Austria Holiday Accommation
Guide
Where to Stay in Austria
How to find the perfect holiday accommodation in Austria
Austria prides itself on its long hospitality tradition, reflected by many accommodation options in the cities, summer/winter resorts, small towns, and mountain villages.
You can find holiday accommodation to suit all budgets-from 5-star luxury to budget hostels and campgrounds.
Top 10 Tips
From bed sizes, duvets to linens-and all other tips.
Hints
How to find your Austrian holiday accommodation.
Good to Know
Info: providing ID and/or passports, Tourist tax and tipping.
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
Cancellation and Payment Policies
Check-In/ Check-Out times
Reception Opening times
What floor is the room on?
Is there Luggage Storage available?
Room Size and Occupancy
Size of Bed(s)
Is Breakfast Included? What Type?
Is there Air Conditioning?
Elevator/Lift Availability
Distance to city centre /public transport
Is WIFI (WLAN) available?
Is there a Washing Machine or laundry service?
Is Parking available?
Budget
The prices of a hotel can vary depending:
- whether it is High or low season
- proximity to the centre of the city/village/sights
- what amenities are available.
Average prices during High Season:
Hostel dorms: 8-bed dorm rooms: 35€/person/night.
Camping: 25-50€ per night
Budget / B&B: €70-150 per night
Self-catered apartments: from 95-200+€ /night
Chalets in Ski resorts: 250- 500€+/night
Midrange / Boutique: €150-300 per night
Luxury: €350+ per night
Accommodation Guides
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.
Learn More
Hotel rooms in Austria may have different layouts and sizes.
These are the typical room types:
Single: occupied by one person- normally with single bed
Double: occupied by two people – normally means it has a double, queen or king bed
Twin: occupied by two people – normally means it has two single beds.
Suites: usually considered the larger room size available in hotels. Suites usually offer multiple spaces such as bedroom, living room or sitting area, some may have a kitchen or kitchenette.
Maisonette: are two-floor rooms with separate living and sleeping areas.
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.
Learn More
These are the typical mattress sizes in Austria.
Single: 90 cm x 200 cm (35“x 79“).
Double: 140 cm x 200 cm (55“x 79“).
Queen: 160 x 200 cm (63” x 79”)
King: 180cm x 200 cm (71” x 79”)
4. Duvets and Linen. Austrians do not use bedspreads. In Austria, you are provided two duvets.
Learn More
The two same-sized duvets (usually 150cm x 200cm), one for each person, are folded in half and placed side-by-side on the bed.
Another surprise for tourists in Austria is that beds have a fitted bottom sheet but no top sheets. The duvet is in a duvet cover that is washed after each guest.
Accommodations normally provide bath towels, bath mats and smaller towels. BUT face cloths are not commonly provided in Austria.
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:
-
- Names
- Passport or European ID
- Birthdates of all guests
- Email address
- 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.
Let’s Start Planning
Click on one of the topics below to start planning your dream trip to Austria.
Austria Trip Planning Guide
Step-by-step guide on how to plan your trip to Austria. Click here to start planning.
How much does it cost to travel to Austria?
A guide of the main costs that you need to budget for when planning trip your to Austria.
The Essentials
About Austria, Money, Visas, When to Visit, Holidays and Events Calendar …and more.
Accommodation
The Best Places to Stay, hints and advice.
Transport Guides
Planes, trains, trams- we have you covered.
Resources to help you plan your trip to Austria. Easy-to-use with up-to-date information written by the Wanderlustria team.
Trip Planning Articles
Trip Planning
Need help planning your trip to Austria?
Our Austria Travel Planning blog has up-to-date, essential advice and recommendations
How to Use your Mobile Phone in Austria
Ensure that you stay connected while you travel in Austria. Here is what you need to know about how to use your mobile phone in Austria while travelling.
How to Budget for your Austrian Trip
How much does a trip to Austria cost? We have compiled a guide of the main costs that you need to budget for when planning trip to Austria.
Ultimate Guide on How to Plan your Trip to Austria
Ready to start planning your trip to Austria? But do not know where to start? Read our easy 15-step by step Guide for planning a trip to Austria.
Top Tips on How to Travel by Train in Austria
Here is the top 12 tips for Train travel in Austria. How to find your platform and carriage, luggage and how to make connections.
Austria Holidays 2024/2025
Here are a list of Austrian holidays to help you plan your trip to Austria
Austria Travel Visas
The basics about Schengen zone visas, passports and ETIAS and links to the official websites
When is the best time to visit Austria?
Austria is a year round travel destination. Find information to plan the best time for you to visit Austria.
Best Places To Visit in Austria
Everywhere you turn there is an amazing location in Austria. Here is the ultimate guide to the Top 16 Austrian Destinations.