Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Vienna

“Lively but not too wild” is how local drag queen Tiefe Kümmernis describes the LGBT scene in Austria’s capital – and we couldn’t agree more. That’s because we found so many gay hotels in Vienna, most of which lie near the gay nightlife action of Mariahilf and Neubau. Hence, we could easily walk to several gay restaurants and bars. Even those that aren’t located centrally boast excellent public transport links, getting us everywhere in record time. But what we loved was that all hotels had stylish rooms and amenities, besides the city’s LGBTQ-friendly ethos visible throughout. So, whatever was our jam, there was a gay-friendly stay in Vienna awaiting our arrival.

Not just that, but we also found that a fun LGBT event, gay bar, nightclub, or sauna is never too far away. When we went in early summer, we were able to catch the colorful Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade. There’s the festive Rainbow Ball and Kreativball in late winter, while springtime has the Vienna Boylesque Festival. Additionally, squeeze in the Vienna Fetish Spring if you’re here at that time. All in all, the city is all about open-mindedness and a welcoming attitude for those looking to party in the so-called Gay Mile.

Vienna is so much beyond its gay scene, which we discovered on the immersive 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour of Vienna. This tour took us to some of Vienna’s most beautiful sights as we rode our bikes on less congested roads and bike paths. Right from the Danube Canal to the city center, we stopped at many places for photo ops too. We also absorbed timeless music composed by native sons such as Mozart and Beethoven and shopped until we dropped on the Mariahilferstrasse. It’s no wonder that Vienna is one of the most-visited cities in Europe. That’s why you need to pack your bags and head to Vienna – stat.

Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna

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The visually delightful Small Luxury Hotel Alstadt Vienna is one gorgeous LGBTQ-friendly luxury hotel. It occupies a lovely 1902 townhouse in the city center and features beautiful artwork everywhere that we loved. We found paintings by artists including Andy Warhol and Niki De Saint Phalle. What’s more, each of the boutique hotel’s rooms and suites has its own personality. It’s thanks to the likes of Italian architect Matteo Thun and Austrian fashion designer Lena Hoschek. We chose the Large Suite, which came with both city and courtyard views, a designer bathroom, a coffee machine, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, and a seating area. 

Downstairs, we found the hotel even more impressive, if that’s possible. We began our day every day in the Red Salon with a hearty spread for a breakfast buffet. Additionally, they even offer free tea and homemade cake in the afternoon. Since this 4-star hotel is located on the Spittelberg in the Boboville district of the artsy 7th District, staying here put us within a 10-minute walk of Vienna’s best sights. And, when night falls, we headed to lively LGBT hotspots such as the Village Bar, which is an easy 14-minute walk from the hotel.

The Harmonie Vienna

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The Harmonie Hotel provides superb gay accommodation in Vienna. It’s ideally located in the Servitenviertel Quarter of the 9th district (Alsergrund), so the metro stops are conveniently within walking distance. Hence, we were able to get to the city’s gay bars and saunas easily. Are you looking for a bit of drama? Do what we did and catch a play at the Schauspielhaus Wien theater. Later, we even walked down to the Sigmund Freud Museum, which is the famous psychoanalyst’s former apartment/office. Moreover, there’s a place close by on the Danube River that’s excellent for tubing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, and water skiing.

We loved Harmonie’s unique aesthetic that combines art and dance, making it one of the most Instagrammable gay hotels in Vienna. Dance-inspired design elements by the artist Luis Casanova Sorolla of Peru adorn each of the allergen-free rooms. The Superior Double Room, where we were, was decked out in elegant Viennese style, complete with a private bathroom, a minibar, a TV, and a seating area.

We loved eating at the restaurant here, which served a delicious and diverse breakfast buffet every day. We had the choice of almost every cuisine under the sun, including Styrian, Japanese, Nordic, Hungarian, and American fare. Plus, they use only regional and organic ingredients. Later, we burnt off the calories in the small but excellent gym. Or, you could crank your workout up a notch with exciting watersports on the Danube.

