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“Lively but not too wild” is how local drag queen Tiefe Kümmernis describes the LGBT scene in Austria’s capital. And, with the abundance of gay accommodation in Vienna, a fun LGBT event, gay bar, nightclub, or sauna is never too far away. Come in early summer. That way, you’ll catch the colorful Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade. Late winter, the festive Rainbow Ball and Kreativball are held. Meanwhile, springtime becomes extra joyful with the Vienna Boylesque Festival. Additionally, squeeze in the Vienna Fetish Spring. Whatever your jam, there’s gay accommodation in Vienna awaiting your arrival.
Plenty of tours help you get an understanding of the city. Perhaps, go on an immersive private walking tour of Vienna. There, gain insights not only about the city’s stunning architecture and culture but also its rich queer history. Perhaps the gay personalities who called this city home over the centuries are partly responsible. Vienna brings open-mindedness and a welcoming attitude today. looking to party in the so-called Gay Mile around the Naschmarkt in the city center? It’s the place for you. Alternatively, absorb timeless music composed by native sons such as Beethoven and Mozart. Or, shop until you drop on the Mariahilferstrasse. Consider the following gay-friendly hotels in Vienna.
Altstadt Vienna
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Visually delightful, the Alstadt Vienna, is a gay-friendly luxury hotel. Occupying a lovely 1902 townhouse in the city center, expect with beautiful artwork. There, you’ll find paintings by artists including Andy Warhol and Niki De Saint Phalle. Uniquely, 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, for the ambiance. The hotel’s Red Salon is where guests can start off the day with a varied breakfast buffet. Additionally, they offer free tea and homemade in the afternoon.
The 4-star Alstadt Vienna is located on the Spittelberg in the Boboville district of the artsy 7th District. Staying here will put you within a 10-minute walk of the Museum of Natural History. Fascinating, it’s home to a fantastic collection of dinosaur skeletons. And, when night falls, you can head to lively LGBT hotspots such as the Village Bar. It’s an easy 14-minute walk from the hotel.
The Harmonie Vienna
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The Harmonie Hotel provides superb gay-friendly accommodation in Vienna. Ideally located, it sits in the Servitenviertel Quarter of the 9th district (Alsergrund), Metro stops are conveniently within walking distance. Usefully, that puts the city’s gay bars and saunas just a short ride away. Looking for a bit of drama? Then catch a play at the Schauspielhaus Wien theater. It’s just a few steps from the hotel. The Sigmund Freud Museum, the famous psychoanalyst’s former apartment/ office, is just 300 meters (0.19 miles) away.
The Harmonie’s unique aesthetic combines art and dance make it one of the most attractive gay hotels in Vienna. Dance-inspired design elements by the artist Luis Casanova Sorolla of Peru adorn each of the allergen-free rooms. Delicious, the diverse breakfast buffet offers Styrian, Japanese, Nordic, Hungarian, and American dishes. Plus, they use only regional and organic ingredients. Later, burn off the calories in the small but excellent gym. Or, crank your workout a notch with exciting watersports on the Danube. Close by, the river is an excellent place for tubing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, and water skiing.
Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
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Guests can feel like a king or a queen at the opulent Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna. This 5-star hotel by the River Danube opened for the 1873 World Exhibition. Notably, it’s as luxurious as they come. Palatial rooms and suites spread over 3 floors. There, they boast premium bedding, entertainment centers, and coffee bars. But, for a truly regal stay, opt for one of the palatial suites or penthouse apartments. Discerning gourmands will find plenty to love in the hotel’s sophisticated restaurants and bars. And, for the ultimate in pampering, head to the spa area. There, indulge in rejuvenating massages or lounge in the large hydro pool.
