Where to stay: AUSTRIA

In the heart of Vienna’s hip 7th district “Neubau” is the cozy and romantic Hotel Kugel. The hotel dates back to 1863 and is only a 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre. Most of the famous sights are within also withing easy walking distance few minutes walk away like the art collections of the Museum Quarter and the Leopold Museum. An abundance of restaurants, bars and cafés can be found in the direct vicinity. Vienna`s longest shopping street, the Mariahilfer Strasse, is just two blocks…

SO/ Vienna is a cutting-edge design hotel by Jean Nouvel. No Art Nouveau or Wiener Schnitzel here, but sleek and minimal guestrooms, floating cantilver roofs, video-animated ceilings and a magnificent vertical garden.

A funky hotel in a period Biedermeier building, Hotel am Brillantengrund is located in Vienna‘s happening 7th district, just a few steps from Mariahilfer Strasse.

25hours Hotel beim Museumsquartier is a quirky design hotel located in the vibrant 7th district at the heart of Vienna‘s young, liberal and creative scene. Inspired by the city’s Opera, Life Ball, Prater and countless music and theater stages, the hotel’s design is organically distinctive and creates a fantastical world of circus, spectacle and extravagance, with just a touch of madness.

Set in a 1962 modernist office building, Hotel Daniel Vienna is a hip hotel located right next to Belvedere Palace and Vienna's Hauptbahnhof train station. A sailboat sculpture (designed by Erwin Wurm) with a twisted hull hangs off the edge of the roof.

An unusual hotel concept in Austria’s capital, Vienna. The Hotel Rathaus – Wine & Design represents the Fleischhaker family’s pleasure concept with its vinophile philosophy. At every step you will be confronted by the theme of wine in the modern design hotel: the wine cheese on the breakfast buffet, the wine guglhupf with your coffee, the wine cosmetics in your room, etc.

Grand Ferdinand Vienna is a luxury hotel with a twist. It is located in the city center on the prestigious Ringstraße boulevard, with other grand luxury (albeit traditional) hotels as neighbours. The hotel is set in a 1950s building and boats original contemporary interiors with commissioned chandeliers made by Vienna glassmaker Lobmeyr and round, leather-rimmed, mirrors by Gubi in the style of Jacques Adnet.

Behind the classic Viennese façade of the four star Der Wilhelmshof you will find a modern, family-run hotel. Throughout the hotel, in public areas and private guestrooms you will artworks and painted walls by Viennese artist Ty Waltinger, which makes the hotel a “Gesamtkunstwerk”. The Wilhelmshof is located in a quiet side street in the typical Viennese 2nd district “Leopoldstadt”.

Andaz Vienna is a stylish luxury hotel located in the newly created Quartier Belvedere, next to Vienna‘s equally new Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and the park and palace of Belvedere. The hotel has sober, somewhat minimalist, modernist-inspired interiors.

This design boutique hotel is located in the heart of Vienna. Here, host Robert Hollmann realized in a noble house his personal vision of a welcoming temporary home. Places of retreat from the city hustle and bustle are the spa and fitness area, the quiet garden and the library. All those who are curious about other people, will always meet interesting people to talk in the "living room" with fireplace, piano and comfortable seating. Hollmann Beletage's smallhouse cinema shows Austrian…

Curated by London-based art consultant Idit Orni, there are over 480 original or specially commissioned art pieces, including a giant hand-painted wall mural, emblazoned onto the neighbouring building, by artists Käthe Schönle and Sebastian Schager; thought-provoking, provocative works from Renate Bertlmann and Julia Faber, that dot the public spaces; and photography by Raffaela Bielesch in the 143 guestrooms.

A former coach station used by travelers en route to the spas of Trieste, Das Triest is a pitch perfect combination of history and modern design. Austrian architect Peter Lorenz and British interior designer Sir Terence Conran joined forces to preserve parts of the original structure, combining elements of imperial elegance with sober lines, in sharp contrast to the city’s charming 19th-century Art Nouveau architecture.

This large design hotel (295 rooms, Ligne Roset beds, free minibar, Dyson hairdryers, Malin + Goetz bathroom amenities) is set in four former city palaces and offers everything 5-star: a spa in the basement including swimming pool, an Asian fusion restaurant and Moet Champagne Bar.

Located on Vienna's fashionable Kärntnerstraße -with its boutiques and designer stores- is the family run Boutique Hotel-Pension Opera Suites. Set on the first floor of a historical Viennese townhouse, it is ideally located in the heart of the city opposite the Hotel Sacher. The Vienna State Opera, The Albertina, Hofburg and St. Stephan's Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. The spacious rooms and suites are decorated in a traditional Viennese style.