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

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Most luxurious. We felt like modern European royalty at the opulent Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna. This 5-star hotel by the River Danube first opened its doors for the 1873 World Exhibition and is as luxurious as they come. The palatial rooms and suites are spread over three floors. Not only do they boast premium bedding, but they also have entertainment centers and coffee bars. But we wanted a truly regal stay, so we opted to stay in one of the palatial suites, the Junior Suite. We had everything from a separate living room to a work desk and a stunning bathroom.

Being discerning gourmands, we loved the Kempinski Vienna’s restaurants and bars, which are sophisticated as they can get. We especially loved the cigar lounge and the bar serving cocktails. Since we wanted to get pampered a bit, we headed to the spa area. There, we indulged in rejuvenating massages and lounged in the large hydro pool later. We especially loved this gay-friendly hotel’s location in the Innere Stadt, the city’s historic center. Some of Vienna’s top things to do and see, such as the red-brick Rossauer Kasernes complex, as well as its gay nightlife hub, are less than 10 minutes away on foot.

Hotel Sans Souci Wien

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With a name that means “carefree,” what else could we expect from the Hotel Sans Souci Wien apart from a hassle-free stay? Decadent luxury, that’s what. This 5-star property spoilt us with a whole bunch of fantastic facilities.

One of the best things we loved at this hotel is the beautiful subterranean full-service Sans Souci spa. Also, enjoy the indoor pool lit by chandeliers. After a relaxing massage, we unwound on daybeds in the labyrinthine relaxation room, the centerpiece of which is the lap pool lit by crystal chandeliers. A day at the spa is best followed by a visit to one of the many restaurants and bars onsite that offer a variety of culinary delights. We especially loved the idea of breakfasts here. We’re talking about the indulgent “Veranda Breakfast,” which includes everything from cold cuts, coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, hot á la carte dishes, and even a glass of champagne!

“We felt absolutely pampered at Sans Souci, whether it was the stay, the views, the amenities, or the hospitality. Whenever we’re coming back to Vienna, this is where we’ll be staying!”

WOW Travel

Since the entry-level rooms are slightly basic, we went with the master suites, which come with cast-ready TVs, state-of-the-art speakers, and even huge statement bathtubs. What’s more, they even have balconies, coffee machines, and old Viennese decor. The best bit? Fresh coffee is complimentary in all rooms. It might be an exclusively gay accommodation in Vienna, but it certainly is one of the best indulgent gay-friendly ones around.

Hotel Sacher Wien

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Most illustrious history. The Hotel Sacher Wien is Vienna’s only family-run top-class and has been around since 1876. It’s one of the most opulent LGBTQ-friendly luxury hotels in Vienna, with a well-known roster of past guests. These include the likes of Queen Elizabeth, John F. Kennedy, and Indira Gandhi. Even today, it remains the hotel of choice for many travelers, so we decided to see what it was all about. And boy, we were nothing short of impressed.

First, we got to choose from a host of rooms and suites that exude an elegance reminiscent of Vienna’s storied past. Valuable antiques sit nicely alongside 21st-century trappings. Even the basic rooms we chose had floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms with deep bathtubs, slippers, and robes. We especially liked the idea of the tablet, which provided instant access to hotel information and city highlights. It was paired thoughtfully well with a portable Wi-Fi device for when we’d take off to explore the city. Other things we loved were the Nespresso machines, mini Sacher Torte cubes, and the electric chandeliers. 

Downstairs, we savored international and traditional Viennese dishes at both the restaurants and coffee and sacher-torte at the cafe. We even had pre-dinner drinks here before heading out to explore Vienna’s gay nightlife. In fact, the historic Kaiserbründl Herrensauna, the city’s most beautiful gay sauna, is also within walking distance. And when it came to unwinding, we had to walk but a few steps to the Sacher Spa.

Hotel Nestroy Wien

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Modern luxury comes to life at the 4-star Hotel Nestroy. Since we were looking for a hotel that combined Viennese hospitality with a modern design, this hotel fit the bill perfectly. Firstly, we loved the stylish suites and rooms, all of which came with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and private bathrooms. The double room, for instance, was ample and spacious while featuring all trappings. The rest of the hotel, despite being value for money, didn’t skimp on the amenities in any way. It was clearly evident in the generous continental breakfast buffet, which included a host of hot and cold items. When we needed to get some urgent work done, there were several quiet business lounges, which we appreciated. Additionally, we were even able to squeeze in a workout at the fitness center and relax afterward in the sauna.

