Austria Hotel Collection: Hotels for a Winter City Break

City trips are more popular than ever – and Austria makes the perfect destination for a winter break. Just think of all the festive markets waiting to be explored! And the cosy coffee houses to pop in and warm up when out and about sightseeing. But where to stay? When you only have a couple of days to spend, it’s essential to find the perfect accommodation fit. You want to be right in the heart of the action after all – or in an off-the-beaten-path neighbourhood with easy access to all the attractions. Luckily, Austria’s cities have no shortage of either option for city breakers – from luxury hotel to chic boutique hideaway.

Have a look at the city edition of this year’s Austria Hotel Collection.
 

LUXURY AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS RIGHT IN THE HEART OF VIENNA

Once home to Vienna's nobility Almanac Palais Vienna is a 5-star boutique luxury hotel blending architectural heritage with contemporary design. It sits on the Ring Boulevard right in the heart of Vienna's historic centre, making it a perfect starting point to explore the 1st district including some of the most famous Christmas markets in town. 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 (including a 14 m long indoor pool, sauna, gym and steam room) and à la carte breakfast with many plant-based options.

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

Opened in 1898, Hotel Ambassador in Vienna is as elegant as its name and location – right between St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera – suggest. The hotel is one of the most history-filled buildings in the city, seamlessly blending traditional ambience with modern spirit, and 19th century elements with cutting-edge amenities. Many well-known figures of the music, art, and culture world have popped in here over the years. Today, the charming bar provides the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and exploring, while the spacious top floor apartments come with private terraces and picture-perfect city views. Both the Christmas market on Karlsplatz and in front of St Stephan’s Cathedral are within walking distance.

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

When it opened in 1912, Hotel Astoria Vienna set new standards in service and design. Modelled after the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, it was considered the most modern hotel in Vienna at the time, soon turning into the place to be (and be seen at) for aristocrats, diplomats, and opera and film stars. In 2024, the hotel underwent a thorough renovation, preserving its historic Art Deco elements while breathing new life into the landmark building with modernised amenities and, at the same time, making the hotel eco-friendlier. Start your day with their Viennese breakfast buffet (or get a selection served right into your room), then head out exploring. Hotel Astoria Vienna sits on Kärntnerstraße, Vienna’s most famous shopping street.

Insider tip: The hotel is just around the corner from the Vienna State Opera. Watch a performance or take a guided tour.

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 boutique hotel where guests can enjoy a well-deserved break while minimising their carbon footprint: Henriette Stadthotel heats its rooms with an in-house air-to-air heat pump system and provides natural plastic-free linen bedding, ensuring sweet dreams after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel’s famous breakfast is all home-made, using seasonal and regional ingredients only. Henriette’s philosophy: "No, we're not trying to change the whole world. But our little piece of it? Definitely."

Insider tip:  Dive into Vienna’s 2nd district with its handicraft shops and little bars and grab a bite at the Karmelitermarkt food market, before taking a 10-minute walk to the Prater and hopping on the Giant Ferris Wheel for a bird’s eye view of the city. Then, treat yourself to a mug of mulled wine right in front of it.

Singerstrasse 21/15 is the epitome of urban living in the very heart of Vienna, just 300 metres from St Stephen’s Cathedral. It features Viennese Art Decor luxury double rooms as well as 66 fully equipped apartments with kitchen units, dining areas, and walk-in wardrobes. The highlight are the stylish exclusive penthouse units for up to six guests with large roof-top terraces overlooking the historic centre. The rooms and apartments are available for short- and long-term stays, making Singerstrasse a great choice for city breakers and business travellers alike. The hotel also provides a generous breakfast buffet.

Insider tip: Fancy a fitness challenge? Climb up the South Tower of St Stephan’s Cathedral (343 steps!) for stunning city views – or take the lift up the North Tower – then visit the famous catacombs.
 

