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The Best Hotels to Book in Zell am See, Austria

Elements Resort Zell am See is a modern alpine hotel with excellent facilities
Elements Resort Zell am See is a modern alpine hotel with excellent facilities | Courtesy of Elements Resort Zell am See / Expedia

Popular with hikers, sports enthusiasts and sightseers lured by the natural attractions and excellent views in the area, Zell am See is famed for the beautiful Lake Zell and the nearby Austrian Alps. Stay close to the dreamy scenery in one of these hand-picked hotels in this charming town in Austria, bookable on Culture Trip.

Grand Hotel Zell am See, for lakeside luxury near the CityXpress gondola

Hotel

Shades of coral and green adorn this romantic double room with a private balcony with lake views at the Grand Hotel Zell am See
Courtesy of Grand Hotel Zell am See / Expedia

Dating back to the 19th century, the Grand Hotel Zell am See will wow you with its aristocratic atmosphere, along with beautiful lake views. Many people come to explore the classic car routes in the Salzburg region, although the spa with a Roman-bath-style pool and sauna may be hard to leave. Other pastimes include a relaxing boat ride across the scenic lake. Ornate belle-époque designs mean patterned headboards in the rooms, many of which have lake vistas. Take time to sip a hot chocolate on the waterfront terrace in the alpine sun.

Hotel Tirolerhof, for cosy comfort near Lake Zell

Luxury

A lovely outdoor dining area with potted plants, flowers and a lemon tree at the Hotel Tirolerhof
Courtesy of Hotel Tirolerhof / Expedia

Hotels in Zell am See don’t come much more luxurious than this traditional alpine hotel run by the appropriately named Posch family for nearly 40 years. It has period-style accents, such as wood panelling on ceilings and four-poster beds, along with more contemporary elements, such as the indoor spa pool with a whimsical mural. You’re an easy stroll from the esplanade, a lakeside walkway with mountain views where you can soak up the fresh alpine air and scenery.

Romantikhotel Zell am See, for relaxing rooms near Strandbad Zeller See

Hotel

A romantic pine-clad suite with mauve accents at the Romantikhotel Zell am See
Courtesy of Romantikhotel Zell am See / Booking.com

If you’d like to be in the heart of the town, you’ll love this hotel close to the Medieval pedestrianised centre. Popular hiking tours start outside the hotel, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier is only 8km (5mi) away for winter skiing enthusiasts. Fancy a flutter? The Casino Zell am See is also close by; however, for a more wholesome evening, try the home-style cooking using sustainably sourced ingredients at the hotel. Sleep soundly in cosy wood-lined rooms with pretty drapes and soft lighting, some with romantic hearts and red details.

Elements Resort Zell am See, for contemporary chalet style near Tauern Spa Water World

Resort

A rustic room with one bed and wood accents and a furnished outdoor space at the Elements Resort Zell am See
Courtesy of Elements Resort Zell am See / Expedia

With a year-round outdoor heated pool, a sun terrace and a wellness centre, this modern alpine hotel is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding landscapes, whatever time of year you visit. It’s near the Areitbahn-Schmittenhöhe ski school, and at the end of a busy day on the slopes, savour an oven-baked Italian pizza at the hotel restaurant. Finally, relax in your room with large windows and a balcony for a breath of fresh air and spectacular views.

Senses Violett Suites, for a chic suite near the Casino Zell am See

Spa Hotel

An industrial-chic suite with shades of violet and metal accents at the Senses Violett Suites
Courtesy of Senses Violett Suites / Expedia

This adults-only spa hotel takes a pared-back approach, with minimalist furnishings and carefully curated design. Local wood, stone and glass create an alpine-industrial look with ambient lighting effects. As the name suggests, shades of violet adorn various parts of the interior, including the wood-clad walls and seating. The suites offer excellent views of the coniferous forest and the lake from the balconies or terraces, where you can sip a glass of local wine.

Two Timez, for urban cool

Hotel

The Rooftop Bar with spectacular city, mountain and lake views at the Two Timez
Courtesy of Two Timez / Hotels.com

A short walk from Lake Zell, this hip hotel blends modern design with views of spectacular scenery, not least on the aptly named Rooftop Bar, where you can toast your good fortune with views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Kick off your ski boots in sleekly styled rooms with wood floors and feature walls and snuggle up under the soft blankets.

Hotel Salzburgerhof, for refined rooms

Spa Hotel

A overhead view of the flower-adorned Hotel Salzburgerhof and the on-site wellness center, pool, swimming pond and lush gardens
Courtesy of Hotel Salzburgerhof / Expedia

If you like a mix of activities and relaxation, this hotel is for you. One of the top wellness hotels in Austria, it’s a short 5km (3mi) drive from Golfclub Zell am See-Kaprun. Explore the six different saunas and the daily wellness and activity programme, followed by a dip in the swimming pond in the feng-shui garden. Afterwards, wrap yourself up in your robe and relax in your richly decorated, wood-adorned room with a buttery pancake and some hot coffee.

Alpenhof Grafleiten, for hilltop family fun near the lake beach

Farm

A light-filled bedroom with cheerful green-and-brown bedding on the large bed and a set of bunk beds in an apartment at the Alpenhof Grafleiten
Courtesy of Alpenhof Grafleiten / Expedia

Families love this traditional alpine-style farm, where you can give your kids a taste of the great outdoors. Cows and donkeys spend the summer months on the hotel pasture, and there are also rabbits, guinea pigs, quails, chickens, dwarf goats and cats. The self-catering Weberalm hut can be booked for up to seven people in summer and is perfect for hikers and cyclists, with the Hohe Tauern National Park nearby. Cheerful rooms feature scenic murals and bright colours.

Hotel Heitzmann, for après-ski near Lake Zell

Hotel

A spacious and stylish suite with fuzzy accent pillows on the sofa and a doorway leading to the bedroom at the Hotel Heitzmann
Courtesy of Hotel Heitzmann / Expedia

Warm wooden floors and cosy throws create an inviting ambience in the rooms – so much so that you may struggle to leave this central hotel. However, Hotel Heitzmann offers night skiing three times a week on lit-up slopes with great views of the town below and e-bike rentals during the summer. After all that exercise, hit the aptly named Rooftop Bar for spectacular lake and mountain views as you sip a hot toddy. If you love nightlife or want to explore the town, you’re in the right place.

Hotel Grüner Baum, for modern comfort near the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area

Hotel

A close-up view of accent pillows on a couch, the pillows and headboard of a bed and a wood-clad wall at the Hotel Grüner Baum
Courtesy of Hotel Grüner Baum / Expedia

Modern rooms and apartments with leafy or striped green fabrics add to the natural feel at this homely pine-clad town-centre hotel; upgrade for a balcony for al fresco morning coffee. Despite beginning as a butchery back in the 1940s and offering regional classics such as wiener schnitzel (breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet), the hotel restaurant also caters for vegetarians. Relax in the wellness area with two saunas and a Kneipp wading pool. In the evening, sample the ciders and brandies created by a distillery in Lower Austria.

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