At the end of the day, we put on our dancing shoes and headed to Why Not Clubdiscothek, one of Vienna’s most exciting gay nightclubs. Since the gay-friendly Hotel Nestroy is in Leopoldstadt in the 2nd district, most Viennese landmarks and attractions and the gay scene are within easy reach.

Safestay Vienna Margaretenviertel

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Best value for money. We wanted to stay in a value-for-money hotel near all the action, which is why we chose Safestay Vienna Margaretenviertel. Located in the bustling 5th district of Margareten, fun gay bars like Sling and Cafe Rifugio practically lie out the front door. So, it was very convenient for us to jump into Vienna’s gay scene even after a long day of exploring the city. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the more popular gay hotels in Vienna.

The hotel, which was formerly known as the La Prima Fashion Hotel, offers much more than what we expected from a budget property. It’s tucked in a historic building and features spotless and spacious rooms. Each one contains custom-designed furniture, a mini-bar, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. In fact, they even gave us a mobile phone and a laptop when we requested them.

One of the biggest bonuses here is the lovely courtyard breakfast lounge and bar with a terrace. It was the best place to start off the day with a delicious breakfast. The best bit? Coffee and tea are available for free throughout the day.

Boutiquehotel Stadthalle

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Best boutique hotel. Unabashedly gay-friendly, the gay accommodation in Vienna which is the Boutiquehotel Stadthalle, attracts LGBTQ visitors from near and far. In fact, we even got a discount on the rates since we had the Vienna QueerCity Pass. The bright and airy rooms and spacious suites fit all budgets, and some of them are even handicapped-accessible. Plus, they provide pleasant views of either the quiet garden or the Hackengasse streetscape, and we chose one overlooking the quiet floral courtyard. It’s where we’d begin our day with a nice cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. We also loved the lavender rooftop garden and the fact that the property is supremely eco-friendly as well.

The 3-star Boutiquehotel Stadthalle sits in a lovely neighborhood in the 15th district, one of the most diverse and vibrant areas in Vienna. While staying here, we could stroll along the Reindorfgasse and discover its wealth of cozy eateries and hip stores. The Mariahilferstrasse shopping boulevard is within easy walking distance, as is the grandiose Main Public Library. The gay scene is hardly 5 minutes away, but we loved that the Boner Store, which stocks Vienna’s premium resource for gay fashion and fetish paraphernalia, is just 10 minutes away.

Le Méridien Vienna

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The 5-star Le Méridien Vienna ranks right up there, along with the other luxurious gay accommodations in Vienna. This luxury hotel features close to 300 guestrooms and suites, and each of them comes with hypo-allergenic premium bedding, Victorian-style baths, and rainfall showerheads in the private bathrooms. We especially loved the soundproofed windows and the black-out curtains. They ensured us a restful night’s sleep, especially considering we partied way too hard in Vienna’s gay nightlife, which isn’t far from the hotel either. In fact, gay bars like Felixx and Mango are just a short walk away.

Another reason that makes Le Meridien one of the best hotels in Vienna is the many amenities. We loved the stylish indoor pool, which is a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring Vienna. Those who want to work out will love the 24/7 fitness center, so they can work out anytime. The best bit is that we didn’t have to step out even for food when we didn’t want to, as there are two restaurants on the property.

Le Méridien Vienna’s location in the Innere Stadt means that renowned landmarks such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace were easily walkable. The same goes for Vienna State Opera and the Albertina Museum. An 8-minute walk even brought us to the famous Naschmarkt.

Hotel-Pension Wild

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If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for excellent value for your money, Hotel-Pension Wild might just be the end of your search. This gay-friendly accommodation in Vienna sits in a restored building dated 1904 in the 8th district of Josefstadt. The area is home to numerous palaces dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, which we loved exploring. But we loved that the Club Titanic, which hosts the monthly Pitbull gay night for bears, cubs, and chubbies, is hardly 10 minutes away.

