A highlight of most travelers’ trips to Austria is the opportunity to meet and mingle with locals. They are seeking an authentic experience and the chance to see the country through the eyes of people who live there.
Guests get immediate access to locals when they stay in one of the many family-owned or family-run properties that are part of The Austria Collection, which are invitation-only and hand-picked by the Austrian Tourist Office to provide “a uniquely Austrian travel experience.” Many of the hosts of the hotels are part of families that have been in the hospitality business for generations.
Among the 25 Austria Collection hotels are:
Hotel Altstadt Vienna
Designed by the owner as a showroom for his own art collection, Hotel Altstadt Vienna is an ideal choice for clients looking for a boutique property oozing with character. The 45 rooms and suites of the restored 19th century patrician house located in Vienna’s artists’ quarter are each individually designed, many by renowned designers that include Matteo Thun, Lena Hoschek, and POLKA. Room choices range from Classic, to Junior, one- , two- and three-bedroom suites and an apartment. A breakfast buffet is included in the rate.
Your Hosts: Owner Otto Wiesenthal proudly displays his private art collection of more than 300 works in the hotel and guest rooms as part of his desire to create a space that he describes as somewhere “I personally would want to spend my time.” He combines his desire to support artists with outstanding service for guests.
Hotel Gasthof Post
Family-owned for almost 75 years, the five-star Hotel Gasthof Post sits at the center of the ski resort Lech. It is a perfect summer locale as well for clients looking for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of Arlberg. A member of Relais & Châteaux hotels, guests can discover local antiques throughout and award-winning cuisine in the restaurants. Relaxing treatment suites await those in the Badehaus Spa, a separate full service spa house with a panoramic pool and views of the hotel’s own garden and, more impressively, the majestic Omeshorn Mountain. There is also a fitness room with its own view, a shopping mall, kid’s playroom, and indoor kid’s pool with water slide.
Your Hosts: The Moosbrugger family have been residents of Lech for nearly 75 years. They are dedicated to continuously and constantly enhancing the property and service to offer guests even more during their luxury stay.
Romantikhotel Gmachl
Clients looking to combine a city stay with a quiet getaway can do both at the oldest family-run hotel in Austria, the Romantikhotel Gmachl, located only three miles (or 15 minutes by car) outside Salzburg. The property rewards guests with comfort-designed spaces found in lounges, a lovely garden, and the Horizon spa with panoramic mountain views. An infinity pool, relaxation room, saunas, fitness room, and free bike rentals are among the spa’s offerings. Guests dine on award-winning cuisine, which uses the family’s own butchery and local farms for fresh ingredients. Room choices include Classic Rooms, Suites, and a two-level Apartment perfect for families. All prices include breakfast, Wi-Fi and use of the spa areas.
Your Hosts: The hotel has been run for 23 generations by the Hirnböck-Gmachl family. Their goal is to mix authentic customs with modern comfort to ensure their guests a wonderful stay.
aDLERS Design Hotel Innsbruck
Set in the city of Innsbruck, the aDLERS Design Hotel offers panoramic views of both the city and mountains from all 75 rooms and suites. They each feature wooden floors and classic Tirolean Loden. International cuisine is paired with incredible views from the bar, restaurant, and terrace located on the 12th floor. The rooftop terrace on the 13th floor offers 360-degrees views. Relaxation can be enjoyed in the sauna, steam bath and infrared cabin, with massages available upon request. Guest rooms range from Panoramic Rooms to Panoramic Suites, including a two bedroom Panoramic Presidential Suite. A breakfast buffet is included in the rate.
Your Host: Fourth-generation hotelier Harald Ultsch, and his wife Sonja-Sophie and their three children Florian, Fabian and Valentina, welcome guests to the property.
From this curated group of premier hotels, guests are sure to enjoy a uniquely, authentic Austrian travel experience inspired by true Austrian hospitality.