Few hotel brands manage to combine heritage, design, and soul with such confidence as Almanac Hotels. Founded by Herbert Haselbacher, the collection began in Barcelona and has since expanded to Vienna and Prague, each property offering a unique lens into its city. What unites them is a philosophy that hotels are not just places to stay—they are cultural touchstones where history, design, and lived experience converge.
“We didn’t want to create hotels that feel interchangeable,” says Herbert Haselbacher. “Every Almanac should reflect its city’s spirit. When you walk into one of our properties, you should know instantly where you are—but in a way that feels fresh and inspiring.”
His daughter and co-visionary, Tina Haselbacher, adds: “Luxury today isn’t about excess. It’s about intimacy, authenticity, and making people feel both at home and inspired. That’s the essence of Almanac.”
Almanac Barcelona: Where Mediterranean Energy Meets Artistic Precision
The story of Almanac begins in Barcelona, where the first hotel opened in 2018. Located on the Gran Via, it signaled the brand’s intent: design-driven, deeply local, and quietly luxurious.
Beriestain’s interiors are a love song to the Mediterranean: warm oak, linen drapes, sculptural lighting, and artwork chosen not for spectacle but for soul. The 91 rooms and suites frame the city itself—some with direct views of Gaudí’s masterpieces.
The rooftop bar Azimuth has quickly become a Barcelona icon, buzzing with energy by day and night, while the restaurant sources from local markets to serve contemporary Catalan cuisine. Wellness here leans toward pleasure over performance—an indoor pool and treatments designed to slow the pulse in a city that rarely does.
“Barcelona was where we defined our DNA,” Herbert explains. “It set the tone for everything that came after—cosmopolitan, rooted, and designed for people who want to live the city, not just visit it.”
Almanac Palais Vienna: Where Timeless Grandeur Meets Contemporary Seduction
Vienna knows grandeur better than most cities, yet the Almanac Palais Vienna manages to strike a surprising balance: it feels steeped in history and radically modern all at once.
Housed in two mid-19th-century palais along the Parkring, the hotel reframes aristocratic elegance for the 21st century. Spanish designer Jaime Beriestain—also behind Almanac Barcelona—eschewed glittering chandeliers for textured intimacy: velvet against brass, marble softened by leather, and lighting that draws you closer instead of pushing you away.
Its 111 rooms and suites are sanctuaries that look out onto the Stadtpark or the stately Ringstrasse. Here, opulence is quiet: hand-stitched headboards, curated artworks, and marble bathrooms that are as much sculpture as function.
The hotel’s restaurant reinvents Austrian classics with a modern twist, while the bar and lounge buzz like an urban salon, drawing locals and travelers alike. After an evening at the opera, guests retreat to a sleek spa where Viennese tradition meets global wellness practices.
“Vienna has this incredible mix of music, art, and architecture,” notes Herbert. “We wanted to honor that heritage without being stuck in the past. Almanac Palais is our love letter to the city’s duality.”
Almanac Prague: A New Chapter for the City of a Hundred Spires
If Vienna is about grandeur, Prague is about rhythm—a dance between history and reinvention. The Almanac Prague, once the legendary Alcron Hotel, reemerges with new energy while holding onto its Art Deco roots.
This time the interiors are by Spanish design studio Tres Cinco Uno. Bold geometry meets plush textures, jewel-toned palettes offset clean modern lines, and Czech design traditions find subtle expression in curated lamps and glass accents.
With 204 rooms and suites, the property balances nostalgia with contemporary sophistication. Views sweep from the bustling Wenceslas Square to the rooftops climbing toward Prague Castle.
Its restaurant and bar are the city distilled: Czech gastronomy elevated with European flair, paired with a moody, atmospheric cocktail culture that could only belong to Prague.
Tina reflects: “Prague is a city of stories. You can feel its history everywhere, but it’s also full of creative energy. Our goal was to create a place where both past and present feel alive.”
The Almanac Philosophy
Across its collection, Almanac is less about uniformity and more about character. Each property reflects its city, yet together they share a distinctive DNA: bold but refined design, culinary ambition, and a deep sense of place.
For the Haselbachers, it comes back to people. “At the end of the day, it’s about how a guest feels,” Tina says. “Did they connect with the city? Did they feel looked after, not just served? That’s the measure of true luxury.”
Double Down Verdict: The Almanac Hotels are more than just stays—they are immersive experiences. For travelers who crave depth with their design and authenticity with their indulgence, Almanac is a brand to watch, and to savor.
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