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 the best 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 also shows more hotel and apartment options around that market.
(Map provided by booking.com*, who I am an affiliate of)
Booking.com(The Rathausplatz is labelled at the centre)
Some options…
Located in a town palace built in 1882 and now part of the Radisson hotel group. 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 glowing hearts.
Self-styled “Design Hotel” featuring a unique collection of glass art and a large inner courtyard. On the opposite side of the Christmas market from the Hotel Rathauspark, but equally close.
Turn right out of the hotel and walk along the road south for around eight minutes to reach another major market on Maria-Theresien-Platz.
This small, old-Viennese style hotel located in another of Vienna’s many late-19th century buildings might just be the closest of all.
Near to the prestigious University of Vienna and also (like Hotel Rathauspark) not far from the neogothic Votivkirche church 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, Michaelerplatz, 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.
One end of Herrengasse links to the pedestrianised streets, where you can walk down to Stephansdom cathedral (and another market!). Hard to get more central, frankly.
6. Benediktushaus im Schottenstift*
(Your next door neighbour: the Schottenkirche)
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 with, 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.
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 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.