Sightseeing during the day, relaxing in style at night: Austria's cities have plenty to offer visitors looking for a fun-packed few days. Just think of the many historic sights, the buzzing culture and art scene, and the many top-notch restaurants welcoming guests with all the world-famous delights. But where to stay? Hotels can make or break a holiday, especially when on limited time. To make things a little easier, we have curated a list of the best city hotels in Austria; each of them in a prime location and with unique features, ensuring a memorable stay.

CITY HOTELS IN VIENNA

Organic, fair-trade and sustainable: Family-run 4-star Henriette Stadthotel Vienna in the hip 2nd district, the former home of Johann Strauß, is a small luxury home away from home where guests can enjoy a well-deserved break with a good conscience – the hotel has earned both the Austrian and EU Ecolabel. Henriette Stadthotel heats its rooms with an in-house air-to-air heat pump system and most of the food ingredients at the restaurant – including for their famous breakfast – are seasonal and regional. The natural organic bedding ensures sweet dreams after a long day of sightseeing.

Insider tip: Your Vienna experience starts right at Henriette's doorstep: Dive into Vienna's 2nd district with its handicraft shops and markets, then take a 10-minute walk to the Prater and hop on the Giant Ferris Wheel for a bird's eye view of the city.  

Hotel Harmonie in trendy quarter Servitenviertel, surrounded by cafes and some of Vienna's most popular restaurants, owes its name to the former Harmonie Theatre, just a stone's throw away. Unsurprisingly, owner Sonja Wimmer chose an artistic concept for her hotel, taking inspiration from Vienna's rich history as well as its dance tradition - members of the State Opera's ballet were involved in the design process. Expect stylish

colourful rooms and pieces of art around the building. Hotel Harmonie is certified for sustainability, allergy-friendliness, and organic products, and was one of the first hotels to offer a fully vegan breakfast. It has recently introduced an e-concierge service.

Insider tip: Explore Vienna's nearby Jewish quarter including the Jewish Museum and the Sigmund Freud Museum.

Charming Hollmann Beletage is a 4-star boutique hotel just around the corner from St Stephen's Cathedral. Founder Robert Hollman says he can't stand hotels and therefore has created an alternative home away from home for both leisure and business travellers, and guests treasuring both individuality and the special things in life. In other words, people just like himself. Surprises await at every corner at this unique and colourful property, like a hidden garden, a stylish private cinema, or a room solely dedicated to board games (they are even on the walls!). Each of the 28 rooms boasts unique design features such as (half) open bathrooms or a fireplace.

Insider tip: Hungry? Grab a free "Leberkäsesemmel" (bread roll with traditional meatloaf) and beer from the tap at the hotel every afternoon.

Opened in 1898, Hotel Ambassador is as elegant as both its name and its surroundings suggest – it is located right in the heart of Vienna's historic centre, close to St Stephen's Cathedral and the State Opera. The hotel combines traditional ambience with modern spirit, and 19th century elements with cutting-edge amenities. What's more, it ranks among Vienna's most tradition-filled buildings. Many well-known figures in music, art, and culture have popped in here over the years. Travelling for a special occasion? The spacious top floor apartments come with private terraces and picture-perfect city views.

Insider tip: Make the most of the Ambassador's prime location right on shopping street Kärntner Straße and in walking distance to the main sights. Explore the first district with its grand buildings and narrow streets, then take a break in a traditional coffee house.

Another grand centenarian hotel of Vienna, Hotel Bristol, opened in 1892, is so iconic it almost counts as a landmark itself. The fivestar-hotel is situated next to the Vienna State Opera (and most major sights, too), making it the perfect base for fans of classical music. The rooms boast opulent décor and amazing views of the Opera and the Ringstraße's grand buildings, plus there's the Bristol Lounge which has been dubbed “the most elegant dining room in town”. Kings,presidents, artists, and celebrities have all stayed at this hotel. Guests can enjoy all-day dining and exquisite cocktails and cognacs at the in-house restaurant, bars, and salons.

Insider tip: Get your private opera box at Hotel Bristol opposite the Vienna State Opera: From April to June and in September, guests staying in an opera-facing room can watch live broadcasts on a large video screen from their balconies.