Set in a typical Viennese Art Nouveau building dating to 1906, the Hotel Park-Villa is located in the upmarket district of Döbling, the "cottage quarter". During the monarchy many celebrities llived here such as the composers Lanner, the operetta composer Emmerich Kalman, film music composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold, author Arthur Schnitzler and many personalities of industry and commercial still do today.

A small, family-run bed&breakfast in the heart of Vienna, City Pension Stephansplatz is set in the birthplace of the great Austrian poet Franz Grillparzer. The “Kärntner Strasse”, Graben, Kohlmarkt and Golden Quarter - Vienna's most famous shopping miles can be found around the corner. As are numerous theaters, exquisite restaurants and sophisticated bars.

Located in a renovated historic building from the 19th-century in Vienna's popular Spittelberg quarter, Altstadt Vienna is an art-focused boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk from the Museum Quarter. Modern works of art by the likes of Gilbert & George and Andy Warhol decorate the walls of the guest rooms and public spaces.

Cozy and sophisticated, The Guesthouse Vienna offers a private ambiance with exquisite quality and an urban vibe in the heart of Vienna, just behind the State Opera House. The interior concepts are by Sir Terence Conran/Conran & Partners and combine trend awareness, comfort and and functionality into an unique style. Design classics by Wittmann and Oswald Haerdtl adorn the spacious rooms and create a unique “at-home” feeling. Downstairs guests will find a contemporary brasserie and bakery.

The look is Austrian country house, with ancient stone arches and wood, white walls, traditional fabrics and a massive hand-carved reception desk that looks like a museum antique. Walls are dotted with old prints and hunting trophies. Hirsch means deer and the hotel's leaping deer logo is everywhere. But the comforts are plush and quality is first-rate; staying here is a treat.

Quintessentially Austrian, but none of Alpine kitsch or Sound of Music schmaltz, the Hotel & Villa Auersperg is a proper slice of Salzburg chic. The outstanding, (three generations) family-run boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa, a pleasant stroll away from the Unesco-listed historic city centre.

Directly on the ski slopes of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm area is Wiesergut, a boutique hotel boasting minimal, chic Alpine interiors and specially commisioned furnishings by Austrian designers. The estate has been in the owner's family since the 14th century of which the third generation hoteliers is running this boutique design hotel.

Arthotel Blaue Gans is a design boutique hotel set in a 14th-century heritage inn. Original features, like the medieval archways, hardwood floors and wooden beams are still visible. Modernist furnishings and an art collection with over 100 original works complements the unique atmosphere. The hotel is located in the very heart of Salzburg on the Getreidegasse shopping street, at the foot of Hohensalzburg Fortress. Mozart's birthplace and the Festival Hall are just steps away.

Built in a grand Alpine lodge style, the Haus Hirt boutique hotel today offers a fascinating mix of modern spirit and classic hospitality. The hotel boast wonderful ecclectic interiors, fusing traditional, vintage and designer furniture and decorations. The hotel is located on a hillside overlooking the spa town of Bad Gastein, once the play ground of royalty and known for its many palaces in Belle Epoque style.

The boutique Hotel am Dom is a stylish boutique hotel located in a quiet street in the center of Salzburg. The hotel is set in a completely renovated 14th-century building, keeping its original charm and authentic architectonic details. Luxury rooms feature wood beamed ceilings, bare stone, noble timber flooring, art work and Italian designer furniture. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served in the quaint dining room. Additional amenities include a stylish bar and a cozy lounge.

Located on a pedestrianised street in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, is the small luxury hotel Goldgasse. Set in a 13th-century building, the boutique hotel offers contemporary rooms with an opera theme while the hotel’s restaurant takes a more rustic approach. Original period features include stone floors and antique columns.

A stylish, classic boutique hotel with a modern twist. It is set in a striking white building from the early 20th century, located in the centre of Bad Gastein, just a few minutes walk to the famous waterfalls. Individually rooms are designed in a "boho chic" style and come with traditional, retro-style bathrooms.

Built at the turn of the 20th century and remodeled in the 1960s, the now retro-chic boutique hotel Miramonte is situated at the foot of the Graukogel Mountain, an 8-minute walk from the centre of Bad Gastein. The hotel enjoys an unique location offering panoramic views from its sun terrace and rooms over the entire Gasteiner Valley. The famous Bad Gastein Waterfall and the Stubnerkogel ski lifts can be reached with a private hotel shuttle.

