VIENNA, 30 July — Two of Vienna’s most exclusive hotels are going out of their way to make guests from the Middle East feel comfortable and cement the historic links between the Austrian capital and the Arab world. Arab leaders often treated Vienna as their summer residence and looked on the city’s acclaimed luxury hotels — the Imperial and the Bristol — as their home away from home. Now, the two distinguished 19th century properties are still rolling out the red carpet for Arab guests, catering to their unique needs with special services and room amenities. For daily prayers, guests are provided with a prayer mat, the Qur’an and a compass. The Arabic language TV channels Al Jazeera and MBC are available in both hotels, and Arab guests are welcomed in all rooms by a large bottle of Evian water, dry dates pistachio nuts and fresh seasonal fruits. Guests also have a choice of complimentary Arab newspapers daily, including Asharq Al- Awsat. The hotels’ teams of specially trained chefs will also prepare specialist Arabian culinary dishes on request. The Imperial and the Bristol — both members of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc group — rank among Vienna’s most famous landmarks. The Bristol has regularly been nominated the city’s best business hotel, and the Imperial as its best International establishment. The two Viennese properties offer everything that discerning Arabian guests may wish. Their location alone guarantees perfect guest satisfaction — at the very heart of a pulsating city, with Vienna’s State Opera and all the important sights only a stone’s throw away. The Hotel Imperial was originally built as a palace and turned into a hotel in 1873. It quickly gained renown around the world as a byword for discretion and impeccable service, hosting all state visits as the "First house of the Republic of Austria." Its 138 rooms and suites still capture the spirit of the 19th century. The Imperial is one of the few hotels in the world offering a personal butler service, designed to "fulfill wishes even before they’re expressed." The Hotel Bristol opened in 1892 in the most central and convenient part of Vienna. Unique antiques and original works of art decorate each of the guestrooms and suites. The first floor boasts the largest suite in Austria: the "Prince of Wales suite." Its rooms include a library, a dining room, a cigar lounge, three bedrooms and bathrooms, and a private sauna and gym.