Historic and Period Hotels In Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, more

Sacher Wien. Vienna

It may be the home of the original Sacher torte, but the hotel’s history runs a great deal deeper. Situated at the heart of the city - and opposite the Viennese State Opera - the 130-year-old Sacher Wien continues to appeal to those who prefer to stay in luxurious surroundings.

Some of the early 20th century’s power-broking is thought to have taken place at the Sacher Wien, including the 1907 “new compromise” between Austria and Hungary. Indeed, many of the hotel’s famous guests remain a mystery, but Edward VIII certainly enjoyed time here. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Konig Von Ungarn. Vienna

It has been a hotel for almost two hundred years, but known to have previously acted as a tavern and stables for the ecclesiastical dignitaries of St. Stephen's cathedral. Indeed, the building we see today has remained largely unaltered for the past three centuries.

Most of its historic clientele were members of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and well-to-do aristocrats, but Konig Von Ungarn is primarily a remarkable place on account of its association with classical music’s arguably most prodigious talent.

It was here that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed "Le Nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro), and the "Figarohaus" in which Mozart lived between 1784 and 1787 forms part of the hotel`s building complex today. Indeed, Mozart’s presence meant that it was also frequented by other musical geniuses: it was within the present day hotel that Joseph Haydn famously told Mozart’s father that “…your son is the greatest composer that I know in person or by name..." and where the teenage Beethoven would study with his mentor.

The Imperial Hotel. Vienna

Inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Imperial Vienna was originally a Wurttemburg Palace. Today, however, the hotel caters for guests from around the globe, providing service and facilities one would expect from a five-star establishment.

The historical guest list is one of the most impressive of any hotel in the world. Amongst others, the Imperial Vienna has played host to Otto Von Bismarck, King Leopold of Belgium, Cecil Rhodes, and, perhaps most notoriously, Adolf Hitler.

The building also served as Russian military headquarters immediately after World War II. Tripadvisor

Sacher Salzburg. Salzburg

Designed by Carl Freiherr von Schwarz and built between 1863 and 1866, the world renowned Sacher Salzburg was originally known as The Österreichischer Hof.

Though visited by numerous celebrities over the past half-century, its primary historical claim to fame is its connection with Richard Strauss. Together with Max Reinhardt and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the composer was very much at the heart of the Salzburg Festival in its early years, and the Österreichischer Hof its focal point. Tripadvisor \ Expedia

Hotel Bristol. Salzburg

It may not be the oldest hotel in Austria (it dates from around 1890), but The Hotel Bristol certainly has a glorious past.

Located at the centre of old Salzburg, the hotel is conveniently close to attractions such as the Mirabell Palace and Mozart’s residence. Historical former guests include Emperor Franz Joseph I and Sigmund Freud. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Schloss Velden. Velden.

Though the original private chateau dating back to the early 1600‘s was severely damaged by fire during the eighteenth century, Schloss Velden was reconstructed and went on to become one of Europe’s grandest hotels. It’s magical position on Lake Weorth in Corinthia continues to attract discerning visitors, much in the same way it has long been recognised as a retreat for Europe’s dignitaries, including the former Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Tripadvisor | Expedia

More period and historic accommodation throughout Austria

Bernstein

Burg Bernstein. This impressive fortress has withstood almost everything its enemies have thrown at it. More peaceful times here today, as this medieval castle now offers 10 rooms and suites overall. TripAdvisor

Graz

Schlossberg Hotel. Pretty townhouse hotel dating back more than 4 centuries. TripAdvisorl | Expedia

Innsbruck

Best Western Goldener Adler. Said to have been constructed around 1390, the Goldener Adler is certainly one of Europe’s oldest hotels. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Hotel Goldener Engl. Located in the small town of Hall in Tirol (a few miles to the east of Innsbruck), the Goldener Engl was first mentioned in documents in 1629. However, parts of the building are undoubtedly a great deal older. TripAdvisor

Hotel Weisses Kreuz. This fine inn had already been dispensing hospitality for over 300 years when Mozart and his mother and father stayed in December 1769. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Romantik Hotel Schwarzer Adler. A striking 17th century Innsbruck landmark. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Kufstein

Altstadthotel Auracher Lochl. Reputed to be Austria’s oldest wine tavern. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Salzburg

Altstadthotel Kasererbrau. Close to the city’s cathedral, Altstadthotel Kasererbra is said to have been built in the year 1342. TripAdvisor

Schloss Haunsperg. A beautiful and intimate 14th century country manor offering a total of 8 suites and double rooms. Salzburg is a matter of only 20 minutes by car. TripAdvisor

Radisson SAS Hotel Altstadt. A former inn, this luxury hotel has witnessed half a millennium of Salzburg history. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Hotel Goldener Hirsch. A traditional Austrian inn turned luxury hotel, this 15th century building is one of the most highly regarded places to stay in the country. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Schlosswirt zu Anif. An attractive historic inn on the outskirts of Salzburg. TripAdvisor

Verarlberg

Romantik Hotel Hirschen Schwarzenberg. 250 year old inn offering country-style surroundings and 4-star hospitality. TripAdvisor

Vienna

Griechenbeisl Inn. Perhaps Vienna’s oldest inn, a fair number of notables have enjoyed the Griechenbeisl Inn’s food and drink over the years: Wagner, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Strauss from the world of classical music, and literary giants such as Mark Twain. TripAdvisor

Graben Hotel. This 18th century hotel - once known as the Zum Goldener Jägerhorn - has long attracted leftfield writers. Indeed,during the second world war the place became a regular meeting point for the likes of Franz Kafka and Maz Brod. LateRooms | Expedia