Best Hotels in the Austrian Alps, Austria: Boutique + Luxury (original) (raw)
The Austrian Alps are home to first-class boutique hotels, luxury spa hotels, and even thermal bath hotels. Austrian hotels exhibit an unsurpassable standard of hygiene and cleanliness, comfort, and spa facilities.
The Austrian Alps tourist industry is primarily built around winter tourism, which means that hotels usually have tons of amenities to keep winter patrons happy: on-site restaurants and bars, extensive wellness areas with pools and saunas, spa menus, ski storage rooms and underground parking, and more.
If you travel to the Austrian Alps in summer or early autumn, room rates are significantly lower.
In this curated guide to the best hotels in the Austrian Mountains, we’re highlighting the best boutique and luxury hotels we’ve personally stayed in.
- Austrian Alps Hotels Map
- 1. Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel
- 2. Seehotel Einwaller
- 3. Hotel Eder
- 4. Stadthotel Brunner
- 5. Aqua Dome Hotel
- 6. Der Berghof
- 7. Theresa Wellness Hotel
- More Hotels in Austria
- Austria Trip Planning Essentials
- Austrian hotels typically have on-site restaurants and offerhalf board(breakfast and dinner).
- Half board usually consists of a buffet breakfast and a multi-course dinner (salad buffet, starter, soup, main dish, dessert). Drinks aren’t included. If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s best to communicate your needs in advance.
- Some hotels offer a complimentary Nachmittagsjause, which is an afternoon snack. The snack is usually served in the mid-late afternoon.
- Access to the spa and wellness area is always included in the room rate.
- Sauna areas are generally textile-free zones (no bathing suits allowed) for hygienic reasons. Learn more about sauna etiquette in our Therme guide.
- Room rates are significantly cheaper in summer (June – October).
- Many Austrian Alps hotels close down for a few weeks in May and November.
- The standard hotel check-in time is around 3 pm. If you’d like to check in earlier, reach out to the reception in advance. They usually can accommodate earlier check-in times.
- An Ortstaxe (guest tax, visitor’s tax) may be added to your hotel bill. This is a tourism tax, which is levied on non-residents. It’s usually 1-3 EUR per person per night.
Austrian Alps Hotels Map
How to use this map | Click on the icons to display more information about each accommodation. Color signifies Austrian State.
Austrian States
Vorarlberg Hotels
Tyrol Hotels
Salzburg Hotels
Carinthia Hotels
Upper Austria Hotels
Styria Hotels
1. Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel
Mösern, Tyrol
Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel is a luxury hotel in Mösern in Tyrol, Austria.
Surrounded by meadows and forest, this stylish mountain hotel occupies a quiet location on the edge of the Seefeld Plateau, high above the Inn Valley. Though it feels quite secluded, the hotel is only a 5-minute drive to Seefeld in Tyrol and a 30-minute drive to Innsbruck.
This contemporary-alpine hotel spoils guests with its heart-expanding views of the Tyrolean Alps, modern spa facilities, and exceptional half board offering.
The rooms at Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel are elegantly put together with natural wood furnishings, wool carpets, plush sofas and armchairs, and beds draped in snow-white bedding. Across all categories, rooms share a similar view of the surrounding mountains and Inntal.
The hotel’s wellness area comprises a heated indoor-outdoor pool, 4 saunas, an outdoor whirlpool, plunge pool, relaxation areas, tea room, and a natural bathing pool. Guests also have access to a fitness room and yoga, stretching room. During your stay, you can book various spa, beauty, and massage treatments.
Our favorite part about our stay at Nidum was dinner, a heavenly, mouth-watering multi-course meal starting with a colorful salad and appetizer buffet. The dining experience at Nidum is incomparable in terms of flavor, quality, and service.
In summer and autumn, Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel is a perfect base for exploring Gaistal Valley and the Wetterstein Mountains as well as Karwendel Nature Park. We loved hiking to Rotmoosalm during our stay at NIDUM.
In winter, Seefeld is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and winter-hiking.
Our Hotel Review: Staying at Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel
Where to Book: Booking.com
2. Seehotel Einwaller
Pertisau am Achensee, Tyrol
Seehotel Einwaller is a lakefront hotel in Pertisau at Lake Achensee in Tyrol, Austria.
