(NB: Hotels in Vienna require you to satisfy local COVID status requirements.)
So you’re in Vienna for the Christmas markets and want a hotel near enough lights and gingerbread to delight a Disney princess?
I’ve listed selected hotels located around 450 yards or less from the Rathausplatz, where the main Christkindlmarkt takes place. Each has a user rating (when I last checked) of at least 8/10.
The following map* from booking.com also shows accommodation around that market.
- See also: What to do at Christmas
(The Rathausplatz is labelled at the centre)
Some options…
1. Austria Trend Hotel Rathauspark Wien*
Located in a town palace built in 1882 and reopened in March 2016 after two months of alterations. My parents stayed in this hotel when they visited at Christmas a few years back and were very happy. My dad would always pop out in the early evening just to grab a quick bag of roast chestnuts from the market.
The Rathauspark of the hotel name is the park that flanks the market. It features its own seasonal displays that include the famous (at least locally) tree of hearts.
Self-styled “Design Hotel” featuring a unique collection of glass art and a large inner courtyard. Close to the market and the U2 subway line for getting to other destinations.
Turn right out of the hotel and follow the road south for around eight minutes to reach another major market on Maria-Theresien-Platz.
Small, old-Viennese style hotel located in another of Vienna’s many late-19th century buildings. Close to the prestigious University of Vienna and not far from the neogothic Votivkirche church (pictured above) put up in the late 1800s as thanks for a foiled assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph.
With so many stars, you don’t have to worry about whether they have fresh rolls at the hotel breakfast. Located on lovely Herrengasse on the other side of the Ring Boulevard from the Christkindlmarkt, so also close to the Freyung and Am Hof Christmas markets.
Herrengasse has its own subway station, too, on the U3 line. And, if you fancy a change from hotel food and drink, one of Vienna’s most famous coffee houses sits opposite: Café Central.
5. Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof*
As above – the two hotels practically adjoin each other. Herrengasse also leads up to the whole Hofburg complex, with the Spanish Riding School, imperial apartments, and other such attractions.
Herrengasse also emerges onto the pedestrianised centre, where you can walk down to Stephansdom cathedral. Hard to get more central, frankly.
6. Benediktushaus im Schottenstift*
This one’s a little unusual – a guesthouse that’s part of the Schottenstift: a working Benedictine Monastery dating back to 1155 with its own museum.
And it’s quiet: there are, for example, no TVs or radios in the rooms (there is WiFi though!). Excellent value for the incredibly central and historic location – it’s actually right next to the Freyung Christmas market on the same-named square (pictured above).
The Bendiktushaus looks across to a Baroque palais or two, not to mention a leading contemporary art venue and Austria’s constitutional court.
Other hotel options
(Gateway to the Schönbrunn Christmas market with the palace behind)
Although the Christkindlmarkt can be considered the main market, Vienna has several others that are smaller, but still worth a visit. So hotels in and around the central part of town may well be close to a Christmas market of some description.
Equally, the compact old town means a little bit of walking usually lets you take in three or four markets without too much effort.
Also, Vienna’s municipal transport system is top quality. Trams and subways are fast and frequent, so you should be able to get to most market locations pretty easily, wherever you might be staying in town.
The below map has the locations of the main markets. And should you wish to stay close to the Schönbrunn market and all that the palace has to offer, then try these specific suggestions.