The hotel itself boasts clean rooms, in fact, some of the most spacious budget rooms in the town. While some of them have shared bathrooms, others come with private bathrooms. Hence, travelers could choose the kind of stay that they want depending on their budget. Since we had a budget, we went for the room with the private bathroom, which also came with a flat-screen TV, a laptop desk, and bath products in the bathroom.

Notably, the hotel gets rave reviews for its excellent free breakfast, and we have to agree. Think of this – coffee, fruits, Nutella, honey, cornflakes, ham, cheese, butter, bread, and eggs. Plus, the spacious accommodation and quiet atmosphere impressed us to no end.

Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer

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Run by the Kluss family, Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer extends a warm welcome to members of the rainbow community. So, it’s easy to see why it ranks high among the top gay hotels in Vienna. The management and the staff sure knew how to spoil us silly too. From sparkling wines with the breakfast buffet to classic live music on Sundays, they don’t hold back when it came to making us feel special. Every day, we dug into a hot and cold buffet breakfast with sparkling wine to start off the day on a high note. Are you here for the weekend? They play live classical music playing at breakfast every Saturday and Sunday.

Of all the air-conditioned rooms and suites, we loved the double ones with a whirlpool or spa bath. Besides that, we loved the noise-protected windows, parquet/carpeted floors, and tea/coffee machines with tea/coffee tabs. Chandeliers on the high ceilings and huge windows helped us enjoy unwinding in the room and watching Vienna’s life go by in comfort.

Conveniently, the hotel lies in the 17th district (Hernals) and within walking distance of hip gay bars such as F56-Ffitysix. Also close by is the grand Ringstrasse, where many of the city’s best-known attractions can be found. To make the most of our trip, we got ourselves the Vienna Pass, an all-inclusive card that grants free admission to landmarks. These include the Schönbrunn Palace, the Albertina Museum, Madame Tussauds, and many more.

Our Verdict!

We were impressed with all of Vienna’s LGBTQ-friendly hotels, but some of them were a notch above the others for their specific features. That’s why we came up with a specialized list below.

• Most luxurious: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
• Best value for money: Safestay Vienna Margaretenviertel
• Best boutique hotel: Boutiquehotel Stadthalle
• Most illustrious history: Hotel Sacher Wien

Just So You Know:

• Famous LGBT people from Vienna include the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, Prince Eugene Von Savoya, and Archduke Ludwig Viktor.
• Singer Conchita Wurst and art historian Tiefe Kümmernis are two famous drag queens from Vienna.
• Austria’s oldest LGBT organization, HOSI Wien, was established in 1979 in Vienna. In addition to lobbying for LGBT rights, it also offers support for young people who are coming out.

Get Some Culture in Vienna:

• Vienna Boylesque Festival – Established by performance artist Jacques Patriaque, this annual festival features world-class burlesque performances that portray sex and sexuality in a positive light.
• Vienna Pride: HOSI Wien organized the first Vienna Pride in 1982, and since then, it’s only gone from strength to strength. It includes the Austrian pride parade, which is the Rainbow Parade, which happens at the end of the festival.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Vienna:

• Why Not Clubdiscothek – Party the night away at this 3-story gay club in the heart of Vienna. Opened in 1980, it features 3 bars and regularly holds fun-filled theme nights.
• Felixx – Cocktails under chandeliers, quiz nights, parties, and more are on offer at this trendy gay bar in the lower Gumpendorferstrasse.
• Eagle Vienna – This men-only gay bar/nightclub on the Blumelgasse is a popular leather bar that draws fetishists and cruising enthusiasts. Good music and drinks are staples here.

Best Gay Saunas in Vienna:

• Kaiserbründl Herrensauna – Arguably, this is Vienna’s most historic gay sauna; it opened in 1889. Actually, they counted the nobility among its regulars. Notably, an ornate Turkish bath, a winter garden, and various relaxation rooms are some of its attractions.
• Römersauna – A fixture of gay life in Vienna, this stylish sauna on the Rüdigergasse spans 2 stories. It has areas for cruising, steam baths, massages, and more.
• Sportsauna – Popular, this Viennese gay sauna lies near the city center that also draws cruisers. It features a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, relaxation rooms, and a bar.