the high point, when people shake a leg in three-four time in the magnificent halls of the Hofburg, the State Opera and City Hall.

The Opera Ball at the Vienna State Opera © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

The Almanac Palais Vienna offers its guests the ideal preparation for an unforgettable evening at the ball. With its central location, just a stone's throw away from the most important ballrooms, and its exclusive service, the hotel ensures that every appearance on the dance floor is a complete success. Here, imperial elegance meets modern luxury.

The opulent lobby of the hotel © Almanac Palais Vienna

The perfect ball day: step by step

To ensure that the dance steps are as elegant as the waltz itself, the day at the Almanac Palais Vienna begins with a private dance class. In the stylish "1871 Heritage Rooms", guests practise the classic Viennese waltz under the guidance of a dance instructor. This way, the first appearance on the ballroom floor is guaranteed to be effortless.

Dance classes in the historic rooms of the Palais © Almanac Palais Vienna/Tony Gigov Photography

The renowned Viennese fashion atelier of Jürgen Christian Hoerl, which has an exclusive pop-up with ball gowns at the hotel, will provide the perfect look. Hoerl is known for his sophisticated and elegant designs that combine tradition and modernity – and are therefore just the right style for Viennese ball season. Once the dress has been chosen, professional styling and a photo shoot follow to capture the special moments of the evening.

The hotel collaborates with Viennese designer Jürgen Christian Hoerl for the perfect ball gown. © Almanac Palais Vienna/Tony Gigov Photography

Culinary kick-off and stylish arrival

After a plant-based dinner at the hotel's restaurant and an aperitif in the elegant Donnersmarkt Bar, the stage is set for a glamorous evening. But what would a fairytale ball evening be without a Cinderella-style arrival? A Viennese horse-drawn carriage picks guests up directly in front of the historic Stadtpalais and takes them in style to the city's most beautiful balls – be it the festive "Fledermaus" ball at City Hall or the opening of Philharmonikerball at Musikverein.

The façade of the magnificent hotel on Vienna's Ringstrasse © Almanac Palais Vienna

The Almanac Palais Vienna: elegance meets modernity

The Almanac Palais Vienna is the ideal retreat for those who want to enjoy Viennese ball season to the fullest. Imperial elegance meets modern design in the rooms and suites, which extend over two historic palaces. The hotel combines luxury and history, embedded in the rich culture of the city.

The Vienna Art Suite of the hotel © Almanac Palais Vienna

The hotel spoils its guests with culinary delights at the in-house Elias Coffee Bar, where freshly brewed barista coffee, traditional Viennese pastries and homemade honey await them. For cocktail lovers, the Donnersmarkt Bar offers sparkling drinks, exquisite Austrian wines and sweet and savory snacks – the perfect end to an exciting evening at the ball.

Breakfast at the Donnersmarkt © Almanac Palais Vienna

Almanac Palais Vienna
Parkring 14/16, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 2660108 - almanachotels.com/vienna
Doubles from €255