Austria Hotels and Hostels

Although Austria is an expensive destination, it does have a variety of accommodation types, which gives you some options that can help you keep costs down. It's a beautifully stunning country, and well worth the money. It is also, typically, less expensive than its nearby neighbor Switzerland, although not by much.

There is an Austrian law that all overnight guests must register at the hotel or hostel. Don't be surprised if the hotel or hostel requests you hand over your passport. They will return it, as this is normal practice. If you do plan to stay somewhere for more than two weeks, it's important that you obtain a document of registration, known as a Meldezettel. You can get this from the local registration authority, referred to as the Bezirksamt or Meldeamt. Typically you will find them in the town hall. If you've been in Austria more than a couple of months, this document will be requested of you upon departure.

Finding the Best Prices

Because there are so many accommodation types throughout Austria, you have a variety of options to help you save money. If you're traveling into the countryside, consider camping. Bring your own tent and you'll save a lot of money on accommodation and enjoy the experience all the more because you'll see nature up close and personal.

Larger cities usually offer more hostels, so their prices can actually be better than in smaller towns where your selection may be more limited. A great tip if you're on a tight budget is to find a place that you enjoy and spend more time there. You can often get a discount for staying more than a few nights, and you'll also cut down on transportation costs as well. This is a great way to get to know one specific area up close and personal.

Types of Accommodation

Austria is a popular travel destination for both Europeans and international travelers. It's stunning beauty and quaint villages are timeless and wonderful to explore. Because of it's popularity, Austria has a wide range of accommodation types to choose from. If you're in a larger city, you're guaranteed to find hostels that will fit into your budget. In smaller towns it's possible to find families that rent flats out of their home. These typically function as a bed and breakfast style facility and can be more affordable than comparable hotels. To locate these facilities, look for signs that mention Pension or Zimmer Frei. If you're in the more rural countryside you may be able to rent a room for a home. Be bold and ask around and you're likely to find someone eager to rent you a room for a fair price.