11 Best Hotels in Linz, Austria

Around two hours east of Vienna lies the charming hidden gem of a town of Linz, sprawled across the Danube River. While most tourists visit other famous Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg, Linz, with its historic structures and pastel-hued buildings, is equally charming. We got a real taste of Austrian life when we visited this gorgeous city, and that too without the hordes of tourists in the rest of the country. So, when we looked for hotels in Linz, Austria, we were surprised to find some excellent options. Not only did these hotels sit across a variety of budgets and styles, but some of them even offered splendid views of the Danube River.

Of course, there’s so much to do in the city too, especially since the Austrian saying is ‘In Linz beginnt’s’ (it begins in Linz). It not only has a pulse of Austria’s technology industry, but also has cutting-edge galleries, a burgeoning culture scene, and eclectic public art installations. Hence, our decision to stay longer did pay off, whether it was exploring the city, strolling along the Danube, digging into Linzer tortes, or guzzling craft beers. To that end, here are the best stays in Linz, Austria.

Arte Hotel

11

Just across the river from Old Town sits the Arte Hotel along the northern banks of the Danube. So, the lively city center is within walking distance, while Pöstlingberg, a hill on the Danube’s left side offering spectacular views across the city, is a short drive away. The hotel was designed by local artists during Linz’09 when the city was voted the ‘European Capital of Culture.’ Even students from the local art university got the chance to contribute, having designed the now-fourth floor. We loved many things about this hotel, besides its extraordinary composition, of course. These included amenities such as a fantastic lobby bar and even a small fitness center with a sauna.

We loved the stylish and spacious rooms and suites at this avant-garde boutique hotel, complete with tailormade artwork and quirky light fixtures. Our superior room even had wooden floors, modern bathrooms, and a Segafredo coffee machine for our much-needed morning caffeine fix. 

Amedia Linz, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

10

Best chain hotel. We were looking for a reliable city center chain property when we chanced across Amedia Linz, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Thanks to the 24-hour front desk, we were able to check in comfortably even though our flight was very late. What helped especially was the hotel’s location right next to the University Hospital and the railway lines, and its walking distance from Old Town.

We loved the amenities at this hotel. Our days began with buffet breakfast spreads, which would fuel us for the entire day as we explored the city. This was especially great since the property didn’t have a restaurant. If you’re working on your vacation, there’s even a business center, a fax machine and photocopier, and even newspapers.

We liked the stylish and spacious rooms here, which had desks, hairdryers, coffee machines, flatscreen TVs with cable channels, and private modern bathrooms. What’s more, the rooms even had digital concierges via a digital tablet and Amazon Alexa, making it perfect for us to decide our itinerary for the next day. Finally, our room even had superb views of the city.

Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger

9

Most historic. We’re huge fans of old-world living and culture, which is why the Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger was perfect for us. This historic hotel, which sat right in the heart of the Old Town, used to be a 15th-century monastery/nunnery. What’s more, it’s had an eminent roster of guests, right from the King of Prussia Friedrich Wilhelm III to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Even now, this family-run hotel made for a very interesting base as we explored the city.

The hotel retains its old-world charm even on the inside. For instance, the breakfast room, with its Baroque-style chandeliers and flowing curtains, was the perfect way to begin the day. This was more so since the buffet breakfast comprised pastries, salads, eggs, cold cuts and cheeses, fresh fruit, muesli, cereals, different kinds of bread, and even an espresso machine and a juicer. Even though it was a historic hotel with none of the traditional amenities, they had cycling and weekend packages, an event room, a conference room, and even paid underground parking.

With just 46 rooms and suites, staying here felt very intimate. What’s more, they were all spacious with gorgeous tribal and Turkic hangings and rugs, antique furniture, modern bathrooms, and comfy beds.

Harry’s Home Linz Hotel & Apartments

8

We usually avoid staying in aparthotels, but Harry’s Home Linz Hotel & Apartments was an exception. The north of Linz location was excellent, especially since it sat right by the A7 motorway and the Danube Bike Path. So, we could reach the Linz city center within 10 minutes by car and even cycle along the Danube during the evenings.

We loved everything about this homely yet modern property, which had free Wi-Fi available throughout. So, we could stay connected all the time and even plan the next day’s itinerary without any hassles. Since we had a rental car, the free parking spots out front were a blessing. Our days began with a choice: a small or a big breakfast. What’s more, the place had daily/weekly cleaning, washing/dryer facilities, and even a “bike clinic” for mending or washing your bike.

