Austria has something to offer every kind of traveller. There's rich cultural heritage, excellent food, grand art and architecture and the landscape of mountains and alpine lakes which is considered one of the world's most beautiful backdrops. So there's plenty of choice when it comes to planning your Austrian experience and choosing the best places to stay in Austria.

This ancient country occupies Europe's crossroads, something it's experienced only too well during both World Wars. Despite feeling old, Austria has only been a nation since 1918, and each of its nine federal states still has a separate feeling and identity, and its own special place in history. But, as well as being at the crossroads, Austria can also be said to occupy Europe's heart. A moderate, very European feeling country boasting plenty of Europe's best assets from Vienna's magical one-of-a-kind architecture to the spectacular alpine ski fields and lush, green, musical Salzburg.

Ah, Vienna! The Austrian capital has always been dignified, but there's a thick layer of whipped cream around almost every corner. Its baroque architecture, art galleries and museums, rich musical heritage and cafés and cakes have been magnets for tourists since the days of the Grand Tour.

Graz is Austria's second largest city, and an ancient one, having been founded by the Romans and enjoying its heyday between the 12th and 15th Centuries. Modern Graz is considered a centre of learning and is one of the best places to stay in Austria to experience its rich culture and heritage.

Salzburg's two famous claims are Mozart and The Sound of Music. And yes, musical this town is; walking around the Heritage listed Altstadt you'll hear recitals drift from the many churches. And down side streets, you'll hear snatches of classical music pouring from open windows. But Salzburg is also very beautiful, something Mozart himself was very proud of.

Zürs, Lech and St Anton are part of Lech Zurs am Arlberg, one of the world's great ski destinations, and skiers only need one pass to ski this whole winter wonderland of 80+ inclines and over 276kms worth of slopes. As well as getting excellent snow coverage, this location is also spectacularly surrounded by the Alps. Until the end of the 19th Century, Lech spent the winters cut off from the outside world, and the traditional village look remains. Pretty and popular, Lech is the kind of place you're likely to see Bentleys with snow chains.

Kitzbühel's charming medieval centre makes a pretty addition to one of Austria's best ski resorts, known for its skiing, restaurants, apres-ski and off-slope activities. Kitzbühel's historic Tirolean centre is pretty and pedestrianised and there are plenty of nice boutiques to poke around in and cafes to people watch in. On race weekends the town is packed with around 70,000 spectators, so there's a lot of life!

Innsbruck sits nicely between the city break destinations and the skiing destinations, as it offers both. You can spend one day exploring grand Habsburg palaces and the next day skiing in this relaxed, and exceptionally beautiful, Tyrolean capital.

What Not To Miss

• If you're in Vienna, then enjoy numerous works by the European Masters at the Museum of Fine Art including the likes of Titian, Velasquez, Van Dyke and Rubens.
• Afterwards, go explore the majestic and imposing Schonbrunn Palace.
• Schlossberg, the castle on the hill, around which Graz sprang up, is a good place to explore. Catch the funicular if your knees aren't up to the climb. From the top, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful view of pretty red roofs.
• If you're in Innsbruck, be sure to visit the Schloss Ambras palace, beautiful on the outside, but also worth going inside - for the armour and the portrait collection.
• Around the palace you'll find several impressive churches; there's the St. Jacob Cathedral, the Hofkirche, (with its tomb of Emperor Maximilian I and various other emperors in bronze), as well as the Wiltener Basilika.
• When in Salzburg, be sure to visit Mozart's birthplace, residence, and visit the Mozart Museum.
• Alternatively, stroll through the manicured Mirabell gardens (featured in The Sound of Music).

The best places to stay in Austria

For Vienna

• The Grand Hotel Wien has been a Viennese hub since the early 20th century and still exudes class and style.
• The Hotel Imperial, Vienna's grand dame, opened its doors in 1873 and is still in fantastic condition with massive suites and marble everywhere!
• Our pick of the best contemporary places to stay in Vienna includes the Hollman Beletage - hard to find, but persevere, it's worth it!
• Do&Co a chic property with the best location in town and fresh modern architecture and design.
• Alternatively, check in to the Altstadt. This hotel is just outside the Ring, but offers a great mix of styles from classic to avant-garde and houses the owner's stunning art collection.
• Palais Hansen's traditional neoclassical facade encases modern architecture and contemporary comforts at the very highest level.
• Check into the Ritz Carlton, Vienna for some serious pampering. Find palatial rooms and suites, state of the art spa, excellent restaurants, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views over Vienna's skyline
• Formerly Prince of Württemberg's Palace now uber luxury hotel, the Imperial is a hard one to beat.

For Graz

• Hotel Wiesler is situated bang in the centre of town and can certainly claim to be one of the best places to stay in Graz purely by taking a look at its guestbook....names range from the Rolling Stones to Schwarzenegger!
• The elegant and sophisticated Schlossberg Hotel benefits from sprawling terraced gardens despite its city centre location. It's a good option for families with a wide range of accommodation including suites and apartments.
• Hotel Daniel, sister property to the Daniel in Vienna, boasts all white minimalist rooms, but at a very reasonable rate. Rooms start from only €62 per night.
• Augarten Hotel Art & Design offer spacious light-filled rooms, also at very reasonable prices. Check out the roof terrace for stunning city views.

