So you’re in Vienna for the Christmas markets and want a hotel near enough lights and gingerbread to delight a Disney princess?
The following map from booking.com shows accommodation around the Rathausplatz, where the main Christkindlmarkt takes place. I’ve also listed selected hotels located around 400 meters or less from that market and with a booking.com user rating (at the time of writing) of at least 8.
- See also: What to do at Christmas
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.
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.
Small, old-Viennese style hotel located in another of Vienna’s many late-19th century buildings. Close to the prestigious University of Vienna and the neogothic Votivkirche church put up in the late 1800s as thanks for a foiled assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph.
With five stars, you don’t have to worry about whether there are 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. 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 puts you close to the whole Hofburg complex, with the Spanish Riding School, plus the pedestrianised centre. Hard to get more central, frankly.
6. Benediktushaus*
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. Excellent value for the incredibly central and historic location – it’s actually right next to the Freyung Christmas market.
Other hotel options
Although the Christkindlmarkt can be considered the main market, there are several others that are smaller, but still impressive. 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 will usually let 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.