The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in Austria

Innsbruck’s historic centre makes for a magical winter break | Courtesy of Stage 12 Hotel by Penz / Expedia

25 November 2021

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A small but varied land of metropolitan cities like Vienna, Innsbruck and Salzburg, the winding Danube River and majestic Alpine mountains, Austria is a veritable playground for adults and kids alike. And that’s before we even mention Mozart, fairytale castles, Christmas markets, cafe culture and Julie Andrews singing “the hills are alive with The Sound of Music”. If you’re looking to visit with the gang, these are some of the best family hotels to book in Austria – bookable with Culture Trip.

Der Löwe - LEBE FREI, for kids-go-free skiing in Leogang

Hotel Der Löwe exterior with mountains behind

Courtesy of Der Löwe - LEBE FREI / Expedia

In the village of Leogang, Der Löwe LEBE FREI is a classic Alpine lodge with a “kids are cool” attitude. Book a modern family apartment that sleeps up to five and has distinct parent and children’s sleeping areas, bunk beds, big showers and separate toilets. The restaurant serves a children’s menu and kids aged five and under get ski passes for free.

Kinderhotel Stegerhof, for pint-sized holidaymakers in Styria

The front of Kinderhotel Stegerhof with kiddie karts and bikes outside for children to play on

Courtesy of Kinderhotel Stegerhof / Expedia

It’s all right there in the name: the Kinderhotel Stergerhof gives you a whole bunch of reasons to smile. Creating a mountain village particularly suited for families, services include all-day adventure programmes, special toddler and baby care, as well as an irresistible 5,000sqm (53,820sqft) play area, a mini-farm with pony rides and a dedicated indoor children’s pool for little splashers. Suites, family rooms and apartments have bunk beds with privacy screens, perch-worthy window seats and large balconies.

Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort, for luxury and fun in Grossarl

Outdoor pool at Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort

Courtesy of Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort / Expedia

At Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort, family comes first (and when we say “family” we mean “kids”) — at least it seems that way. Maybe it’s because of the fantastical Edelweiss’s Children’s World: a thrilling paradise of fun and games with a waterslide park, a room full of toys, programmes of arts and crafts, and even a children’s cinema. Parents take heart: this Austrian family hotel doesn’t skimp on grown-up luxuries like a spa, four fine dining restaurants and a wine bar.

Stage 12 Hotel by Penz, for cool, downtown accommodations in Innsbruck

Elegant restaurant at Stage 12 Hotel by Penz

Courtesy of Stage 12 Hotel by Penz / Expedia

Stage 12 by Penz, in Innsbruck’s historic centre, is a great choice for families travelling with teenagers. Why? It’s hip, edgy and not the least bit stuffy. Also, it’s located along the popular shopping mile and is a ten-minute walk to the zoo. Plus, there are snacks: in the family room minibars and in the fourth floor vending machines. As an added bonus, breakfast is served late if you want to sleep in.

The Alpine Palace, for five-star family holidays in Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Traditional dining room at The Alpine Palace

Courtesy of The Alpine Palace / Expedia

Taking the kiddos on holiday doesn’t mean sacrificing your pleasure for theirs. While you enjoy grown-up pursuits, the team at Alpine Palace is happy to keep your offspring entertained. At the hotel’s kid and teen club, the order of the day is varied play, sports programs, exercise and creativity. Book the two-storey deluxe family suite that sleeps up to six and has two flat-screen TVs, a pull-out couch in the living room and two bathrooms.

Superbude Wien Prater, for out-of-this-world rooms in Vienna

Irreverently cool lobby at the Superbude Wien Prater hotel with orange chairs and a full astronaut's suit

Courtesy of Superbude Wien Prater / Expedia

The Superbude Wien Prater in Vienna’s vibrant Stuwerviertel district is not a hotel/hostel so much as it is a fantasy you can stay in. Kids will absolutely love this spot, which has ‘explorer’ beds (with a suspended hammock overhead) or caravan-style glamping beds, along with kitschy room themes like jungle, radio, disco, cinema studio, birdhouse and, of course, family bunks. Dine at the rooftop NENI with stunning views across the Prater amusement park, whilst enjoying Israeli street food and watching the rollercoasters swoosh by.

Spa Hotel Jagdhof, for staying on a glacier in Tirol

Luxurious grounds with a pool at Spa Hotel Jagdhof

Courtesy of Spa Hotel Jagdhof / Expedia

Atop a glacier in the largest winter resort region in the Alps, the Spa Hotel Jagdhof in Stubai Valley is where everyone — young and old — gets their “ski on”. At this five-star Austria family hotel, it’s inconceivable that your kids will run out of fun things to do. There’s an indoor adventure and outdoor pool, a Kitz and Teens club, ski school, games room – the list goes on. There’s even a private SPA suite for the entire brood to enjoy. At the end of the day retire to your family suite or apartment equipped with all the necessities.

Thurnher's Alpenhof, for stress-free family stays in Arlberg

Luxury-modern living room at Thurnher's Alpenhof with a working fireplace

Courtesy of Thurnher's Alpenhof / Expedia

At Thurnher’s Alpenhof everything seems geared toward reducing parental stress and maximising kid fun. There’s childcare and babysitting available, as well as a ski school and kids’ club. Not only that, there are play areas, tobogganing, sleigh rides and ice skating. There’s even a special children’s buffet in the restaurant. The hotel has 15 suites but you can also opt for one of four serviced suites or a penthouse apartment in a chalet nearby.

For some unique things to do, discover our guide to the most beautiful castles in Austria.

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