ARTSY CITY HOTELS FOR DESIGN FANS

 

Hotel Altstadt’s recipe for success is creativity combined with the Viennese approach to life. In this 19th-century building, guests and locals live door-by-door. All 62 rooms and suites have been individually designed by renowned artists such as Lena Hoschek, Matteo Thun, and Lilli Hollein, and over 350 pieces of art are displayed all around the hotel. Hotel Altstadt’s concept is no coincidence: It sits right in the heart of Vienna’s laid-back artist district Spittelberg, where guests can mingle with the locals in no-frills Viennese “Beisl” pubs, boutique shops, small bars and award-winning eateries. Altstadt is also Vienna’s first hotel certified with the Austrian Eco-label.

Insider tip: The hotel is surrounded by independent boutiques and restaurants, as well as one of the locals’ favourite Christmas markets, right on Spittelberg.

Hotel Harmonie in Vienna’s trendy Servitenviertel, dotted with cafes and some of the city’s busiest restaurants, is off the beaten path, yet just a few minutes’ walk from Ringstrasse, The hotel owes its name to the former nearby Harmonie Theatre. It is no surprise, therefore, that owner Sonja Wimmer chose an artistic concept for her hotel, taking inspiration from Vienna’s rich history and dance tradition. Soloists from the State Opera’s ballet created many of the design elements by moving across a canvas with colour pigment, transforming each of the 66 rooms into a unique art experience. Hotel Harmonie holds certificates for sustainability, allergy-friendliness, and organic products used throughout the building.

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

Hotel Sans Souci is a luxury place around the corner from trendy MuseumsQuarter, housing a private collection of world-famous Roy Lichtenstein (in the public areas as well as all suites) and the longest hotel pool in town under a glittering chandelier! Champagne fans will love the complimentary glass for breakfast, the more than 100 different types of champagne to choose from at the hotel bar, and the private tastings. All rooms and suites were individually designed by Philippe Starck’s studio YOO with unique character, and maximum comfort in mind. The same charming spirit adds a special touch to the Veranda Bar & Brasserie and the gorgeous Sans Souci Spa.

Insider tip: Mingle with the locals at Vienna's hip 7th district - Spittelberg is just a two-minute walk away. At night, head to MuseumsQuartier for mulled wine (until 11 PM!)

Stylish Arthotel Blaue Gans is the place to be when on a city break in Salzburg. Located close to Mozart's birthplace and opposite the Festival Halls, the hotel is decorated with no less than 120 original artworks. Blaue Gans also houses Salzburg's oldest inn which opened in 1350. The restaurant sports vaulted ceilings and dark wooden beams and offers Austrian cuisine with a Mediterranean touch. Head chef Max Sampl combines top-notch products from the Alps with the lightness of the south, which makes his cuisine quite Salzburg-like. And then there’s Campari: Celebrating the centuries-old trade routes between the Mozart town and Venice, it is served all day long at the hotel bars.

Insider tip: Salzburg’s Christmas markets in the centre are within walking distance. Check out the stalls, then head to Hohensalzburg Fortress for mulled wine with a view.

Innsbruck has no shortage of accommodation options but trendy NALA Individuell Hotel stands out from the crowd. An enchanting hotel in den 1950s, it has been turned into a modern city escape with colourful rooms and apartments all individually designed in line with their quirky names (from “Cinema” to “Climb Up”, “Snow White” and “Zen”) as well as mountain views. Both the city centre and the nearest cable car up the mountain (and to the skiing pistes) are just a stone’s throw away. NALA is dedicated to sustainability, running on 90% green energy, and using eco-friendly cosmetics, mattresses, and pillows, as well as organic ingredients for the breakfast buffet.

Insider tip: Start your Christmas market tour right at your doorstep: The small market at Wiltener Platzl, just a few minutes’ walk from NALA, is known for its organic delights and festive live music.

 

AUSTRIA HOTEL COLLECTION 2025 AT A GLANCE

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