Best Hotels in Austria

Situated along the Schottenring section of Vienna's famous Ring Boulevard, the Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna has welcomed guests since it opened in 1873 for the Vienna World Exhibition. Today, its cigar lounge, florist, business center, ballroom and six conference rooms make it a prime spot for meetings and events, while its shopping boutique, two restaurants and luxury spa – complete with a hydro pool, six treatment rooms, a fitness center and multiple saunas – make the hotel ideal for leisure travelers wanting to relax. Recent visitors appreciated the property's convenient limousine service and knowledgeable concierge desk, as well as the iPads, colorful decor, desks and Nespresso coffee makers provided in the hotel's 152 guest rooms and suites. However, some found the housekeeping service to be lacking. The Michelin-starred cuisine at Edvard received high praise, as did breakfast at Die Küche. Just prepare to pay a pretty penny for the meal, unless you book a package that includes breakfast.

If you're looking to be in the heart of the action, you can't get more central than the Park Hyatt Vienna. Guests love this Hyatt outpost for its address smack dab in the middle of the Inner City. Not only is it within close proximity to cafes, bars and restaurants, but it's also near top attractions, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts and the House of Music. The hotel is just as well-equipped as the neighborhood in which it resides. The Park Hyatt Vienna features a fitness center with personal trainers, a 24-hour business center, 24-hour concierge services, a spa, a swimming pool and valet parking services. As for dining and drinks, the Park Hyatt boasts a bar, a lounge, a cafe and a restaurant. The 143 accommodations are homey, featuring all the amenities needed to kick back and relax with ease. Standard rooms feature refrigerators, minibars, coffee makers, televisions, complimentary internet access and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, among other features. There are also perks for pets: Dogs receive a welcome treat, bed, water and food bowl, plus dog-sitting services are available. But beyond the amenities, it was the staff and their incredible attention to detail that truly impressed guests.

A stay at The Guesthouse Vienna is all about location, location, location, according to recent guests. Its address in the heart of Austria's biggest city puts travelers close to just about everything they could ever need. Bars, restaurants and shops can be found on just about every block, and popular attractions, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts and House of Music, are all within walking distance of the property. The Guesthouse's accommodations stand out in that they resemble the kind of Old World elegance as seen in many top European hotels. Instead, rooms here are both modern in design and amenities, featuring ultra-sleek furnishings and contemporary artwork in addition to rainforest showers, espresso machines, TVs and towel radiators. What's more, all drinks in the minibar (except for spirits) are included in the room rate. The on-site Brasserie & Bakery – another guest favorite – serves food all day and offers kids menus. Service was also a big standout at this property: Guests described the staff as friendly and helpful, and strongly suggested relying on the concierge for activity recommendations.

Lodgers were hard-pressed to find anything wrong with their stays at the Hotel Schloss Monchstein. Travelers could go on and on about the beautiful grounds, tremendous service and fantastic food, to name just a few of the hotel's standout attributes. The property is located on the scenic Mönchsberg Hill, at the foot of the Salzach River in central Salzburg. The hotel was actually once a castle, so its royal service and elegant interiors shouldn't come as a surprise to guests. Rooms feature rich white, gold and red decor, as well as modern comforts, including large flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Across the 151,000 square feet of grounds, guests will find amenities galore, including the expansive Mochstein spa, which features a fitness center and outdoor infinity-edge pool that directly overlooks the Salzburg skyline. What's more, the property is home to one of the smallest restaurants in the world, located in the hotel's tower spire (it seats up to four diners). There's also the roomier Schloss Mönchstein, which serves its gourmet fare inside the elegant dining room or outside on the seasonal terrace. And when you're ready to get out and explore, you only need to allot a few minutes for walking to get to the city's center.

Those seeking the lap of luxury during their stay in Vienna should look no further than this Ritz-Carlton outpost. The hotel boasts spacious rooms and suites outfitted with plenty of amenities both traditional and modern. Standard 409-square-foot rooms (the largest standard hotel rooms in Vienna) feature flat-screen TVs, sound systems with iPhone docking stations, in-room Nespresso coffee machines and bathrooms with rainfall showers, separate tubs, heated floors and towel warmers. Room rates also include access to the fitness center, swimming pool and all other wellness facilities (though some services do cost extra). For dining, guests can indulge in farm-to-table fare at the DSTRIKT Steakhouse or enjoy some Italian fare at Pastamara. You can also grab a drink at the seasonal Atmosphere Rooftop bar or have a cigar at the D-Bar. What made this Ritz-Carlton so memorable for many guests was the incredible service; previous lodgers said the staff went above and beyond to make their stay a special one. You'll find the Ritz Carlton Vienna spread across four palaces in the city's center, less than a mile from top attractions, such as the House of Music, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Museum of Fine Arts. Keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points by staying here.