11 Best Hotels in Eastern Alps, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.