Steinerwirt is an indie boutique hotel set in an inn dating to 1493. It feautures a contemporary art gallery, a library with art books and a classic restaurant serving Austrian specialities. Located in Zell am See, both the ski lift and the lake are just a few minutes' walk.

aDLERS is a four star design hotel set on floors 7 to 11 of a modern tower, next to Innsbruck's main train station. From its rooms and the rooftop bar, restaurant and wellness area it offers fabulous views of the city and the surrounding Alps.

Hotel Hinteregger is an old-established family-run hotel location in the centre of Matrei in East Tyrol. In 2007 a modern wing of wood and glass was added to the back of the original structure. The individually designed rooms (25-35m2) are distributed between the original house (rustic) and the award-winning modern extension (minimalist). The restaurant serves honest traditional Tyrolean cuisine made from home-grown (the hotel has its own farm) and local produce.

Hotel Perfler is an intimate village inn set in a building of uncompromising modern architecture and interiors made from local wood giving it a distinctive flair. The hotel is located in the centre of Silian, in East Tyrol.

Next to the 12th-century castle ruins of Ladis, Tyrol is the 21st-century Refugio Laudegg. The cutting-edge, modern architecture of this small design hotel is distributed between several wooden buidings on different levels. Minimalist, warm interiors use plenty of local wood and large windows take in the Alpine scenery. There is a sauna, and hiking in summer and skiing in winter can be enjoyed. Breakfast and dinner are available at the traditional Rauthof inn next door.

Hotel Penz is a modern design hotel providing luxury hospitality in the traditional manner. Interiors feature clear-cut lines, timeless elegance, pleasant lighting and refined materials. The hotel is located in the heart of Innsbruck, a 5-minute walk from the Inn river and the ornate Hofkirche church. The 5th Floor American Bar offers a rooftop Mediterannean-style terrace with spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.

Zhero is a luxury design hotel set amid the Tyrolean Alps in Ischgl. Incorporating Tyrolean tradition and upscale, innovative architecture, the hotel combines smart contemporary design with the comfort of home. The glowing glass façade of the hotel is filtered by rows of vertical wooden planks, reclaimed from local barns and referencing the community’s agricultural history. Dark interiors tone with wood ceilings and floors, exposed brick walls, and soft fabrics in dark grey, black, and…

Owner and architect Evi Haller turned her great grandparents 150 year old home into 3 cutting-edge apartments. The Mesmerhaus is located in Bildstein, high above Lake Constance and the city of Bregenz and just a few minutes from Dornbirn in the Rhine Valley. The exterior has been meticulously preserved, while interiors are contemporary, yet warm and personal. A restaurant and grocery shop can be found a 3-minute walk away.

Backing onto the Bregenz Forest and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery is Hotel Krone in the picturesque village of Au. The four star, family-run hotel is a mix of modern and rustic design. Since 1998 the hotel has been completely rebuilt in stages with all the work done by local tradesmen and building companies. As far as possible, local materials have been used for all building work (mainly wood from Au and the local region).

Hotel am See is an eye-catching ultra-modern hotel with its façade clad in brass plates. The design hotel is located on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance) in the small town of Hard on the outskirts of Bregenz. The building is surrounded by a ventilated brass facade; the varying distances between the folds gives the appearance of waves on the facade. Interestingly light and shade alternate, dependent upon time of day, weather and season.

The Rote Wand in Lech am Vorarlberg, is a classic centuries-old Alpine inn, which beneath its traditional surface has been cleverly modernized, renovated in a light, contemporary style. The original inn from 1651 has been extented with several other buildings, keepings its intimate atmosphere.

Family-run for 5 generations, Hotel Post Bezau in its latest incarnation is a design hotel in modern Alpine style. The hotel enjoys a beautiful and quiet location in the heart of the picturesque town of Bezau in the Bregenzer Forest.

Built in 1757 in traditional "Bauer Baroque" style, the authentic Gasthof Hirschen is a boutique hotel avant-la-lettre located in the bucolic village of Schwarzenberg surrounded by the mountains and pastures of the Bregenzer Forest. Behind its Baronial façade of cured timber, mandatory flowering blooms and Austrian frescos you will discover a fascinating history and an impressive art collection where rustic meets East Side Gallery.

Here you’ll find lavish, classically-styled rooms, complete with ornate carved-wood furniture, but in suspiciously fine condition. Family-owned for over 80 years, Relais & Châteaux member for more than 40.

Highly rated and with many returning visitors, Der Berghof is a cozy family-run hotel in a quiet and privileged location above the centre of the romantic village of Lech. It offers a spa and wellness area "Bergquell", bar/lounge and an à-la-carte restaurant. Der Berghof fuses modernity and tradition in a wonderful way, creating a unique feel-good atmosphere.

