What can I expect at an Austrian Castle Hotel?
There’s really no such thing as a typical castle hotel experience in Austria. Castle exteriors reflect an often turbulent past, while palaces showcase elegant architectural design and style. Interiors and guest rooms can be state-of-the-art modern, spare, opulent or, at times, even shabby (I prefer to call it full of character). You can make your travel plans for the day sitting in a lobby accented by crystal chandeliers or by simple rustic furniture; it just depends on your taste and budget.
Many Austrian hotels quote rates per person, per day, per room. For convenience on this site, I’ve doubled the per person price. Always calculate carefully when visiting the hotel’s website.
What do I need to know about my room?
A double bed is usually two separate mattresses side by side in one frame and covered by two single duvets. If you need separate twin beds, be sure to request this at the time of reservation.
Bathrooms Austrian plumbing is wonderfully efficient; usually there’s lots of hot water and good water pressure. In some hotels you’ll find bathtubs in which you can float on your back, in others you sit in a deep tub and squirt yourself with a hand-held shower hose. No matter the style, bathrooms in Austria are immaculate.
The feudal lords who commissioned the building of a castle didn’t take in mind potential 21st-century guests who might have problems with stairs. If your mobility is restricted or steps are a challenge for you, always ask at the time of reservation what is involved with reaching your room.
How about breakfast?
Breakfast (Früstück) Austrian hotel breakfasts are outstanding. Usually served buffet style, you can fill up for the entire day on cold meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, cereal (Austria has excellent granola), homemade jams, yogurt, juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The best part is that breakfast is almost always included with the price of the room. You’ll usually find a separate breakfast room off the lobby or, if the weather is fine, on an outdoor terrace.
Do I need air-conditioning?
Very few Austrian castle hotels have air-conditioning. There may be a few days in summer when you need it, but generally castle walls are thick enough to keep the temperature cool inside.