Offering private lake access, a panoramic rooftop spa, and an on-site restaurant, Seehotel Einwaller is one of the best hotels for travelers, who want to balance active outdoor pursuits with relaxation.
The village of Pertisau is one of the gateways into Karwendel Nature Park, one of the most pristine hiking destinations in the Austrian Alps. Pertisau is also a peaceful retreat in winter for cross-country skiing and snow-shoe hiking.
This 4-star, boutique hotel is adults-only (ages 12+), which contributes to the relaxing ambience. Adults-only simply means that there’s an age threshold in order to ensure that all guests can have a rejuvenating stay.
Our Hotel Review: Staying at Seehotel Einwaller
Where to Book: Booking.com
3. Hotel Eder
Maria Alm, Salzburg
Hotel Eder is a family-run, 4-star hotel in the heart of Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer in the Hochkönig holiday region of Salzburg, Austria. Situated on the village square and adjacent to the Maria Alm Pilgrimage Church, Hotel Eder serves as the favorite meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
This stylish hotel delights with its fresh and playful design choices, creative wellness spaces, and relaxed atmosphere.
We were impressed by the hotel restaurant and bar and the overall hospitality and attentiveness of the staff. You can book breakfast-only, or half board (recommended).
The indoor-outdoor pool, which runs parallel to the Pilgrimage Church, and the herbal moor relaxation zone are especially memorable.
In winter, Maria Alm is a great base for skiing in the Ski Amadé – Hochkönig Ski Area. In summer and fall, Maria Alm is an ideal place to stay for hiking in the Hochkönig mountains and up to the Steinernes Meer high karst plateau. Learn more about hiking trails in our Salzburg Hiking Guide.
Our Hotel Review: A Look Inside Hotel Eder
Where to Book: Booking.com
4. Stadthotel Brunner
Schladming, Styria
Stadthotel Brunner is a splash of urban style on Schaldming’s traditional hospitality scene. This modern boutique hotel boasts a shimmering, geometric facade, an imaginatively-designed lobby, a health-conscious restaurant with Ayurvedic and alkaline cuisine, a small rooftop spa, and 24 bedrooms.
This barrier-free hotel was designed with a Biorhythmic lighting concept and built with responsibly produced materials sourced from the region.
Bedrooms are sleek and stylish, furnished with walnut wood. Welcome extras include Nespresso coffee makers, flat screen TVs, and Stop the Water cosmetics.
You can join complimentary on-site yoga and meditation sessions during your stay.
The hotel spa contains a Finnish sauna, relaxation zone with hanging egg chairs, a sun terrace overlooking the town and the Dachstein, a giant shower, and a panoramic tea room.
The hotel is located in the center of Schladming, directly on the town’s main drag.
Schladming is a famous ski resort, but we love visiting in summer. The fabulous 5-day Schladminger Tauern High Trail starts and ends here. Check out our Schladming Hiking Guide.
Summer season guests receive a complimentary Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.
Where to Book: Booking.com
5. Aqua Dome Hotel
Längenfeld, Tyrol
Aqua Dome is a massive thermal bath complex and hotel, set in the middle of Oetztal Valley.
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Austria is bathing in a Therme. And, while it’s possible to visit just for the day, nothing quite beats staying the night in a thermal spa hotel.
With its stunning alpine location, futuristic design, and healing thermal water, Aqua Dome Hotel is the ultimate spa getaway in Austria. Hotel guests get unlimited access to the thermal baths, sauna world, fitness center (and classes) as well as the exclusive access to the 2-level Spa 3000.
A bountiful breakfast buffet and 5-course dinner is included in the room rate. Extra treats include a complimentary mini bar (with nonalcoholic beverages), a welcome snack, and a spa bag with a bathrobe, towel, and flip flops.
Hotel Review: Aqua Dome Hotel Review
Guide: How to Visit Aqua Dome
Where to Book: Booking.com
6. Der Berghof
Lech, Vorarlberg
Set in the center of Lech am Arlberg, this boutique hotel artfully blends Arlberg tradition, bespoke craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
All 14 bedrooms are uniquely designed and outfitted with premium furniture, materials, and fixtures. Bathrooms come with alcove shower-bathtubs, local Resa Wants toiletries, bathrobes and slippers.
