Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Austria
With epic Alpine scenery, monumental baroque architecture, cozy coffee houses, and some of Europe’s most impressive museums, Austria has it all. Situated in Central Europe, this German-speaking, land-locked country may be small in size, but it’s huge in beauty and culture, and rapidly growing as a holiday destination (last year, over 45 million tourists visited Austria). Most visitor are drawn to Austria’s two most popular attractions – the imperial glories of its capital Vienna and the spectacular beauty of its Alpine hinterland. But Austria has so much more to offer, from iconic mountain drives and the quiet beauty of the Danube to picturesque villages, vineyards and castles. Austria also has six national parks and 50 nature parks, and its own ‘big five’ to match an African Safari – ibex, chamois, snow grouse, golden eagles and bearded vultures. The country is also home to dozens of upscale hotels and resorts, and here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in Austria.
There is more information (with reviews and YouTube movies) below the slideshow. What’s your favorite luxury hotel in Austria? Leave a comment below.
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10. AQUA DOME
As Austria’s largest tourist project to date, Aqua Dome is located in the beautiful Ötztal Valley, surrounded by the Tyrolean Alps and close to tiny Austrian town of Längenfeld. Here, in 1997, a borehole tapped thermal water from a depth of 1,865 m (6,118 ft) for the first time. A subsequent investment of more than 70 million euros put Längenfeld and the whole of Austrian Tyrol on the map of thermal spa tourism in one go. What followed is a success story that continues to this day. Aqua Dome is arguably the most iconic thermal spa in Austria, if not the entire Alps. The thermal spa and hotel have welcomed almost seven million guests in the two decades since opening. Aqua Dome boasts futuristic looking spa and fitness facilities with a range of pools, saunas and a small play area for children. Guests of the hotel also have exclusive access to Spa 3000 (a premium spa within the spa).
9. POST LECH ARLBERG
The historic inn Gasthof „Post“ is located in the center of Lech, Austria’s world-renowned and most exclusive winter sports resort. The atmosphere of the “Post” is marked by the long family history of the place, its country house charm and local antiques as well as loving attention-to-detail in the décor, which create a welcoming ambience. Culinary delicacies await in the restaurants that have won several awards for their outstanding cuisine. Relaxation is complete at the Badehaus Spa and its spectacular panoramic pool, with stunning mountain vistas and treatment suites that are wonderfully located in the heart of a beautiful botanic garden. A member of the select circle of renowned “Relais & Châteaux” hotels for over 40 years, the hotel is the place where the Dutch and Norwegian royal families spend their ski holidays.
8. HOTEL SACHER SALZBURG
Overlooking the magical scenery of Salzburg’s old town, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg is the city’s only luxury grand hotel, dating back to 1866. The property offers an impressive view of the Hohensalzburg fortress and has been the very center of the city’s social life since 1866 and has hosted members of reigning houses, aristocrats, scientists, poets, actors, and artists. Directly located on the banks of the Salzach River, the privately owned and family-run hotel awaits its guests with living traditions, charming local flavors, and stunning views. Inspired by aristocratic country residences in the area, the collection of rooms and suites offers authentic regional design. The many restaurant and bar options on the property, all with terraces, truly provide a resort feel within the heart of the city.
- Hotel website: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, daily breakfast, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
7. PARK HYATT VIENNA
Centrally located in the heart of Vienna, the beautiful Park Hyatt Vienna property occupies a 100-year-old listed building that formerly served as the headquarters of a bank. Overlooking Am Hof Square in the Goldenes Quartier, the hotel retains many of the bank’s original features, such as the massive marble pillars and high ceiling in the restaurant. The hotel’s 143 spacious guestrooms, including 35 suites, rank amongst the largest in the city, brilliantly combining contemporary style with local Viennese accents. Book a Park Suite View to enjoy breathtaking views of the historic city center and Vienna’s exclusive shopping area Guests of the hotel will find an inviting retreat at the Arany Spa, fitness center, and 15 meter lap pool, which is set in the old bank vault.