The gay-friendly Palais Hansel Kempinski is in the Innere Stadt, the city’s historic center. Distinctive, the red-brick complex called the Rossauer Kasernes a 4-minute walk away. Built as a barracks in the mid-19th-century, its turrets and massive portals make it worth a visit. The gay nightlife hubs, Why Not Clubdiscothek and the City Bar, are less than 10 minutes away on foot. And, for LGBT books and magazines, head to the nearby Buchhandlung Löwenherz, a gay bookstore.
Hotel Sans Souci Wien
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With a name that means carefree, what else can you expect from Hotel Sans Souci Wien apart from a hassle-free stay? Decadent luxury, that’s what. This 5-star property spoils guests with fantastic facilities. Notably, expect a full-service spa. Also, enjoy the indoor pool lit by chandeliers. Additionally, restaurants and bars offer culinary delights. Sleep in a suite nicely appointed with antique furnishings. Then, start the day right with a champagne breakfast.
Not exclusively gay accommodation in Vienna, it is, nevertheless gay-friendly. Hotel Sans Souci sits right next to the Museums Quarter, one of the city’s cultural features. Here you’ll find world-class museums such as Architekturzentrum Wien. Also, also theaters, art galleries, and performing arts venues abound. Take a stroll to the nearby Maria Theresa Square. Admire its formal gardens and eye-catching sculptures. And with the popular gay Sportsauna just a quick 8-minute walk away, the hotel is conveniently located if you seek gay accommodation in Vienna.
Hotel Sacher Wien
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Constructed in 1876, Hotel Sacher Wien is the best of LGBT-friendly luxury hotels in Vienna. In fact, heads of state including Queen Elizabeth, John F. Kennedy, and Indira Gandhi stayed here. Today, it remains the hotel of choice for many travelers. The rooms and suite exude an elegance reminiscent of Vienna’s storied past. Valuable antiques sit alongside 21st-century trappings. Although traditional, it comes with a modern ambiance. Guests can savor international and traditional Viennese dishes in the restaurants. Enjoy coffee and sacher-torte at the Café Sacher. Then retire to the Blaue Bar for a pre-dinner drink. And, for wellness treatments, the Sacher Spa is at your service.
The 5-star Hotel Sacher sits across the Vienna State Opera in Innere Stadt. The chic boutiques of the Kärntner Strasse pedestrian boulevard are just a minute away by foot. Likewise, within walking distance are landmarks like the Albertina Museum. Visit the Spanish Riding School, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And if you walk 7 minutes to the northeast, you’ll reach the historic Kaiserbründl Herrensauna, the city’s most beautiful gay sauna.
Hotel Nestroy Wien
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Expect a luxury stay at the 4-star Hotel Nestroy. It features stylish and suites and rooms equipped with air-conditioning. Additionally, expect free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and private bathrooms. Also, if you need to get some work done, you can use one of the several quiet business lounges at your leisure. Additionally, squeeze in a workout at the fitness center and relax afterward in the sauna.
Thinking of surprising your sweetheart with a unique yet romantic experience? An intimate candlelit dinner on the Giant Ferris Wheel is something you’ll both remember in the years to come. Afterward, put on your dancing shoes and head for Why Not Clubdiscothek, one of Vienna’s exciting gay nightclubs. Conveniently, it’s just a 7-minute ride from the hotel. The gay-friendly Hotel Nestroy is in Leopoldstadt in the 2nd district. Landmarks and attractions within easy reach include the Basilica-style St. Francis of Assisi Church as well as the Church of St. Leopold, a stunning Art Nouveau church.
Safestay Vienna
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If you’d prefer to stay where the action is, then Safestay Vienna is one of your best bets. Locate in Margareten, the bustling 5th district, fun gay bars like Sling and Cafe Rifugio practically lie out the front door. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the more popular gay hotels in Vienna. Several of the city’s notable attractions are likewise close by. For example, Schubert Sterbewohnung, the last residence of the composer Franz Schubert, is just a 5-minute walk away. And, if you’re a fan of classic movies, drop by the Third Man Museum, a small establishment dedicated to the eponymous 1949 film directed by Carol Reed. It’s a mere 8-minute walk from Safestay Vienna.