Breakfast at Der Berghof is a decadent affair, consisting of eggs, bacon, and sausages, croissants, pastries, and breads, cheeses and cold cuts, herb spreads, fresh fruits, muesli, yogurt, a self-service juice bar, and a premium loose leaf tea bar.
The hotel’s spa, consisting of five saunas, a cold plunge pool, foot bath, relaxation room, private showers, and tea bar, is ideal for unwinding.
A gourmet 5-course dinner menu is designed each day, suitable also for vegetarians and pescetarians. It’s possible to substitute some of the daily courses for Austrian favorites, like Wiener Schnitzel vom Kalb (no extra charge), Tafelspitz (additional 8 EUR), and other options.
The hotel’s kitchen is focused on bringing together fresh, regional ingredients to create interesting fusion dishes and traditional favorites.
Where to Book: Booking.com
More Hotels in Lech am Arlberg: Hotel Arlberg
Learn More: Best Hotels in Lech am Arlberg
7. Theresa Wellness Hotel
Zell am Ziller, Tyrol
Hotel Theresa is a family-run, 4-star superior hotel located in the center of Zell am Ziller, next to the train station and 800 meters from the Zillertal Ski Arena.
Set amid sprawling pastures in Zillertal Valley, this full-board hotel spoils guests with its picturesque location, mountain views, extensive 3500m2 spa area, wellness and active program, and organic food.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), fitness and wellness classes, and use of spa facilities are included.
Most Hotel Theresa bedrooms are decked in a country home style featuring floral and plaid upholstery, wood dressers, box spring beds, and sparse wood paneling.
The recently renovated VIP rooms sport marble bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs, velvet headboards, comfortable seating areas, and dreamy wallpaper.
Our Hotel Review: Zillertal Spa Getaway: Hotel Theresa
Where to Book: Booking.com
More Hotels in Austria
- EurothermenResort Bad Ischl – Hotel Royal in Bad Ischl, Upper Austria
- Hotel Auszeit at Lake Achensee, Tyrol
- Rogner Bad Blumau Thermal Spa Resort in Styria
- Tree House Hideaway: Hochleger Chalets in Zillertal, Tyrol
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Austria Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria.
When to Visit Austria
We recommend visiting Austria between June and October for hiking and between December and March for skiing and winter adventuring.
Summer Travel | Summer in Austria
Autumn Travel | Autumn in Austria
Winter Travel | December in Salzburg, December in Vienna, and January in Vienna
Getting around Austria
Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes.
Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across Austria, we recommend renting a car.
Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:
- 2 Week Austria Road Trip – starting in Vienna
- 1 Week Austria Road Trip – starting in Salzburg or Munich
- 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip – starting in Munich
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border.
Hiking in Austria
Where to Hike in Austria
Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:
- Innsbruck Hiking Guide
- Salzburg Hiking Guide
- Filzmoos, Salzburg Hiking Guide
- Schladming, Styria Hiking Guide
- Lech am Arlberg, Vorarlberg Hiking Guide
- Vorarlberg Hiking Guide
- Vienna Mountains Hiking Guide
Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria
Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.
What to See & Do in Austria
- Visit a gorge like the Liechtenstein Gorge in Salzburg.
- Bathe in the thermal pools of an Austrian Therme like Aqua Dome in Tirol.
- Stay in a thermal spa hotel like Rogner Bad Blumau (designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser) in Styria, EurothermenResort Bad Ischl in Upper Austria, or the Aqua Dome Hotel in Tirol.
- Hike to a mountain lake like Lake Tappenkarsee in Salzburg or Lake Drachensee in Tirol.
- Go Wine Tasting in South Styria.
- Marvel at the culture, music, and architecture of Vienna.
- Eat heartwarming mountain food in an Almhütte at Grosser Ahornboden in Tirol or Ursprungalm in Styria.
- Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park.
- Visit the castles, monasteries, and wine taverns of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati