Where to Stay

There are plenty of advantages in finding a place to stay in Innsbruck's Old Town; the medieval charm and proximity to the major sightseeing attractions, shops and places to eat out are but a few. Of course, most of the hotels right in the center are comparably expensive, but are by the same token all high-quality establishments.

Inner City

The Goldene Adler, for instance, is as traditional as it is prestigious. The Weiße Rössl on the Vier-Viecher-Eck is similarly important in terms of its long history. In the Old Town's outer walls, several modern establishments find their home: Hotel Innsbruck or the Maximilian. Hotel Weinhaus Happ is worth mentioning as a relatively inexpensive alternative, to be found right in the heart of old Innsbruck.

Numerous five and four-star establishments are clustered on the edges of the pedestrian precinct, just a few minutes' walk away from the Old Town. The "Europa Tyrol is an example of such a hotel, reputedly at the top of the range in Innsbruck's hotel trade. Another similarly comfortable hotel is the Hoilday Inn (which also hosts the local casino) whilst the art nouveau Neue Post is well known for its aesthetics. The three-and four-star establishments Schwarzer Adler, Grauer Bär and Mondschein are all located in buildings no less than half a century old. Innsbruck's main boulevard, Maria-Theresien-Straße, presents many a possibility of finding a bed for the night. One of them is the well-known Breinössl.

Both the Goldene Krone and Delevo are located on Maria-Theresien-Straße and manage to maintain moderate prices. Another inexpensive centrally-located place to stay is the bed-and-breakfast hotel Royal. Last but not least, Gasthof Innbrücke stands out from the rest; this inn offers plain, pleasant rooms in a perfect location and proves a really good bargain.

Innsbruck is not that large a city, and a location a little off center, maybe even towards the borders, does not mean it will take you hours to get into the Old Town. There are few points in the city from which you couldn't get into the center in less than twenty minutes using public transport. These more out-of-the-way locations are attractive for their more moderate charges and the fact that their neighborhoods are mostly very quiet.

Amras & Pradl

This is the case with the southern district of Amras, formerly an autonomous village retaining much of its rustic character. One of Innsbruck's oldest family establishments is located here, namely the Bierwirt, also well known for its excellent cuisine. Other options include the Kapeller Hotel, one of Innsbruck's top restaurant addresses, or the bed-and-breakfast hotel Charlotte, with its good service and fair charges.

The large district of Pradl, a little further north although closer to the center, boasts comfortable hotels such as the Leipziger Hof (next to Rapoldi Park) and Hotel Alt-Pradl near Sill River. But there are also numerous moderate and inexpensive pensions; of these, the Goldene Winkel is especially picturesque, while Binder's is noteworthy for its great service and proves a very good bargain.

Hötting & Igls

Hötting is another of Innsbruck's northern districts characterized by village-like charm. Rather hidden away, the charming turrets-and-oriels hotel Tautermann does very brisk business. Still further to the north, Gasthof Ölberg offers great rooms at moderate prices in green, quiet surroundings.

The southern district of Igls is just as rural and almost as quiet, but the hotels up here are considerably more geared towards tourists. In winter, the nearby Patscherkofelbahn bottom station is in operation, and in summer, the mountains offer ample opportunity for hiking or mountain-biking and the local golf club is open. The distinguished, romantic Sporthotel is an extraordinarily comfortable five-star establishment. Another still more refined choice, seemingly robbed from a fairy-tale, is Schlosshotel Igls, housed in a small castle.

Pensions & Hostels

Generally speaking, the many pensions and inns in and around the city are the cheapest overnight stays. Gasthof Dollinger, close to the Hungerburgbahn bottom station, is just one example. Still more inexpensive are the summer hotels, mostly serving as student hostels during the rest of the year. For people who are looking for a cheap bed for the night and are prepared to skimp a little on comfort, Rössl in der Au is the place to be. Situated close to the center, it is one of the neatest of its kind. For the serious budget traveler, youth hostels remain the best value; among them St. Nikolaus and Paulus hostels are most noted for their informal, charming character.