Since we visited Linz in the summer, we were relieved to find that all business, superior, and apartment studios and units were air-conditioned. Moreover, they all had modern bathrooms, combined living and sleeping areas, wooden floors, and fully equipped kitchens.

Hotel Schwarzer Bär

7

Best Old Town location. We wanted to stay in luxury in the heart of Herrenstraße, the picturesque Old Town, and what better place than Hotel Schwarzer Bär? This hotel, which was a mix of modernity and tradition, sat right in the heart of the Old Town, with all its best restaurants, bars, and attractions around it. However, it’s most famous for being the birthplace of renowned Austrian Mozart tenor Richard Tauber! He was born in this very inn, whose name translates to “Black Bear,” and the place is filled with memorabilia. It’s what drew us here in the first place, with the luxury and the location being a bonus.

The history and culture are evident in not only the interior design but also the rest of the place. For instance, the restaurant served traditional Austrian cuisine but with a hint of modern Italian. What’s more, the Rooftop 7 bar and restaurant offered delicious food with magnificent views.

If you were impressed by the amenities and the design, wait till you see the rooms and suites. The low, modern beds were comfy and our room had a particularly imaginative bathroom with a freestanding gray-and-brick-tile tub.

Stadtoase Kolping Hotel

6

We were looking for a quiet yet central location in the city, which we found at the Stadtoase Kolping Hotel. It had the perfect location on the southern fringes of the Old Town. So, we were close to all the best attractions, restaurants, bars, and even the banks of the Danube, while being removed from the hustle and bustle too. We loved the choices of neat and clean rooms and suites at this hotel. Not only were they all air-conditioned, but also they had private bathrooms, satellite TVs, and even hairdryers for getting ready to explore the city.

The rest of the amenities at the hotel were no less great. Every day, we’d begin our days with rich breakfast buffets, which also included organic products. This was served at the Küche restaurant, which was open from Monday to Friday and even served lunch. Thanks to the 24-hour front desk, we were even able to check in late. Besides the free Wi-Fi everywhere, we liked that we had the option to park our vehicle in a private garage for a fee, despite the limited parking spaces.

ARCOTEL Nike

5

What better location in Linz than a verdant one that overlooks the Danube? That’s exactly what we found at the ARCOTEL Nike Linz, which sat right on the southern banks of the Danube River. Not only that, but also it was a mere 10-minute walk from Old Town had boasted superb views of the Pöstlingberg.

There was a lot more we loved about this hotel, aside from the location, the fact that it was a non-smoking hotel, and the fact that it offered free Wi-Fi everywhere. So, we got to plan our itineraries without worrying about staying connected. What’s more, the hotel even had a restaurant, bar, and café all rolled into one, Uferei, which served not just all meals but also afternoon tea and cocktails. If that wasn’t enough, we could enjoy the culinary offerings with views of the Danube and the Pöstlingberg. Since we visited Linz in the summer, we were even able to access the Danube terrace and spy scenic views. While they served rich breakfast buffets served each morning, there was also an option for continental breakfasts.

We loved the modern rooms that offered views of both the Danube River and the city. What’s more, all rooms had contemporary bathrooms, work desks, and flatscreen TVs, while the suites even had minibars.

Park Inn by Radisson Linz

4

Since we didn’t mind splurging but did want to live in the city center, Park Inn by Radisson Linz was perfect for us. The modern hotel sits in the heart of the city, right on the southeastern corner of the Old Town. So, all of the city’s major attractions, including the Danube River, were within walking distance. Don’t be fooled by the all-white, business-like exterior of the hotel, as it’s warm and vibrant on the inside.

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Besides the excellent service that we encountered, we also liked the helpful and friendly staff. What’s more, the hotel had a slew of amenities, including extensive conference and event facilities and a spacious, 24-hour fitness center. Even though parking was paid, there was lots of space, including a charging station for electric vehicles. Wrapping things up was the restaurant, bar, and café Square, which also has casual eats and drinks.

We had the choice of 175 spacious and modern rooms and suites, all of which boasted comfy beds, wood laminate furnishings, clothes rails rather than wardrobes, and plush seating areas. Moreover, the bathrooms were spacious too, with bespoke bath products and shower-tub combos. Our junior suite was larger and even had a balcony with nice views of the city.

Courtyard Linz

3

Eco-friendly travelers will love the 4-star Courtyard Linz, which has been officially awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for sustainability and tourism. This Marriott outpost sits right next to the Congress Hall/Design Center and is a mere 15-minute walk from the Danube River, Old Town, and even the Linz Main Station. So, we were centrally located to explore Linz all that we wanted to.