Formerly known as the La Prima Fashion Hotel, Safestay Vienna might be priced as a budget property but it offers much more than expected. The hostel features spotless and spacious private rooms. Each one contains custom-designed furniture, a mini-bar, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Breakfast, delicious and varied with coffee and tea available for free throughout the day, is a bonus. A bar with a terrace in the courtyard is a great place to relax with a drink.
Boutiquehotel Stadthalle
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Unabashedly gay-friendly, this gay accommodation in Vienna is called the Boutiquehotel Stadthalle. It attracts LGBT visitors from near and far—and those with a Vienna QueerCity Pass can get a discount on rates. From budget rooms to spacious suites, there’s something here to fit all budgets. The bright and airy rooms—some of which are handicapped-accessible—provide pleasant views of either the quiet garden or the Hackengasse streetscape. And with a lavender rooftop garden, a herbaceous and floral courtyard, and a keen focus on upcycling, 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. 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. And, if you find yourself needing some supplies, head to the Boner Store. Roughly 5 km (3 miles) from the hotel, it’s Vienna’s premium resource for gay fashion and fetish paraphernalia.
Le Méridien Vienna
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5-star, Le Méridien Vienna ranks right up there along with the other top providers of gay accommodation in Vienna. This luxury hotel features close to 300 guestrooms and suites. Ecash comes with hypo-allergenic premium bedding, Victorian-style baths and rainfall showerheads in the private bathrooms. Plus, there’s soundproofing and black-out curtains for a restful night’s sleep, making it one of the 11 Best Hotels in Vienna, too. Conveniently, the stylish indoor pool and the fitness center are open 24/7 so you can work out anytime. And with multiple dining options, eating and drinking in style takes no effort at all.
Le Méridien Vienna’s location in the Innere Stadt means that renowned landmarks such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace are within easy reach. So too, are the Vienna State Opera, and the Albertina Museum. An 8-minute walk will bring you to the famous Naschmarkt. A veritable foodie haven, where you can also buy fresh fruits and vegetables as well as artisanal cheeses, sausages, and wine, foodies love it. The gay nightlife isn’t far from the hotel either. Gay bars like Felixx and Mango are just a short walk away.
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. Occupying a restored building dating from 1904, the hotel boasts clean rooms, some with private bathrooms. Notably, it gets rave reviews for the excellent free breakfast. Plus, the spacious accommodation, and a quiet atmosphere impress. Most importantly, the staff provides stellar service to all guests, whether LGBT or straight.
This gay friendly gay accommodation in Vienna sits in Josefstadt, the 8th district. Notably, the area is home to numerous palaces dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. These include the Palais Auersperg, Palais Strozzi, and Palais Damian, to name just a few. Within walking distance, find the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Art History. The stately Burgtheater, whose roots go back to 1741, is a quick 11-minute walk from Hotel-Pension Wild. Vienna’s lively gay nightlife is easily accessible as well. Iconic, the Club Titanic, a 1.3-km (0.81 miles) drive from the hotel, hosts the monthly Pitbull gay night for bears, cubs, and chubbies.
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, Europe. The management and staff know how to spoil guests too. From sparkling wines with the breakfast buffet to classic live music on Sundays, there are no holds barred when it comes to making guests feel special. Air-conditioned rooms, some with a whirlpool, feature noise-protection windows to ensure a quiet stay. And if you’re vacationing with Fido, you’ll be glad to know that the hotel is pet-friendly too.
Conveniently, the hotel’s Situated 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 your trip, get yourself 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.
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.
- Gaily Tour in Vienna – Choose the day tour and absorb Vienna’s cultural atmosphere by visiting its historic buildings and monuments. Or, go on the night tour and explore the bars and clubs that light up Vienna’s LGBT scene.
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, steam bath, relaxation rooms, and a bar.