The Best Hotels to Book in Kitzbuhel, Austria

The grandeur of the past is the first thing you notice as you approach Erika Boutiquehotel. Once inside, it’s clear this is no staid property – the decor is sophisticated and elegant with touches of colour and just enough playfulness to make it thoroughly 21st-century. All the rooms are decorated in warm hues, velvety fabrics and flattering lighting – while superior rooms have mountain-vista balconies. The hotel’s restaurant, Riks, serves up a Tyrolean fare in a stylish setting and the bar mixes trendy cocktails. There’s a full-service spa with a pool to enjoy here, too.

In Austria, five-star mountain chalets are, in all honesty, a dime a dozen. What makes the Tennerhof Gourmet and Spa de Charme Hotel a standout is its huge garden and 39 exclusive rooms and suites furnished with antiques passed down from the family of the proprietors. Gourmands flock to the hotel to dine in one of its three restaurants and to languish afternoons away in the hotel’s award-winning spa.

At the foot of the Hahnenkamm encircled by lush Alpine meadows on the outskirts of the historic town, Hotel Kaiserhof is one of those idyllic mountain refuges you dream about. The 73 pine-lined units – five suites, 18 junior suites and 50 double rooms – have all the expected amenities, including windows that open to let in the fresh mountain air. Newlyweds will certainly want to book the honeymoon suite where a romantic free-standing soaking tub for two looks out over the valley below.

Despite being steps from the Tennerhof Gourmet and Spa de Charme Hotel, the Tennerhof Luxury Chalets function independently yet are privy to all the hotel has to offer. Staying here offers you the best of both worlds. Constructed in 2017 – high on a plateau above the city – the three luxurious, private chalets come with two bedrooms, a living and dining room with fireplace and bathrooms, as well as personal saunas and hot tubs. Further solidifying the chalet’s temporary home status are kitchenettes, fridge, dishwasher, stovetop and Nespresso machines. In other words, the full works.

In 1885, the first guesthouses were opened in Lebenberg Castle. Since then, the property has been renovated and added to several times, making Lebenberg Schlosshotel-Kitzbühel one of the most stunning properties in the area. The rooftop panoramic pool has to be one of the most jaw-dropping sights – especially given its unobstructed, 360º position. Another jewel is the hotel’s dashing restaurant, Lebenberg, which seats 60 in its castle parlour.

The Q! Hotel Maria Theresia Kitzbühel hotel’s convenience cannot be argued since it’s located right in town. The once private residence-cum-hotel has guest rooms that are large and quiet – with light wood furnishings, crisp white sheets and bathrooms with bathtubs. Enjoy a massage at the spa, take a yoga class or train in the gym. You can even sign up to participate in an alkaline fasting regime to cleanse both the body and mind. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the upscale restaurant or take a nightcap in front of the fire.

You can’t get much closer to town than the adults-only Hotel Schwarzer Adler – it’s also within striking distance of a number of ski slopes. Rooms at the Schwarzer Alder are arguably compact yet well-appointed and efficient in their use of the limited space. As you move up the price ladder, of course, the square metres expand – splash out if you want magnificent views through massive picture windows. Don’t miss swimming laps in the hotel’s incomparable rooftop pool or relaxing at the Black Spa.

Personal service in a low-key manner is nothing to scoff at. Hotel Zur Tenne, in Kitzbühel’s old town, is a well-managed spot that offers 51 generously sized guest rooms in typical Tyrolean country-cottage style – with many suites containing open fireplaces and balconies. A winter garden bathed in light overlooks the buzzy car-free streets of the village and, although modest in comparison to some grander hotels in Kitzbuhel, it has a lovely wellness area – complete with a sauna, steam bath, water bed, whirlpool, infrared cabin and gym to enjoy.

Ski-in and ski-out. The Aktiv Hotel Schweizerhof Kitzbühel – at the foot of the world-famous Streif downhill run and right next to the lower terminus of the Hahnenkamm cable car – is one of those activity-focused places sporty types appreciate. For less energetic guests, there’s the spa-zone for relaxing and taking it easy – while for food lovers there’s the breakfast spread, which is legendary.