Where to Stay in Austria:Your Complete Accommodation Guide

Helping you choose the best places to stay in Austria, from city hotels and alpine guesthouses to lakeside resorts and mountain chalets.

This guide will help you find the best accommodation in Austria for your trip, whether you’re looking for a city hotel, alpine guesthouse, lakeside stay or mountain chalet.
You’ll learn about the different types of accommodation, where they are best suited, what to look for when booking, and how to choose a place that fits your travel style, budget and itinerary, so you can book with confidence and experience Austria like a local.

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Where to Stay in Austria Contents

How to Choose Where to Stay in Austria

There is no single “best” place to stay in Austria.

The right accommodation depends on your travel style, the destinations you want to visit, the time of year, how you plan to travel, and your budget.

As an Austria travel expert, one of the most common mistakes I see is travellers choosing accommodation based on price alone.
A cheaper hotel can end up costing more in transport, parking or travel time.
Choosing the right location is often just as important as choosing the accommodation itself.

Before you book, it helps to think through a few key decisions.
These will shape not only where you stay, but how easy and enjoyable your trip feels once you arrive.

Is this your first visit to Austria?

If it is, you may want to base yourself in one or two well-connected locations such as Vienna, Salzburg or the Salzkammergut, rather than moving every night. Austria is easy to travel around, but distances and travel times can be longer than they first appear.

What type of holiday are you planning?

Austria offers very different experiences depending on your focus.
A city break works best in central hotels or apartments, while alpine adventures, hiking trips or ski holidays are better suited to mountain villages or resort areas.
Lakeside stays are ideal if you want a slower, more relaxed pace.

Will you stay in one place or travel around?

A single base can work well if you prefer a relaxed trip with day trips, while a multi-stop itinerary lets you experience more regions but involves more travel and packing.
Both options work in Austria, but the right choice depends on your travel style.

What season are you visiting?

Season plays a big role in Austria and can completely change the type of trip you have.
In summer, lakes are at their warmest, hiking trails are open, and alpine roads and mountain lifts make it easy to explore the mountains.
In winter, ski resorts come alive, Christmas markets are in full swing, and popular mountain regions can book up quickly during peak season.
Spring and autumn are often overlooked but can be some of the best times to visit. These shoulder seasons are generally quieter, making them ideal for city breaks, cultural experiences, scenic drives, and hiking in the lower alpine regions. You’ll also find seasonal festivals, spring blossoms, and autumn colours across the country.

Will you be travelling by car or train?

This has a big impact on where you stay.
Train travellers benefit from central hotels near stations, while those hiring a car have more flexibility but should consider parking, mountain roads and driving times between regions.

What is your Accommodation budget?

Prices vary significantly between cities, lakes and ski resorts, and also depending on the season.
Setting a realistic budget early helps narrow down whether you are looking at hotels, guesthouses, apartments or higher-end stays.

Types of Accommodations in Austria

Which Type of Accommodation Is Right For You?

Hotels in Austria

Hotels in Austria range 3- to 5-star accommodations including small boutique properties to large international-style hotels, commonly found in cities, towns and ski resorts. Many 4-5-starhotels may have wellness/spa, pools and restaurants.

Typical price: Mid-range to high, depending on location and season.
Midrange / Boutique: €150-300 per night
Luxury: €350+ per night

The lakeside Hotel Grüner Baum in Hallstatt © Wanderlustria

Guesthouses/Pensionen/ B&B Accommodation in Austria

Traditional, family-run accommodation offering a more personal and authentic Austrian stay, often found in villages and smaller towns.

Typical price: Budget to mid-range.
€80-150 per night-depending on facilities

Alpbach in Tirol, known as Austria’s most beautiful village, with traditional Pension and family-run guesthouses.

Check availability at Gasthof and Hotel Roßmoos

Alpine Chalets in Austria

Traditional or modern mountain-style accommodation, often located in ski areas or hiking regions.

Typical price: Mid-range to Luxury.
starting around 8000€  per week for self-catered chalets 
15,000€ to 45,000€ per week for fully catered 
50,000€ + for premium luxury like Hahenkamm Lodge in Kitzbühel 

Spa Hotels in Austria

High-end accommodation offering premium facilities such as spas, wellness centres, fine dining and concierge services. Some Hotel and Spa resorts offer all-inclusive packages. 

