11 Best Hotels in Eastern Alps, Austria

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This part of Austria is relatively inexpensive, except for the top resort towns of Bad Gastein and Zell am See. Even there, budget accommodations are available outside the center of town or in pensions. Note that room rates include taxes and service and almost always breakfast (except in the most expensive hotels) and one other meal, which is usually dinner. Halb pension (half-board), as this plan is called, is de rigueur in most lodgings. However, most will offer a breakfast-buffet-only rate if requested. Most hotels provide in-room phones and TVs. A few of the smaller hotels still take no credit cards, or if they do, will add a surcharge of between 3% and 5%. In the prominent resorts summer prices are often as much as 50% lower than during ski season.

Alpenblick

$$ | Kötschachtalerstrasse 17, Bad Gastein, A-5640, Austria

Perched high above the town, the Alpenblick has a sweeping view of the valley, and is an ideal base for skiers, hikers, and anyone who wants a quiet stay away from the town center. A lovely garden has a heated outdoor pool and breathtaking views. The rooms are furnished in rustic style, some more contemporary and some less. Everything is well maintained and the service is congenial. The owners take good care of their guests.

Pros

  • Fabulous lofty location with great views
  • Laid-back vibe
  • Family ownership provides a warm welcome

Cons

  • 15-minute walk to town and a bit steep on your way back
  • Poor Wi-Fi service
  • Some rooms are outdated
Kötschachtalerstrasse 17, Bad Gastein, A-5640, Austria
06434-20620
hotel Details
40 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–mid-Dec., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Alpenkrone

$$ | Filzmoos 133, Filzmoos, A-5532, Austria

From the balconies of this hotel above the town center you'll have impressive views of the surrounding Hochkönig and Bischofsmütze mountains. Rooms are done up in a simple but colorful style with an echo of the English country house lent by the British owners, the Hampshire family, who provide friendly management. This house sees many of its guests returning year after year. The restaurant, serving international but locally influenced cuisine, has a wall of windows with a stunning view.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Friendly staff
  • Wonderful location

Cons

  • Steep climb from town
  • Not in the center of the action
  • Hotel not very lively after dinnertime
Filzmoos 133, Filzmoos, A-5532, Austria
06453-8280–0
hotel Details
57 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Easter–mid-May and mid-Oct.–mid-Dec., No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Grand Hotel Zell am See

$$$ | Esplanade 4–6, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria

In the style of the great turn-of-the-twentieth-century resort hotels, this palatial lake house is the best-located address in Zell am See, with direct beach access and wonderful lake views. It stands on its own peninsula and is decorated with mansard roofs and whipped-cream stuccowork. At the Grand Spa you will be pampered as you enjoy spectacular views of the water. If you want to experience this hotel at its best, ask for the wellness-deluxe room, which has a 180-degree lake view.

Pros

  • Great location
  • Big standard rooms
  • Kids' club for ages 3–10 and other child-friendly services

Cons

  • Some rooms face noisy railroad
  • Rooms with a view are more expensive
  • No air-conditioning
Esplanade 4–6, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria
06542-788
hotel Details
132 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Haus Hirt Alpine Spa Hotel

$$$ | Kaiserhofstrasse 14, Bad Gastein, A-5640, Austria Fodor's Choice

Architect-designed with an eclectic artisan vibe, this stylish Alpine lodge, the sister hotel to Miramonte in the town, sits on a hillside about a half mile from the center. As well as spectacular views and mountain pursuits on the doorstep, there are excellent amenities for families—everything from prenatal spa treatments to nanny service and a kids’ club. While your clan is being cared for, you can enjoy the quiet corners, such as the library or the spa, which covers an entire floor, or join one of the daily free activities, including sightseeing and morning yoga. All rooms are done out in strong colors and are comfortably furnished, and most have views over the valley. The mood is sociable, and guests tend to mingle across the cocktail lounge, alfresco terrace, and cozy restaurant, which is all leather pouffs, low lighting, and magical views; it fosters wellbeing with local organic fare in Ayurvedic dishes.

Pros

  • Glorious position with fabulous views
  • Organic breakfast buffet
  • Free transportation

Cons

  • Spa and pool are small and can get packed during winter
  • A 20-minute walk to town
  • Repeat customers mean early reservations are needed
Kaiserhofstrasse 14, Bad Gastein, A-5640, Austria
06434-2797-0
hotel Details
41 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov., All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

Hotel Lärchenhof

$$$ | Hof 70, Heiligenblut, A-9844, Austria

This charming hotel is a true panoramagasthof—a guesthouse with spectacular views. The balconies festooned with flowers overlook the eye-popping Alpine scenery. The chalet-style building is perched on a mountain slope and surrounded by lush forest, so it's easy to feel you've left civilization behind. If you need a bit of help relaxing, there's a lovely spa. Rooms are comfortably appointed with pastel fabrics and sturdy wood furniture.

