From Lifetime Achievement and Best New Opening to Hotelier of the Year and the award for Best Spa Hotel – Falstaff honors the most outstanding hotels and personalities in Austria’s hospitality industry.
Whether it’s a luxurious city hotel, a charming mountain hideaway, or a family-friendly resort—Austria’s hospitality scene impresses with its diversity, quality, and distinctive style. From historic landmarks to modern design icons and exclusive chalets, these properties stand out for their hospitality, architecture, cuisine, and wellness offerings. The special awards in the new Falstaff Hotel Guide highlight the top destinations and outstanding personalities shaping Austria’s hotel landscape.
Park Hyatt Vienna, Vienna
That Park Hyatt Vienna is a truly special place becomes clear the moment you walk through its doors. Housed within the thick walls of a former bank, the bustle of Vienna’s city center feels worlds away. Traces of the building’s storied past can be found throughout—like the Arany Spa, where guests swim in what was once the bank’s vault, or The Bank Brasserie, which is known for serving one of the best breakfasts in the city and impresses with its refined cuisine throughout the day. The atmosphere is fit for royalty. The rooms and suites are equally impressive—not only in size, but also in the thoughtful details, such as real wood parquet flooring and sparkling crystal chandeliers.
the cōmodo, Bad Gastein
Originally built in 1881, the building was transformed by Barbara Elwardt and Piotr Wisniewski into a design hotel that brings a fresh, playful spirit to the historic spa town of Bad Gastein. With a keen eye for style, they’ve embraced a striking mid-century aesthetic, celebrating both contemporary art and 1960s modernism. Custom-designed furniture, specially developed wallpapers, natural wood floors, and luxurious textiles are paired with rich shades of deep burgundy and bottle green. Original terrazzo floors, local materials, and Art Deco touches complete the look. Guests can enjoy 70 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a co-working space, and a spa that includes yoga, treatments, and an indoor pool.
DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort, Grossarl
During the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts can head straight from the hotel doorstep into the natural beauty of the Großarl Valley for scenic hikes and mountain bike adventures. In winter, DAS EDELWEISS transforms into the ultimate destination for snow lovers. With true ski-in/ski-out access, guests are instantly immersed in the action while others are still making their way to the slopes. Here, the legendary Ski amadé region opens up with 760 kilometers of stunning runs. Guests enjoy the convenience of an in-house ski rental, ski storage, and on-site lift ticket sales. After an active day in the great outdoors, the expansive Mountain Spa—with saunas, treatments, and an infinity pool—offers the perfect way to unwind.
The Arula Chalets, Lech am Arlberg
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arlberg, the Arula Chalets are two truly exceptional retreats. Designed by Afs Mehrai and Amy Mercer from London, the interiors charm with carefully curated artwork, a bold graffiti wall, luxurious materials, custom-made furniture, and a playful sense of style. The floor plans are spacious and filled with natural light, offering an airy, open feel throughout. Each chalet features a private spa area with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, treatment rooms, and serene relaxation spaces. Ski enthusiasts can enjoy top-tier ski-in/ski-out access. A dedicated team—including concierge, butler, chefs, housekeepers, drivers, and therapists—ensures every guest experience is seamless and indulgent.
Helena Ramsbacher
Helena Ramsbacher manages her four hotels, which could not be more different in terms of their basic concept, carefully and with great attention to detail: one by the lake (Hotel Schloss Seefels in Carinthia), one in the city (Das Tyrol, Vienna), one in the mountains (Der Knappenhof in Reichenau) and one by the sea (Hotel Lemongarden, Croatia). Ramsbacher is the heart of the houses. She creates, designs, curates and is a consummate hostess. She never forgets her employees; she shows them just as much appreciation as her guests. Their dream hotels are therefore feel-good places for everyone - and you can see that in every aspect: from the cuisine to the original artwork on the walls.
eriro, Ehrwald
With just nine suites, eriro is the smallest hideaway in the Alps—perched at 1,550 meters in complete seclusion, a bold statement of simplicity and authenticity. This is a place for those seeking quiet, retreat, and a return to essentials. Guests experience stillness at its most soothing and discover contentment in minimalism. The aesthetic pays tribute to the high alpine landscape, using local materials like wood, wool, and loden. Craftsmanship takes center stage, as does a deep respect for nature. Yet simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence—the culinary experience is exceptional. A serene spa, three small pools, and carefully curated treatments further delight the senses.