One of Austria’s most iconic spa resorts, located in Kaprun in the Salzburg Alps.
image © Tauern Spa

Kinderhotels in Austria

Specialised family-friendly hotels offering childcare, kids’ activities, play areas, and family-focused facilities designed for stress-free travel.

Excellent facilities for children, including on-site childcare, family rooms, and suites. Some may be all-inclusive.

Best for

♦ Families with young children
♦ Multi-generational trips
♦ Resort-style holidays in the Alps

Typical price:  Mid-range to luxury (€180–€500+ per night depending on season and location)

Hostels (known as Jugendherbergen in German) are budget-friendly accommodation offering shared dormitories and private rooms. They are most commonly found in Austria’s larger cities and are popular with backpackers, solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors.

Hostels (Jugendherbergen) in Austria

Best for

♦ Families
♦ Longer stays
♦ Groups
♦ Travellers who prefer flexibility

Typical price: Mid-range (€90–€250+ per night depending on size and location)

Self-Catered Apartments (Fewo) in Austria

Self-catering apartments (Ferienwohnungen or “Fewo”) are fully equipped accommodation with kitchens, living space, and often multiple bedrooms.

Excellent facilities for children, including on-site childcare, family rooms, and suites.

Best for

♦ Families
♦ Longer stays
♦ Groups
♦ Travellers who prefer flexibility

Typical price: Mid-range (€90–€250+ per night depending on size and location)

Campsites in Austria

Campsites range from basic tent pitches to fully equipped motorhome and glamping sites, often located near lakes, mountains, or nature areas.

Best for

♦ Budget travellers
♦ Outdoor and nature-focused trips
♦ Road trips and campervan travel

Typical price: Budget (€15–€60 per night depending on facilities)

Unique Places to Stay in Austria

Unique accommodation includes everything from mountain huts and boutique design hotels to historic buildings, Schloß (castles) and farm stays (Urlaub am Bauernhof).

Best for

♦ Travellers looking for something special
♦ Authentic Austrian experiences
♦ Nature and culture-focused trips

Typical price: Budget to luxury (€70–€300+ depending on style)

Where to Stay in Austria by Travel Style

Not every type of accommodation suits every traveller. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Austria, a romantic escape or a family ski holiday, choosing accommodation that matches your travel style can make your holiday more enjoyable.

Best Accommodation for First-Time Visitors to Austria

If you’re wondering where you should stay in Austria for your first visit, I recommend choosing a well-connected destination rather than trying to see everything in one trip.
The best accommodation for first-time visitors to Austria is usually a centrally located hotel, guesthouse or apartment in destinations such as Vienna, Salzburg or Graz. Staying close to public transport and major attractions makes sightseeing easier and gives you more time to enjoy your holiday.

Recommended destinations: Vienna • Salzburg • Graz

Best Places to Stay in Austria for Families

The best places to stay in Austria for families combine spacious accommodation with easy access to outdoor activities.

Austria is home to some of Europe’s best family resorts. If you’re travelling with children, a Kinderhotel is well worth considering. These purpose-built family hotels offer supervised childcare, kids’ clubs, indoor and outdoor play areas, swimming pools and family-friendly dining. Many also offer all-inclusive packages, allowing parents to relax while the children are entertained.

If you’re travelling during school holidays, it’s worth booking your family accommodation in Austria well in advance.

Recommended destinations: Zell am See • Alpbach • Schladming • Serfaus 

Best Accommodation in Austria for Couples

The best places to stay in Austria for families combine spacious accommodation with easy access to outdoor activities.
Family-run pensions, self-catering apartments and Kinderhotels are all excellent choices, giving parents flexibility while keeping children entertained. If you’re travelling during school holidays, it’s worth booking your family accommodation in Austria well in advance.

Recommended destinations: Zell am See • Alpbach • Schladming • Serfaus

Where to Stay in Austria for a Ski Holiday

The best ski accommodation in Austria depends on your priorities.
Families may prefer large ski resorts with beginner-friendly slopes, while experienced skiers might choose villages with direct access to extensive ski areas.
Staying close to the lifts or ski bus can make your holiday much more enjoyable.

 Recommended destinations: Zell am See-Kaprun • Saalbach • Obertauern • St Anton

👉Complete guidey for skiing in Austria

Wanderlustria’s Top Accommodation Tips

After years of living and travelling throughout Austria, these are the accommodation tips I recommend most often to family, friends and readers planning their trip.

