Hotels in Austria

Austrian hotels are not among the least expensive in Europe, but they are among the best. there are more than 11,000 hotels, almost as many as the lowest estimate for Germany, where the population is nine times Austria’s. Accommodation is taxed at a reduced VAT rate. Expect costs to start about €60 a single, though the average rate is in the €80-100 range. For a free report on How to get the lowest hotel rate online 100% of the time, sign up with Raven Travel Guides Europe (and get free weekly newsletters on European travel).

Making bookings

Bookings are described by day of arrival (Anreise, Ankunft) and departure (Abreise) – hence the morning after the last night’s stay should be included. Expect to provide a credit or debit card number when booking direct online, by email or by phone. Cancellation (Stornierung) of bookings is often possible at 24 hours’ notice, but check terms – special deals tend to have restrictive cancellation rules or demand part or full payment. Note that the terms double and twin are often used interchangeably. To book a double bed, be specific. The term Zweibettzimmer means two single beds, though they might be placed together.

Visit accommodation booking websites for cheap deals but check terms and conditions carefully before booking. Cancellations or changes to bookings might forfeit any deposit or incur a fee. Major chains have their own central booking websites for which varying rates and associated conditions – such as no-cancellation discounts – might apply. Three strong booking principles are:

• Book early
• Compare booking site rates with hotels’ own sites where possible
• Check differences between weekday and weekend rates Last-minute bookings might be cheap as well, but the practice will likely turn out to be expensive.

Hotel stars in Austria

Austria is a signatory to the Hotelstars Union, an agreement to conform to criteria for hotel stars ratings. Check out the hotel stars standards for Austria. 

Accommodation taxes

Accommodation rates shown should include 10% in value-added tax (Mehrwertsteuer). But local city taxes (Ortstaxe), paid per adult guest, per night, are also common in Austria and sometimes have to be paid separately (occasionally requested in cash). In Vienna the city tax is 3.2% (on the rate minus VAT and cost of breakfast). In Salzburg it is €1.75 per night, but many smaller destinations such as spas will set a levy (Kurtaxe). Bad Ischl charges a fixed €3.50 per night.