Butler service at a former palace

Since 1873, Hotel Imperial has been pampering guests in its truly grandiose setting on Vienna’s Ring Boulevard. Originally built in 1863, as the Vienna residence of the Prince of Württemberg, guests will feel like royalty in elegant rooms and suites, some with butler service with extras that may include: daily hand-pressed newspaper brought with morning tea, business cards with your temporary hotel address, luggage unpack and pack service, daily in-suite culinary greeting (served with golden cutlery!) and accompaniment outside the hotel by the butler. Certainly gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘at your service!’

Hummer limousine service

Design Hotel Madlein in Ischgl offers its guests the option of an airport pick up in a luxury Hummer stretch limo. It’s a party all the way with bar, snacks, flat screen TV and room for 8 passengers. Offer available from Salzburg, Munich, Zurich or Friedrichshafen airport. Detailed prices upon request. info@ischglmadlein.com; www.ischglmadlein.com

Ischgl’s VIP club celebrates its first birthday

The Tirolean village of Ischgl was the first Alpine resort to introduce a VIP club for skiers and boarders. Here, members have their own luxurious 'clubhouse', where they can enjoy their own gourmet dining room and lounge in fabulous surroundings. Gear can be kept in privately-reserved lockers on the mountain and down at the village. Members also have access to free ski guides who will take them to the best powder areas to make fresh tracks!

Among other extras is the opportunity to test drive a Porsche – the car firm is one of the Club's sponsors, along with Chiemsee clothing and Suunto watches. Members receive a Chiemsee VIP Club jacket, a Suunto watch and an elegant VIP Club key chain as part of their membership package.

The annual fee for membership for the 07-08 season is Euro 990 (approx 673 GBP), with a one-time registration fee of Euro 1,900 (approx 1,292 GBP). Membership is limited. m.vipclub@silvretta.at; www.ischgl.com