Where to Stay in Austria

How to find the perfect holiday accommodation in Austria

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Types of Accommodations

You will find a selection of accommodation options including:

Hotels:

Pension: Typically are family-run small 2-3 star hotels- usually equivalent to a Bed and breakfast

Apartments /Ferienwohnung / FeWo: Self-catered holiday apartments

Hostels

Kinderhotels: family-friendly hotel that offers childcare, kids clubs, activities and restaurants.

Campsites

Unique: Bauernhaus (Farmhouse), Schloßhotels (Castle Hotels), Hütte (mountain huts)

Facilities and Amenities to consider when searching for holiday accommodation

R Is Breakfast Included? What Type?

R Is there Air Conditioning?

R Elevator/Lift Availability

R Distance to city centre /public transport

R Is WIFI (WLAN) available?

R Is there a Washing Machine or laundry service?

R Is Parking available?

Budget

Top 10 Hints

Here are the ten things you need to know before you book your holiday accommodation in Austria.

1. Room Sizes are typically smaller.

2. You are only allowed the number of registered guests in each room/apartment.This includes children and babies.  For safety reasons, all accommodations have a designated maximum capacity.

3. Bed Sizes are different.

4. Duvets and Linen.  Austrians do not use bedspreads. In Austria, you are provided two duvets.  

5. Floor Numbering The first floor is the floor above the ground floor (Erdgeschoss). In Vienna, the first floor may be above the Erdegschoss and the Mezzanin (effectively, it is the third floor). If it is important to be on the ground foor- confirm with the accommodation. 

6. Elevators and Lifts: Most city hotels have elevators/lifts. However, many older Austrian buildings, B&Bs and self-catered apartments may not have elevators/lifts. 

7. Air Conditioning is not popular in Austria. You will find air conditioning in hotels but do not expect it in self-catering apartments. American guests may find that the air conditioning may not be as cold as you are normally accustomed to.

8. Breakfast A typical Austrian breakfast is coffee, tea, hot chocolate, semmeln (bread rolls) with cold meat, cheeses, pate and spreads, museli and yogurt, and hard boiled eggs.

Many hotels may provide a buffet breakfast with more continental breakfast options.

9. Catering  Resorts and hotels may offer two different food catering options: Vollpension  (full-board) means you have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant are included. Halbpension (half-board) means you have breakfast and dinner  included. 

10. Washing machine and Dryers. Some accommodations may provide a washing machine, but in Austria, dryers are not common. Your accommodation will provide a drying rack.

Hints for Finding Holiday Accommodation in Austria

Holiday accommodation in Austria is listed on all the major booking platforms, including Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO, etc.

You will find listings for Hotels, Pensions and Airbnb-type options on all the platforms- so do not restrict yourself to one search. Look on different booking platforms to find the best deal.

 HINT #1: Alternatives to using the main Booking platforms

The local tourist offices in most Austrian cities, regions or resorts also provide accommodation reservation systems. Normally, reservations through Tourism offices do not incur commissions, so you may find better prices.

To find Tourism office websites, Use a Google Search :   [city/village/ski resort Name] + Tourismus

 HINT#2 Summer Cards

One of the best ways to save money and get amazing perks is to find accommodations that provide their regional Summer Card.

Many regions in Austria offer Summer Cards, which are normally provided for free when you stay with affiliated accommodation providers. These Summer Cards cannot be purchased. The Summer Cards offer unbelievable deals for summer activities, with some providing free gondola rides, entrance to sights, and free public transportation.
You will find all the information about Summer cards on the Regions Tourism Website.

Good to Know

Providing Passport /ID to Austrian Accommodation Providers

It is the law in Austria for accommodations to provide guest ID to the authorities.

Normal requirements are: 

1. 1. Names
   2. Passport or European ID  
   3. Birthdates of all guests
   4. Email address
   5. Home address.

Hotels and accommodations with on-site reception may register guests at check-in.

However, many Airbnb hosts and hosts of self-catered apartments will ask for this information before your arrival.

It is now the ‘norm’ that guest registration is done through an online registration form that is submitted directly to the authorities.

Registration

In Austria, all tourist properties must be registered, and there is a registration number. This number should be listed on the booking platforms.

Tourist Tax.

All adult guests (>14 years old) pay a tourist tax ranging from 2 to 5€/person/night depending on the location and the accommodation type.  The tourist tax may be included in your hotel invoice. For Self-catered accommodation, this is normally an extra that is paid in cash. 

Tipping Hotel Staff

The practice of tipping is not very common in Austrian hotels. In most hotels a service charge is included in the bill for staff, however, Porters, Concierge staff and  Cleaning staff appreciate a thank you or small gratuity. For example a tip of 1-2€ / bag or 1-2€ / night for the cleaning staff for a spotless stay.

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