Hotel Altstadt, a carefully restored 19th-century patrician house is a piece of art in itself: All 62 rooms and suites have been individually designed by the likes of Lena Hoschek, Matteo Thun, and Lilli Hollein, and over 350 pieces of art are displayed in the hotel. Altstadt's concept is no coincidence: The hotel sits right in the heart of Vienna's artist district Spittelberg. Altstadt is Vienna's first hotel certified with the Austrian Eco-label for environmental and social sustainability: It runs on 100% renewable energy sources and uses organic ingredients in the restaurant (plus there are many vegan options). To round up the deal, there's also a cute rooftop garden!

Insider tip: The hotel is surrounded by independent boutiques and restaurants. Take a stroll and stock up on unique souvenirs, have lunch, and mingle with the locals.

A historic building, once home to Vienna's nobility, now presents itself as a boutique 5-star luxury hotel blending architectural heritage with contemporary design. Almanac Palais Vienna is in the heart of Vienna's historic centre, on the Ring Boulevard, the perfect starting point to explore the 1st district. Established in 1990 by Herbert Hasselbacher, an Austrian entrepreneur and former basketball player, the Almanac brand is renowned for crafting iconic hotels in historically significant locations, with curated design and personal touches. The Vienna hotel features a spacious wellness area and à la carte breakfast with plant-based options. Some rooms come with private saunas.

Insider tip: Explore the baroque splendour of the Austrian National Library, a treasury of history and knowledge in the Imperial Palace right in the heart of the city.

Hotel Sans Souci is a luxury place around the corner from trendy Museums Quarter, offering a prime location for sightseeing, top-notch amenities, and the longest hotel pool in town in the exclusive Sans Souci Spa (under a glittering chandelier!). Champagne lovers can look forward to a complimentary glass for breakfast, over 60 different varieties to choose from at the hotel bar, and tastings every first Thursday of the month. All rooms and suites were individually designed by Philippe Starck's studio YOO with unique character, and maximum comfort in mind.

Insider tip: Explore the design shops, cosy cafes and restaurants in Vienna's hip 7th district - “Spittelberg“, just a two-minute walk from the hotel.

Need more space than in a classic hotel? Singerstrasse 21/25 provides exactly that! The hotel is located in the very centre of the city, just 300 metres from St Stephen's Cathedral and features generous luxury double rooms as well as 66 fully equipped apartments with kitchen units, dining areas, and walk-in wardrobes. The highlighst are the stylish exclusive penthouse units for up to six guests with large roof-top terraces overlooking the roofs of the historic centre. The rooms and apartments are available for short- and long-term stays. The hotel also provides a generous breakfast buffet.

Insider tip: Fancy more bird's eye views? Head to St Stephen's Cathedral and climb up a tower – or take the lift, then visit the famous catacombs.

CITY HOTELS IN SALZBURG AND INNSBRUCK

Stylish Arthotel Blaue Gans is the place to be when on a city break in Salzburg. Located right in the heart of town across from Festspielhaus (Festive Hall) and close to Mozart's birthplace, it houses Salzburg's oldest inn (dating back to 1350), where guests can enjoy Austrian cuisine with a Mediterranean touch amidst vaulted ceilings and dark wooden beams. Art lovers will be delighted by the more than 120 original works in the building. And then there's Campari: Celebrating the centuries-old trade routes between Salzburg and Venice, it is served all day long at the hotel bars.

Insider tip: Salzburg is ideal to be explored by bike. The hotel provides guests with bikes to head on a city tour or idyllic ride into the countryside and the staff is happy to point out routes and highlights.

Innsbruck has no shortage of accommodation options but trendy NALA Individuell Hotel stands out from the crowd. An enchanting hotel in the 1950s, it has been turned into a modern city escape with colourful rooms and apartments all individually designed in line with their names (from cinema to zen) and stunning mountain views. There's a beautiful rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy a drink after checking out Innsbruck's sights. NALA is dedicated to sustainability, running on 90% green energy, and using ecofriendly cosmetics, mattresses, and pillows, as well as organic and regional ingredients for the breakfast buffet.

Insider tip: No central hotel in Innsbruck is in a quieter neighbourhood. NALA sits in the cosy Wilten district where guests only hear the fountain in the park and birds chirping.

The entire Austria Hotel Collection 2024 at a glance

Media Enquiries:

Lilly Freudmayer

Market Representative Australia

Austrian National Tourist Office

lilly.freudmayer@austria.info