1.  Stay in the historic centre if you’re only visiting a city for a few days. You’ll save time on transport and be able to explore many of the main attractions on foot.

2.  Choose accommodation close to public transport if you won’t be hiring a car. Austria’s train, tram and bus networks make it easy to get around.

3.  If you’re driving, check the parking options before you book. Parking isn’t always included, particularly in historic city centres.

4.  Always check what’s included. Breakfast, wellness facilities, parking and guest cards can make a big difference to the overall value of your stay.

5.  Confirm if your accommodation has air conditioning and a lift/elevator if these are important to you. Many older hotels and historic buildings don’t have either.

6.  Read recent guest reviews, not just the overall rating. They often highlight changes in service, renovations or current conditions.

7.  Stay overnight in Hallstatt if you can. The village has a completely different atmosphere once the day-trippers leave.
Top reasons to visit Hallstatt (and why you should stay overnight)

8.  A lake-view room is often worth the upgrade. If you’re staying in Austria’s lake districts, you’ll probably spend plenty of time enjoying the scenery from your balcony. Book early, as lakeside accommodation is especially popular during summer.

9.  Take advantage of regional guest cards and summer cards. Many include free or discounted cable cars, attractions and public transport, potentially saving you hundreds of euros during your trip.
Learn more in my Austria Summer Cards Guide. 

10.  Book early for Christmas, ski season and peak summer holidays.  Austria’s most popular destinations often sell out months in advance.

 11. Don’t rule out hotels that aren’t ski-in/ski-out. Most Austrian ski resorts were established long before the ski lifts, so gondolas are usually located in the centre of the village and are easily reached on foot or by the free ski bus.

What to Look for Before Booking Accommodation

R Is Breakfast Included? What Type?

R Is there Air Conditioning?

R Elevator/Lift Availability

R Distance to city centre /public transport

R Is WIFI (WLAN) available?

R Is there a Washing Machine or laundry service?

R Is Parking available?

How to Find and Book Accommodation in Austria

Book Early for Peak Travel Periods

Austria’s most popular destinations fill quickly during peak travel periods, particularly over Christmas, the winter ski season, school holidays and the summer months around the lakes and Alps. If you’re travelling during these times, I recommend booking your accommodation several months in advance to secure the best choice and prices.

Compare Different Booking Platforms

Most holiday accommodation in Austria is listed on major booking websites such as Booking.com, Airbnb and Vrbo.

Hotels, pensions, apartments and holiday homes are often available on several platforms, so it’s worth comparing prices and cancellation policies before booking.

Check Local Tourist Office Websites

Look for Accommodation That Includes a Summer Card

One of the easiest ways to save money during summer is to stay with an accommodation provider that includes a regional Summer Card.

Accommodation that includes a Summer Card is often priced slightly higher than similar properties.
However, the savings from free gondola rides, attraction entry, public transport and included activities can quickly outweigh the extra cost, making it excellent value for many travellers.

These complimentary guest cards can provide free cable car rides, public transport, attraction entry and discounts worth hundreds of euros during your holiday.
You can’t purchase these cards separately—they’re only available when staying at participating accommodation.

Read my guide to Austria’s Summer Cards to discover which regions offer them and what’s included.

Good to Know Before Staying in Austria

5.  Floor Numbering The first floor is the floor above the ground floor (Erdgeschoss). In Vienna, the first floor may be above the Erdegschoss and the Mezzanin (effectively, it is the third floor). If it is important to be on the ground foor- confirm with the accommodation. 

7. Air Conditioning is not popular in Austria. You will find air conditioning in hotels but do not expect it in self-catering apartments. American guests may find that the air conditioning may not be as cold as you are normally accustomed to.

10. Washing machine and Dryers. Some accommodations may provide a washing machine, but in Austria, dryers are not common. Your accommodation will provide a drying rack.

11. Registration  In Austria, all tourist properties must be registered, and there is a registration number. This number should be listed on the booking platforms.

Now that you know how to choose the right type of accommodation, let’s look at the best places to stay across Austria.

Browse the destination guides below for my favourite areas, recommended hotels and local accommodation tips.

Trip Planning

Click on one of the topics below to start planning your dream trip to Austria.