Hotel Post am See, Traunkirchen
Surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Salzkammergut and set right on the lake, Poststube 1327 at Hotel Post am See offers a fresh take on the traditional Austrian inn. Here, regionality isn’t a buzzword—it’s a way of life, practiced daily. Sustainable cycles, seasonal ingredients, and a mindful approach to resources form the foundation of chef Stefan Griessler’s authentic, award-winning cuisine. The hotel’s Belétage is an all-day haven for relaxation and indulgence: whether it’s a long, leisurely breakfast on the lakeside terrace, food sharing in a laid-back setting, or expertly crafted drinks at the stylish bar—Belétage delivers it all. Just a few steps from the hotel, the sister property Das Traunsee – Das Hotel zum See is home to Bootshaus, a true gem of Austrian cuisine led by chef Lukas Nagl.
Joschi Walch, Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel, Lech am Arlberg
Though Gasthof Rote Wand had already been a beloved hotspot in Lech for nearly 30 years—famous for its fondue evenings and legendary disco—when Joschi Walch took it over from his parents in 1987, its transformation into a world-class hotel with award-winning cuisine is entirely thanks to his vision and foresight. Under his leadership, the former inn has grown into five interconnected buildings—linked underground—that now stand as benchmarks for wellness and gourmet excellence in Austria. A true visionary, Walch isn’t afraid to break new ground, launching innovative concepts like the Culinary Lab, crowdfunding initiatives, and even open-air field kitchen events.
Hotel Krallerhof, Leogang
ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof is not only an architectural masterpiece—it also shines with its inner values. This adults-only spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, offering every guest a personal sanctuary for relaxation. Swimming laps in the 50-meter infinity pool—effortlessly merging with the natural bathing lake—is nothing short of a goosebump-inducing experience. Additional water worlds, including a family pool, saunas, relaxation rooms, and the REFUGIUM, complete the wellness offerings. With beauty treatments, massages, personal training, Ayurveda, and Shiatsu, stress doesn’t stand a chance. A standout feature: the specialized longevity and biohacking retreats, including tailored programs just for women.
Hotel Reiters Finest Family, Bad Tatzmannsdorf
True to the motto: All inclusive is yesterday – All Funclusive is today. This resort is the perfect destination for the whole family. Packed with action, indoor and outdoor activities, age-appropriate childcare, relaxation for the grown-ups, gourmet dining, drinks, and full access to the thermal spa—all of it is included in the room rate. That means carefree vacationing with no surprise bills at the end. There’s so much to experience: highlights include a 4,400-square-meter spa and sauna area, an adults-only Yin Yang Spa, and Kasimir’s Water World, where young guests can enjoy climbing walls and water slides. A private animal park with over 400 animals is the cherry on top of an unforgettable family getaway.
Steirereck am Pogusch, Turnau
At Pogusch, nature and culinary delight come together creating a truly unique experience. Guests can stay in romantic birdhouses or treetop cabins nestled high among the branches. With their distinctive round design, these structures aren’t just architectural highlights—they also offer spacious comfort while minimizing land use. Built with great care by regional craftsmen using high-quality materials, the various houses, rooms, and cabanas are nearly energy self-sufficient. When hunger strikes, the Glashaus and the traditional inn are the go-to spots, both embracing sustainability through circular practices and the cultivation of more than 500 ingredients right on site.