Pros

  • A good spa
  • Wonderful country hotel atmosphere
  • Very quiet location

Cons

  • Some double rooms are on the small side
  • Uphill walk back from the village
  • So lovely you won't want to leave
Hof 70, Heiligenblut, A-9844, Austria
04824-2262
hotel Details
23 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Hotel Miramonte

$$$$ | Reitlpromenade 3, Bad Gastein, A-5640, Austria

This mid-century design tower, once the Austrian National Bank’s private spa hotel, sits on the mountainside 10 minutes’ walk from the town center, with scenic Alpine views and easy access to Europe’s first chairlift on the Graukogel. Recently revamped by owner Evelyn’s husband, the architect Ike Ikrath, it’s sophisticated, with the mostly spacious rooms design-led in a palette of grays and tonal 1960s brights. Austrian flair is lent by cowhide rugs and pine headboards. There’s a leafy overhang terrace where you can hear the multi-drop waterfalls that splice the resort, and an Aveda spa offering holistic treatments, yoga twice a day for 9 euros per session, a panorama sauna, and a sunken bath filled with thermal water. Service is exceptional—the place is family-run in the second generation—and the hip restaurant serves quality "slow food," dubbed Alpine Urban Fusion, such as braised lamb with croquets.

Pros

  • Encourages outdoor lifestyle with large terrace, yoga at the waterfall, and firepit
  • Direct access to thermal water spring from the mountains
  • Panorama rooms have balconies with hammocks and views along the Gastein Valley

Cons

  • No swimming pool
  • Limited parking
  • No twin rooms
Reitlpromenade 3, Bad Gastein, A-5640, Austria
43-06434-2577-0
hotel Details
36 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Hunguest Hotel Heiligenblut

$$$ | Winkl 46, Heiligenblut, A-9844, Austria

This family-friendly hotel, a short distance from the town center, has a kids' room (parental supervision required) and an outdoor play area. All quarters have balconies, and you may request either a view of the mountains or of the Old Town. Round off your day in the pool and sauna area. 

Pros

  • Perfect for families
  • Lots of activities
  • Mountain views

Cons

  • Not the quietest location in town
  • Sauna is small
  • Views from the rooms vary
Winkl 46, Heiligenblut, A-9844, Austria
04824-411188
hotel Details
112 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Easter–May and Oct.–mid-Dec., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Nationalpark Lodge Grossglockner

$$$ | Hof 6, Heiligenblut, A-9844, Austria

This wooden chalet in the center of the village offers old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. The elegantly furnished rooms have cozy details in wood, linen, and wool. Close to climbing in summer and skiing in winter, the hotel organizes many activities such as hiking and yoga. It also has a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and gym. The half-board plan includes a five-course certified-organic dinner. Dishes are regionally sourced and cleverly combine elements from Alpine and Mediterranean traditions. Solar power is used for most water heating.

Pros

  • Very friendly staff
  • Restaurant focuses on organic local produce
  • Lots of children's activities

Cons

  • Some rooms on the small side
  • Bells from neighboring church can be loud
  • Rooms at the front can suffer from road noise
Hof 6, Heiligenblut, A-9844, Austria
04824-22440
hotel Details
50 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed May–mid-June, Oct., and Nov., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Salzburgerhof

$$$$ | Auerspergstrasse 11, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria Fodor's Choice

This well located five-star hotel, styled like an oversized chalet with modern annexes on either side, stands out with its lovely courtyard garden, a natural swimming pool, and the best spa in the area. At this family-managed lodging, comfort and personal service rule. Each of the attractive rooms and suites has a flower-bedecked balcony with a lovely view. Sophisticated travelers appreciate the excellent restaurant and service. The hotel has an indoor golf simulator and golfers get a discount at the local club.

Pros

  • Personal service
  • Rooms have balconies with views
  • Big standard rooms

Cons

  • Rooms at rear of building are near railroad tracks
  • Standard rooms do not face garden
  • Some rooms are looking a little tired and could use an update
Auerspergstrasse 11, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria
06542-7650
hotel Details
70 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Schloss Prielau

$$$$ | Hofmannsthalstrasse 12, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria

Attentive hosts Anette and Andreas Mayer take extra special care of their guests in this fairy-tale castle, with its turreted towers and striped shutters. Some of the elegantly furnished rooms, decked out with traditional carved-wood furniture, can be a bit dim because of the narrow windows. But the service will make you feel as if you're the newest member of royalty to take up residence here. The hotel restaurant offers standard fare, while the multi-award-winning Mayer's gourmet restaurant serves more sophisticated cuisine. You can rent the whole castle for an unforgettable event.

Pros

  • Eye-popping architecture
  • Very personal service
  • Private lake beach is only five minutes' walk

Cons

  • 20-minute walk to town
  • No elevator
  • No air-conditioning
Hofmannsthalstrasse 12, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria
06542-729–110
hotel Details
9 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Steinerwirt1493

$$ | Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 2, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria

Redesigned by Austrian architects in a minimalistic and modern style that distances itself from the local Alpine kitsch, this centrally located boutique hotel has a lot to offer. Art exhibitions and cultural events are held regularly in both the restaurant and the hotel. Space to read or relax is offered in the ThinkTank, the upstairs multifunction room, and there's an adjacent rooftop whirlpool (mountain view included) and sauna.

Pros

  • Has its own art gallery
  • In the center of Zell am See
  • Known for great cuisine

Cons

  • No swimming pool (there is an outdoor Jacuzzi)
  • Some noise from the nearby railroad station
  • Some rooms are quite small
Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 2, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria
06542-72502
hotel Details
28 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed early Nov.–1st wk in Dec. and last 2 wks of May, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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