For Salzburg

• Right next to the cathedral, the Boutique Hotel Am Dom is the best place to stay if you don't want to walk far to see the sights. Converted from an 800-year old townhouse, it's decor is now quite modern.
• If you're looking for a more traditional hotel, the Goldener Hirsch is one of the best. Not quite as close to the Fortress but still well located. The generous buffet breakfast and renowned Nurnberger Bratwurst will fuel the small extra distance you'll need to walk.
• Primarily the home of novices training to become monks, Haus St Benedikt also opens its doors to regular folk. As you might imagine the bedrooms are minimalist but include all the modern comforts. One of the highlights is breakfast which is taken communally with the monks! Only about two minutes from many of Salzburg's main attractions, this haven of calm is also one of the best places if you want a central base.
• Situated in a tastefully restored 800-year-old townhouse, Boutique Hotel am Dom boasts the perfect location from which to explore Salzburg. Rooms are sleek and contemporary, with historic features - bare stone and wooden beams.

For Innsbruck

• The Grand Hotel Europa provides five-star luxury, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, in elegant, traditional surrounds. It's even got its own casino. And you don't need to pay over the odds for a room, they start from $110 per night.
• The Penz offers modern and sophisticated decor, with two roof terraces offering incredible views and gourmet food, including fantastic breakfasts.
• Schwarzer Adler, situated in Innsbruck's historic centre, is set in a 16th Century property and offers smart traditional accommodation. Enjoy lovely cuisine from the rooftop restaurant and unwind in the spa after a day on the slopes.
• Hotel Weisses Kreuz is located in the heart of town, boasting gorgeous rooms exuding charm - complete with exposed beams and antiques. Enjoy wonderful breakfasts before spending your days wandering around the town's sights.

For Kitzbühel

• If you're looking for five stars worth of alpine splendour that won't break the bank, the Weisses Rossl is one of the best places to stay in Kitzbühel for you. It looks traditional from the outside, but its luxury is unfussy and elegant inside. Plus there's a lovely spa, grand public areas and a gourmet restaurant.
• A brightly painted traditional townhouse right in the centre of Kitzbühel, the Hotel Tiefenbrunnermanages to be both big and cosy. It's also only five minutes from the main lifts, and the restaurant has wonderful views of the mountains.
• Hotel Zur Tenne is located in the historic heart of town. Its spacious rooms feature plenty of wooden furnishings and are extremely cosy, with working fireplaces that are perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, there are four restaurants to choose from!
• It looks a bit like one of those beautiful cuckoo clocks, and, with its views over the town and the mountains, the Hotel Tennerhof is just as charming inside as it is out. It has just 16 rooms and 19 suites, so a good option if you're looking for somewhere intimate. The spa is good, but the hotel restaurant is regularly referred to as one of the best in the world. So it's probably an understatement to say that this is one of the best hotels in Kitzbühel for foodies. And if you're skiing all day you can't help but build up an appetite.
• The Alpeniglu Village offers a totally unique experience, an opportunity to stay in an igloo. So if you're looking for a reason to cosy up together this is the one to book. Rooms are in separate igloos, filled with furs and down sleeping bags, and the main building is also made of snow and ice - including the bar and restaurant.
• Hotel Erika, set in a gorgeous Art-Deco building surrounded by fantastic gardens (to be enjoyed in the summer), is a lovely stay. Boasting traditionally elegant accommodation with mahogany furniture and paintings, there's Austrian cuisine served in the restaurant and an extensive spa.

For Zürs, Lech, and St Anton

• The super modern alpine Hotel Zursehof enjoys a picturesque setting. Find individual and customised spa service and gourmet food.
• Hotel Lorunser is a charmingly luxurious hotel with probably the best location in town. Full-board accommodation, a fantastic wine list and a cosy bar decorated with antiques and fireplace.
• At the exclusive family-owned mountain hotel, Thurnhers Alpenhof, pampering is paramount, from the in-house ski and snowboard instructor to the spa whose staff will devise a personal programme for your stay. On top of this enjoy afternoon tea taken in the lounge and gourmet 5 or 8 course dinners every night.
• For a wonderful, traditional alpine experience, you can't go past the Hotel Arlberg. It's a five-star luxury chalet right in the centre of town, and one of the best hotels in Lech if you're looking for a ski-in-ski-out location with fur throws, wood panelling, open fires and antlers. If you're picky about your tipple it will also tick all the boxes - they have a wine list with around a thousand choices.
• The Hotel Monzabon is a good option if any of your party is learning to ski: it's right in the centre of town, beside the ski school, cable car and ski lifts. This is a traditional mountain hotel, so there's plenty of bare wood and roaring fires. There are family-sized apartments, which have a self catering option, but if you get hungry on the slopes opt for their half board, which includes five-course dinners.
• If you and the family want to ski like demons and sleep like logs then Hotel Brunnenhof is the ideal place for you. Situated slightly outside St Anton, the frequent shuttle will ensure you are in the thick of things when you want to be and under a thick duvet at night.
• Hotel Post is a more traditional Antonine destination. It has been serving guests forever, but it’s unpretentious and lets you get on with enjoying your company. Right next to the lifts too.
• Hotel Montana is a family-friendly chalet hotel with spacious rooms featuring pine furniture, modern bathrooms and seating areas.

For an apartment or villa

If you'd like the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the available options with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you're here for skiing then visit from December to March. However, Austria is also wonderful in the summer, with the temperature ranging between 20-35°C.
• Most major cities have their own airports: Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Graz.
• Those who fancy exploring independently should consider hiring a car with Rentalcars.

Still not sure which to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Austria.
• Narrow down your search to look through our list of the best places in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, and Graz.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.