Inthefirstyearsof the 20thcentury, DukePeter of Oldenburg, a Russianaristocrat, builtapalace (above) and a hotel in Gagra, and put Gagra on the map as a holidaydestination for the wealthy.
Diplomats and heads of state bed down surrounded by antiques, jewel-toned silk walls, crystal chandeliers and marble bathrooms at the 138-room Hotel Imperial Vienna, which was built as the residence of the Prince of Wurttemberg, a European aristocrat, in 1863.