Hilton Vienna Waterfront has reopened following a comprehensive renovation, spearheaded by international interior design studio THDP, featuring redesigned rooms and suites, an expanded leisure and event space, and the new OXBO restaurant and bar…Â
Located at Handelskai in a historic grain silo from 1911, the reimagined Hilton Vienna Waterfront combines urban history, authentic Viennese lifestyle, and the comfort of a modern oasis. With its unique view of the Danube and Danube Island, the property invites business travellers to blend work and relaxation for a true Vienna experience.
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The property shelters 340 meticulously designed rooms, each thoughtfully crafted to provide the utmost comfort and style. THDP has infused each room with a sense of modern sophistication, utilizing a harmonious blend of high-quality materials, contemporary furnishings, and subtle yet impactful design elements. The design aims to create a sanctuary for guests, where they can unwind and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings while experiencing the highest standards of hospitality.
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The design draws on the industrial heritage of the building and its riverside location, reflected in spacious rooms and suites, decorated in deep blue, rust orange, and brown tones. Warm natural hues and bright accents create a fresh, casual atmosphere and space for relaxation. Minimalist, rustic elements in the furnishings subtly reference the building’s former use as a grain silo that once fed old Vienna. Here, the site’s history merges with today’s vibrant, sustainable and welcoming surroundings.
“Design in Vienna has a strong heritage,” commented Nicholas J Hickson, Co-Founder of THDP. “It is remarkable how the themes of cuisine, food and beverage, decoration, architecture and interior design are celebrated within the city. Vienna has a long tradition of venues with exceptional interior architecture, such as the bent wood furniture of the Thonet, the multi-coloured surfaces and irregular shapes used by Hundertwasser. Even the shop windows of The Demel, featuring their artistic decorations made of chocolate and sweets are always surprising, and a vivid example of how the old is integrated with the modern, giving that funky yet classic look to a beautiful city”.
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As a relaxed business hotel with over 1,200 square meters of meeting space, the Hilton Vienna Waterfront offers guests the chance to seamlessly combine work and lifestyle, providing an ideal environment for a pleasant and productive atmosphere. The bright meeting rooms, with natural daylight and state-of-the-art equipment, can be tailored as creative workspaces.
The guestrooms went through a soft refurbishment including updating the colour palette with changes to all the soft furnishings, lighting and carpeting. The overall layout remained unchanged other than adapting the rooms to include additional opportunities for seating either by way of a new sofa bed or chaise longue.
“The colours and textures were taken from life around the river, and from the historic elements of the building,” explained Hickson.” The industrial character and the previous use were maintained, thus using the colours of the wheat field and the Danube that along its route, not only connects regions, but also times. And all its apparent contrasts.”
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“The guest rooms finishes are inspired by the grandeur and eclectic nature of Vienna. The green stone for the table tops are inspired by the colour of the Danube river, the ‘rattan’ custom digitally printed wall covering created to celebrate Austria’s association with design and especially Thonet and Wittman, and the use of woven rattan in their furniture and Michael Thonet.”
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The carpet pattern is more modern and inspired by a overscaled geometric pattern recalling the industrial nature of the building – as well as the successionist preoccupation with interesting patterns and repeats. Cushions and coverings are elegant, and open up a conversation with the geometric patterns in the carpet.
The Executive Lounge on the top floor of the hotel mirrors the design of the rooms and suites, offering a quiet and relaxing space for work or a break, with the added luxury of a breathtaking view of the river—essentially an office with a view.
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The new OXBO restaurant focuses on regional, high-quality Austrian products, using carefully selected natural and seasonal ingredients. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy their meals or sunset drinks on the restaurant terrace, with stunning views of the Danube. “Part of design project was about realigning the function of the space to facilitate the space’s capacity to have more guests,” said Hickson. “There has been a deep enhancement of the space with interior design elements such as furniture and lighting, and artwork. All again was inspired by the connectivity to the river and its industrial association with the building.”
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The OXBO Bar, together with the restaurant and terrace provide a relaxed, social, and warm atmosphere for private celebrations, business lunches, or dinners. The bar design is a mix of contemporary and chic, blending industrial characteristics taken from the key side boat cranes and fusing it with finishes such as walnut and polished metals of copper and brass. The dark bronze arms of the new feature bar gantry support a re-imagined boat crane feature display for three activities cocktails, beer and coffee.
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“Completing the design of the Hilton Danube Waterfront hotel stands as a testament to THDP’s commitment to excellence in interior design and architecture within the hospitality sector,” continued Hickson. “By blending the natural beauty of the riverside location with sophisticated and functional design elements, THDP has created a unique and memorable destination for travellers. This project not only highlights the studio’s expertise in hotel design but also reinforces its reputation for delivering exceptional and innovative design solutions tailored to the needs and desires of both clients and guests.”
The new wellness area at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront features three saunas, including a panoramic sauna with a view of the Danube, as well as a massage and relaxation room. Perfect for unwinding after a busy day of meetings! The 24-hour fitness centre on the eighth floor offers perhaps the best spot to work out, with views of Danube Island.
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“The design features a creamy, woody colour palette inspired by the nature of Donau-Auen National Park: a national park along the Danube River which features lush forests and diverse flora and fauna,” Hickson concluded. “It was also very important for us to increase the connectivity of the interiors of the SPA to its view, through the windows.”
Sustainability is a major focus at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront, with the hotel supporting Hilton’s ‘Travel with Purpose’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, aimed at promoting responsible travel. The hotel runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, uses transparent energy-saving window films, high-quality water-saving showerheads, AI technology to reduce food waste, grows its own herbs, and serves a wide range of seasonal food and beverages, primarily sourced from local suppliers.
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