Austria has a way of making history feel close. It is there in the grand palaces of Vienna, the cobbled lanes of Salzburg and the medieval castles that sit high above the Alpine valleys. And some of the best places to experience this past are its historic hotels. Once home to royalty, aristocrats and artists, these properties have welcomed generations of travellers while holding on to stories that go back centuries.
From a former imperial palace in Vienna to a castle that once hosted Hollywood stars, these five historic hotels in Austria offer a stay that is as much about discovering the past as it is about enjoying a little luxury.
Hotel Imperial, Vienna
Built in 1863 as a private palace for Duke Philipp of Württemberg, Hotel Imperial is one of Vienna's most popular landmarks. The building was converted into a hotel in 1873, around the time of the Vienna World's Fair. Soon, it became a favourite among royalty, visiting dignitaries and prominent personalities. Its association with Emperor Franz Joseph I and the Habsburg court has given it a special place in the city's history. Even today, stepping inside feels like entering another era, with marble staircases, silk-lined walls, elaborate furnishings and crystal chandeliers setting the tone.
The hotel is also well placed for exploring Vienna's cultural attractions, with the Musikverein concert hall and Vienna State Opera close by. Whether you spend an evening listening to classical music or simply take in the details of its grand interiors, Hotel Imperial offers a glimpse into the city's imperial past without feeling like a museum.
The Information
Address: Kärntner Ring 16, Vienna, Austria, 1010
Tariff: Starting from approximately EUR 809 (INR 86,215) per night; rates may vary depending on season and room category.
Contact: +43 1-501100
Website: marriott.com
Hotel Sacher, Vienna
Few hotels are as closely associated with a city's identity as Hotel Sacher is with Vienna. Established in 1876 by Eduard Sacher, the hotel stands opposite the Vienna State Opera and has long been a meeting place for artists, politicians, musicians and members of high society. Its salons have witnessed countless conversations, celebrations and cultural gatherings over the years. The interiors, with their rich red upholstery, chandeliers, paintings and carefully preserved period details, retain the elegance of old Vienna.
Of course, no visit to Hotel Sacher is complete without trying its most famous creation, the Original Sacher-Torte. The chocolate cake, first made in 1832 by Franz Sacher, has become one of Austria's best-known culinary exports. The hotel has also retained its place among the world's finest properties, earning Three MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
The Information
Address: Philharmoniker Strasse 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Tariff: Starting from approximately EUR 800 (INR 85,000) per night; rates may vary depending on season and room category.
Contact: +43 1 514560; wien@sacher.com
Website: sacher.com
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Salzburg
Located on Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg's most famous shopping streets, Hotel Goldener Hirsch has been welcoming guests since 1407. Just a short walk from Mozart's birthplace, the property is among the oldest hotels in Europe and has retained much of its traditional character. Its interiors feature antique furniture, hand-painted details, wooden ceilings and hunting-inspired decorations.
The hotel also has a long association with the city's music and cultural scene. Salzburg hosts one of Europe's most celebrated classical music festivals, and Goldener Hirsch has welcomed musicians, performers and cultural personalities over the years. Its restaurant is another reason to visit, serving traditional Austrian dishes in a setting that reflects the property's heritage. After a day exploring Salzburg's historic centre, returning to its warm, intimate interiors makes for a memorable experience.
The Information
Address: Getreidegasse 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Tariff: Starting from approximately EUR 639 (INR 68,000) per night; rates may vary depending on season and room category.
Contact: +43 662 80840
Website: marriott.com
Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg
Set beside a lake on the outskirts of Salzburg, Schloss Leopoldskron looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Built between 1736 and 1740 as a residence for Prince-Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian, the Rococo palace has passed through several interesting chapters of Austrian history. One of its most significant owners was Max Reinhardt, the theatre director and co-founder of the Salzburg Festival, who acquired the property in 1918. He transformed it into a meeting place for writers, actors and artists, making it an important part of Salzburg's cultural life.
For many visitors, however, the palace is best known for its connection to The Sound of Music. The property served as a filming location for several scenes in the much-loved musical, particularly those featuring the von Trapp family's lakeside home. Guests can now stay in rooms and suites within the historic palace or in the neighbouring Meierhof building. Access to the historic interiors and gardens is reserved for guests and invited visitors, so staying here offers a more private way to explore the estate.
The Information
Address: Leopoldskronstraße 56-58, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Tariff: Starting from approximately EUR 264 (INR 28,000) per night; rates may vary depending on season and room category.
Contact: +43 662 83983-0
Website: schloss-leopoldskron.com
Hotel Schloss Mittersill, Mittersill
Perched above the Pinzgau Valley, with views of the Hohe Tauern mountains, Hotel Schloss Mittersill brings together medieval history and Alpine hospitality. The castle's origins go back more than 900 years, when it served as a strategic fortress overlooking the surrounding landscape. Over time, it became a residence for noble families and an important meeting place for influential visitors. Its most glamorous chapter came in the 1950s, when the property operated as an exclusive private club frequented by international celebrities and members of high society, including Coco Chanel and Clark Gable.
Today, the castle has been transformed into a luxury hotel without losing its historic character. Its rooms feature individual designs, traditional furnishings and period details, while large windows open up to views of the surrounding mountains and valley. There is also something particularly appealing about spending a night within centuries-old castle walls and waking up to the sight of the Austrian Alps, an experience that combines the romance of a medieval fortress with the comforts of a contemporary retreat.
The Information
Address: Thalbach 1, Österreich-5730 Mittersill
Tariff: Starting from approximately EUR 245 (INR 26,000) per night; rates may vary depending on season and room category.
Contact: +43 6562 20200; office@schloss-mittersill.com
Website: schloss-mittersill.com
FAQs
1. What are some of the best historic hotels in Austria?
Some notable historic hotels in Austria include Hotel Imperial and Hotel Sacher in Vienna, Hotel Goldener Hirsch and Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, and Hotel Schloss Mittersill in the Alpine town of Mittersill.
2. Which historic hotels can you stay at in Vienna?
Hotel Imperial and Hotel Sacher are two well-known historic hotels in Vienna. Both have long associations with the city's cultural and social history.
3. Which historic hotels in Austria are associated with The Sound of Music?
Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg served as a filming location for several scenes in the musical The Sound of Music, particularly those featuring the von Trapp family's lakeside home.
4. Which is one of the oldest hotels in Austria?
Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg traces its history back to 1407 and is among the oldest hotels in Europe.
5. Are there castle hotels in Austria?
Yes. Hotel Schloss Mittersill is a historic castle hotel in the Austrian Alps, while Schloss Leopoldskron offers accommodation within a historic Rococo palace estate in Salzburg.