Perched on a gentle hillside in the picturesque Alpine countryside, the intimate Tennerhof Gourmet is a pinnacle of rustic glamour whose history dates back to 1416. The Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel is the most charming and individual 5-star hotel in Kitzbühel, one of Austria’s most upscale mountain resorts. The hotel’s 39 romantic rooms, suites, and 6 chalets are individually arranged with heirloom antiques and offer panoramic mountain views. The Restaurant Tennerhof, helmed by chef Juan Kaiser, features regional specialties infused with international flavors. After a sumptuous dinner, enjoy a digestif in the hotel bar. The view of the mountains, the proximity to nature and the breathtaking panoramic view of Kitzbühel and the surrounding alpine world make every day here a very special experience.
- Hotel website: Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, daily breakfast, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
5. ROSEWOOD VIENNA
Housed in a historic 18th century building which was the former headquarters for Erste Group Bank AG, Rosewood Vienna is ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. The hotel offers 99 spacious guestrooms and suites, all of which will feature separate spaces for entertainment and relaxation. The contemporary accommodations merge the past and present through a thoughtful combination of elegant textural and artistic elements and the latest technological features. The property features a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a rooftop bar with exceptional views of the city, a gorgeous spa, and an excellent restaurant serving European cuisine and carefully crafted beverages appealing to guests and locals alike.
- Hotel website: Rosewood Vienna
- Other accolades: Rosewood Vienna also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Vienna.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, daily breakfast, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Rosewood Vienna here.
4. DAS CENTRAL SÖLDEN
The 5-star Das Central Hotel is the height of luxury in Sölden. The property is just steps from the village center and 10 minutes from the ski lifts (complimentary shuttle service is provided). Each of the 121 rooms and suites are unique and exude luxury, yet retain Tyrolean charm. There’s lots to love for foodies too, from the luxury breakfast buffets to the 5-course evening feasts. If you really want to spoil yourself, try the à la carte restaurant Ötztaler Stube which has a Michelin star. Spread across three floors, the hotel’s Venetian-themed features saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms – plus, an indoor pool with frescoes of gondolas on the walls. In addition, the adults-only rooftop summit with its outdoor infinity pool is the perfect spot to soak up the winter scenery after a day on the slopes.
3. MAYRLIFE MEDICAL HEALTH RESORT ALTAUSSEE
Set against a stunning backdrop of mountains on the shores of Lake Altaussee in Austria, Marylife Medical Health Resort is the ideal location for anyone searching for recovery, relaxation and health. Theluxury hotel is consistently awarded Austria’s finest medical spa, with individualized therapy plans that focus on improving gut health and the immune system. An integral part of the Marylife philosophy is its cuisine, which is designed to be a treat for the senses as well as aiding the regeneration of the gut to contribute to the overall benefits of your stay. The resort’s magical setting — situated along the banks of picturesque Lake Altaussee in Austria’s Alpine foothills — is equally healing. The property’s 60 soothing rooms are bathed in light with lake or mountain views.
2. AURELIO LECH
1. ROSEWOOD SCHLOSS FUSCHL
Perched upon the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Fuschl and the base of the Alps, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl opened its doors as an enriched, elevated luxury hotel that allows guests an intimate and rare experience of Austria’s landscape and its cultural heritage. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl both preserves and re-births Austrian traditions through its thoughtful restoration of the 15th-century castle and embracing of the natural surroundings through sustainable practices. The property features 98 furnished guestrooms, including 42 suites and six chalets, and sits as the gateway to Austria’s Salzkammergut region offering unparalleled access to its exquisite scenery. Guests can enjoy guided fishing excursions on the lake, forest foraging with an expert herbalist, and local-led cooking demonstrations in nearby alpine huts; complemented by a bespoke Asaya Spa rooted in Austrian wellness philosophies, and a leisure beach club, Schloss Fuschl See Club, with direct access to the water.
- Hotel website: Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, daily breakfast, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit; stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD hotel credit ).
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