We loved the fact that all areas of the hotel, including the bar and restaurant and the rooms, had free Wi-Fi. So, we could plan our schedule and itinerary for the next few days and also stay connected all the time. Since we had a rental car with us, the underground car park was very helpful. We’d begin our days with rich American breakfasts at the modern restaurant with a terrace, which also served modern Austrian and international cuisine. Moreover, we’d even enjoy aperitifs and cocktails at the elegant bar. Did we mention the modern fitness center and the spa area with a steam bath and sauna? Yep.

All rooms and suites at this Courtyard outpost featured luxury linens, coffee/tea-making facilities, flatscreen TVs, and air-conditioning, of course.

Hotel Am Domplatz

2

Best adults-only. Hotel Am Domplatz, right in the heart of the Old Town, offered us a unique view of Mariendom, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country. Since the area around Mariendom is also a pedestrian zone, we had the advantage of being located in the heart of the city but without all the noise and traffic. What makes it all the better is that the hotel is adults-only!

“Adults-only luxury in the heart of the town? What more could we ask for?”

WOW Travel

If you were impressed by the location, wait till you see the amenities here. We loved that the hotel had amazing spa facilities, which included a relaxation area, a sauna, and a steam bath. Thanks to the public parking in the underground car park with a direct hotel connection allowed us to park our rental without any hassles. People could even securely park their bicycles and charge their e-bikes at the charging station for an extra charge.

The rooms and suites here had large glass windows that allowed us to wake up to some of Linz’s most impressive sights. Besides the views and the natural light, all rooms had free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, underfloor heating on the wooden floors, and ceiling cooling systems.

Hotel Schillerpark

1

Sitting at the top of the list is Hotel Schillerpark, which sits on the southern fringes of the Old Town. It sits at the beginning of Linz’s main shopping street, Landstraße. What’s more, there’s a tram stop with connections to the train station and Old Town right out front. What could be better? We’ll tell you what — the private paid garage parking where we could park our rental vehicle. So, we had many options to get around the town, and it was perfect.

Besides the free Wi-Fi that was available across the hotel, we loved the amenities and facilities here. Every morning, we’d dig into a rich a la carte breakfast at the Tafelspitz restaurant, which also served vegan fare. We even loved the selection of classic Austrian fare for lunch and dinner here, which we enjoyed on our day off from exploring. Moreover, there was even a fitness center next to the hotel and a casino in the same building.

What we loved was that all rooms at the hotel had large windows with scenic views and individually controlled air-conditioning, which was a big plus. What’s more, the rooms also had minibars, HD TVs, plush beds, and modern bathrooms.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the choices of hotels we had in the city, the ones below were especially ideal for their specific features.

• Best adults-only: Hotel Am Domplatz
• Best chain property: Amedia Linz, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Most historic: Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger
• Best Old Town location: Hotel Schwarzer Bär

Where to Stay in Linz, Austria?

Linz might be smaller compared to other Austrian cities, but it does have many neighborhoods to choose from when it comes to staying here. Our all-time favorite is the vibrant Altstadtviertel, Linz’s old town, which centers on the huge main square, Hauptplatz. It’s full of baroque structures like the 17th-century Old Cathedral, the elaborate Old Town Hall, the vast New Cathedral or neo-Gothic Mariendom, and the hilltop Schlossmuseum. It’s also full of eateries and is a lively place, day or night. Just northeast of this neighborhood, right along the southern banks of the Danube, sits a verdant neighborhood. It’s home to most of Linz’s cultural centers and attractions, like the Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz, Brucknerhaus Linz, and even the LINZ AG Eisarena. What’s more, it’s home to some amazing hotels, which not only offer waterfront views but are also within walking distance of Old Town.

Finally, there’s the neighborhood just north of the Danube, right across from Old Town via the Nibelungen Bridge. It’s a modern, urban neighborhood and is home to Linz Urfahr (train station), shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, parks and gardens, and stays, of course.

Is Linz worth visiting?

Absolutely yes. Austria’s third-largest city, the little-known Linz has a modern mindset and great cultural offerings.

Is Linz a walkable city?

Linz, also the capital of Upper Austria, is a versatile city that is easy to explore on foot.

How many days should I spend in Linz?

Usually, most people spend 1-2 days learning about the town’s history, shopping, admiring the scenery, and seeing the famous sights and museums.