Expert guide to Kitzbühel
Old coaching inns converted into four- and five-star hotels vie for space in Kitzbühel’s ancient streets alongside smart fashion boutiques and wickedly expensive cafés. But despite the resort’s diamond-studded image, the cost of a stay here can be a pleasantly reasonable surprise. Staying in the neighbouring villages of Kirchberg, Jochberg or Aurach can see prices drop even further.
Hotel Aurach
In a small village, one and a half miles (3 km) from Kitzbühel, the family-run Hotel Aurach is a traditional, friendly retreat with basic but comfortable rooms, an airy dining room and sauna. It’s a three-minute walk to the bus stop for access to the lifts and ski area.
Price: £
Tiefenbrunner
Located in the heart of Kitzbühel’s medieval pedestrianised centre, the prettily painted Tiefenbrunner has been owned by the Brunner family for over 200 years and is well loved thanks to the warm welcome from Maria Brunner and her staff. It has an indoor pool with panoramic views and, new for 2021/22, a spa area.
Price: ££
Lebenberg Schlosshotel
A former hunting lodge, Lebenberg Schlosshotel is a 20-minute walk above the resort, however there’s a courtesy car service provided. Beautifully converted from stately home to five-star hotel, the original castle rooms are in the listed tower and have a separate living room and bedroom. The hotel has a 48m rooftop pool and an award-winning restaurant, plus newly-renovated public areas.
Price:££
Hotel Weisses Röessl
Situated just outside the old city walls, Hotel Weisses Röessl started life in the 16th century as the humble Bichlwirt coaching inn, where travellers on their way from Innsbruck to Salzburg would change horses. After local businessman Franz Reisch brought skiing to Austria from Scandinavia in the 1890s, the canny owners changed its name to Weisses Rössl (White Horse) and it has slowly evolved into Kitzbühel’s best and most luxurious hotel. The rooms in the older part of the building have been newly renovated, and it has a fine restaurant, atmospheric wine cellar (available for private dining) and an outstanding spa. The bottom of the giant pool features a white horse in mosaics.
Price: £££
Rasmushof
The Rasmushof has a prime ski-in/ski-out position right by the finishing area of the famous Hahnenkamm downhill race and close to the resort centre. Its owner, Signe Reisch, skis the run every morning – and on Wednesdays guests can ride the first lift up with her and be guided down by her. It’s a very comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, a lovely, wood-panelled restaurant and a pool, sauna and steam room.
Price: ££
Schwarzer Adler
A central, ancient and traditional hotel, the Schwarzer Adler has been transformed into a swanky, adults-only, boutique hotel with stylish, contemporary décor and furnishings. As well as a traditional restaurant with four different stube areas, there’s the fine-dining ‘Neuwirt’ restaurant. There’s an indoor pool, two types of sauna, a steam room and a gym.
Price:££
Tennerhof
A former farmhouse in a secluded setting with panoramic views, the Tennerhof is now a luxury, family-run five-star Relais & Chateau hotel. Its 39 rooms and suites are all different and furnishings include antiques owned by the family. Three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, spa treatments and a shuttle bus to and from the slopes.
Price: £££
Resch
Right in the centre of the resort, hotel Resch is a friendly, family-run three-star B&B with just 50 beds that offers great value for money. It is a short walk from the lifts, slopes and has comfortable, traditionally furnished rooms, a sauna, infra-red cabin and relaxation area. The Rossini Italian restaurant is part of the hotel.
Price: £
Q! Hotel Maria Theresia
A smart central hotel, the Q! Hotel Maria Theresia has a traditional façade but a stylishly modern interior. There’s a comfy and stylish lounge and bar area with an open fire and a top-notch restaurant (including a vegan detox regime on request). There’s two types of both sauna and steam rooms.
Price: ££
Kaiserhof
Right by the Hahnenkamm gondola, the Kaiserhof has 73 modern and smartly furnished rooms and suites, many with balconies. They vary from 20sqm to a 106sqm penthouse suite with two bedrooms and a spacious living room with an open fireplace. It has an award-winning wood clad restaurant and a spa area with an indoor pool with panoramic views, a steam room and a variety of saunas.
Price: ££
Booking.com rates above are guide prices per person per night, please note that packages can differ across accommodation. Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic, these rates may change. Please check the properties’ websites for further information on what’s included.
These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest travel guidance before making your journey. Note that our writer visited pre-pandemic.