Regarded as one of the best ski-in/ski-out hotels in the Arlberg region with its snow-sure location, the hotel is slick and sophisticated whilst remaining warm and cosy.

The Wiesler is a hotel in the grand hotel style, but with a decisive hip twist. It is located in the Old Town of Graz, right on the Mur River next to the iconic Kunsthaus Graz. Although the hotel is turn-of-the-last-century and had quite a history -army barracks included- the Jugendstil exterior, chandeliers and palatial proportions remain but have been infused with sumptuous white decors, street murals and quirky design details.

Located on a street with shops and eateries in the trendy Lend district, Lendhotel is a design hotel within a 15-minute walk of the Graz city centre and the train station. Contemporary rooms come with parquet floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary artwork and kingsize beds. There is a furnished rooftop terrace and a fitness centre with panoramic city views. The bright cafe is open 24/7 where guest can enjoy a variety of Smørrebrød and drinks.

A potpourri of styles ranging from Biedermeier to avantgarde modern, the Schlossberghotel has one theme throughout - modern art adorn the walls of both public spaces and guestrooms. The hotel dates from 1596 and is set at the foot on the Schloßberg (Castle Mountain) hovering over Graz' old town. The backyard gardens rise up to the castle, and it is where you can find a unique swimming pool overlooking the city.

Hotel Daniel Graz is a design hotel, located next to Graz's Main Train Station. It is a 10-minute walk to the historic Old Town and the Kunsthaus. The hotel is set in an original modernist building from the 1950s, a replacement of the original grand hotel.

AUGARTEN - art hotel is a design hotel built by famous Austrian architect Günther Domenig feturing a collection of impressive mid-century modern furniture, while original contemporary art is integrated into the rooms, public, spaces and hallways of the hotel. The hotel is located a 10-minute walk from the city centre of Graz.

Surrounded by the Styrian vineyards is Loisium Wine & Spa Resort, a contemporary design hotel. The hotel's architecture uses unrefined Austrian materials - providing a new slant on the region’s traditional building styles.

An urban design and boutique hotel in the mountains of Austria, the stylish Stadthotel Brunner combines Austrian "Servus" and Far East "Namasté" (tea house, yoga, ayurveda). The hotel - with a five hundred year history - is located in the centre of Schladming, Styria, famous for skiing. Sleek rooms come with parquet floors and wood paneling. In summer enjoy various sports and use of the summer card giving free acess to cable cars, busses and the public swimming pool.

Housed in a 15th century listed building, Motel One’s latest property has 111 rooms and offers impressive views of the central Hauptplatz square and Old Town Hall.vThe historic façade of the new hotel belies the seamless blend of traditional and modern styling within.vTaking inspiration from the city itself, unique objects from the past meet modern design and one-of-a-kind pieces to create a truly bespoke modern industrial aesthetic.

arte is a design hotel located in the centre of Linz, a short walk from the Danube River and the historic city centre. The hotels houses an extensive art collection and several exhibitions (paitings, theater, music) are presented throughout the year. The bright rooms and suites were individually conceived by local designers and artists. The hotel's bar serves drinks and small snacks until midnight. There is no restaurant as such, but the staff can recommend several in the area.

Hotel am Domplatz is a stylish design hotel located right next to Linz’s Mariendom, the largest church in Austria. The hotel has its own art collection and features regular exhibits. The hotel’s rooms and suites feature minimalist design, are filled with light and floor-to-ceiling windows offer fantastic views of the dome and/or the city centre.

Hotel Landhaus Moserhof -since 1437- is situated in the old town of Gumpoldskirchen, a favourite weekend destination of the Viennese and holiday destination of Austrians and international visitors alike. Many typical 'Heurigen' (wine taverns) are situated nearby. Moserhof features its own wine cellar and a lounge with a bar and fireplace. Each day, a freshly prepared breakfast buffet is served on site. The wellness area comprises a sauna, a steam bath and a stainless steel 14 meter outdoor…

Set amid the rolling vineyards of Langenlois in the Kamptal Valley, LOISIUM is a cutting edge design hotel and winery built by Steven Holl. The hotel is just 10km from the town of Krems and the UNESCO-protected Wachau Region, and a 50-minute drive from Vienna. Wine plays a vital role throughout, which is not only reflected in the fine cuisine, but as well in the spa treatments, with a visit to the onsite organic winery (built on 900 year old cellars) or the use of cork throughout the…