Leslie Massey
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria took the drastic measure of enforcing a lockdown, which saw hotels, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions forced to shut down. This lockdown was set to be lifted 12 days before Christmas in 2021, with hotels and restaurants reopening and restrictions in place. In the past, the Austrian chancellor has suggested that hotels could open in mid-May, subject to the positive development of the epidemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 13 December 2021 |
| Conditions for reopening | Positive development of the epidemic |
| Tourism | Restricted to residents of EU member states |
| Restrictions | No buffet breakfasts, mask mandates for staff and guests in common areas |
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What You'll Learn
Hotels in Austria opened 12 days before Christmas in 2021
Hotels in Austria were set to open on 13 December 2021, just 12 days before Christmas. This came after the country went into lockdown on the preceding Monday, forcing the closure of hotels, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. The lockdown was implemented in response to spiralling COVID-19 infection rates across Europe, with Austria being the first country to take such drastic measures.
The tourism sector, which was already struggling after two tough years, was dealt another blow by the lockdown. Businesses had been hoping for a boost in revenue during the festive season, with tourists typically flocking to Austria for its traditional Christmas markets in Vienna and its ski slopes in the Alps.
One notable example of a hotel affected by the lockdown is the historic Sacher Hotel in Vienna. Despite the challenging circumstances, the hotel maintained its optimism, decorating its lobby for Christmas and even setting up a drive-thru stand outside the hotel to sell its world-famous chocolate cake, the "Sacher Torte". The hotel also offered home deliveries of Viennese specialities such as Wiener Schnitzel.
The Sacher Hotel's owner and managing director, Matthias Winkler, expressed his hope that the hotel would be able to host a large number of guests for the renowned New Year's Day Concert performed by the Vienna Philharmonic. However, he emphasised the need for a clear signal from the government to prevent a tide of cancellations in the city.
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Hotels in Austria were closed for tourists during the lockdown
The lockdown, implemented to address spiralling COVID-19 infection rates, forced the closure of hotels, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. The restrictions were expected to remain in place until 13 December, just 12 days before Christmas. This timing was particularly significant for businesses, as the festive season typically attracts numerous tourists to Austria's Christmas markets in Vienna, ski resorts in the Alps, and other attractions.
During this period, some hotels attempted to adapt and generate revenue through alternative means. For example, the Sacher Hotel in Vienna, known for its world-famous chocolate cake, set up a drive-thru system to sell its delicacies to locals. This innovative approach allowed the hotel to continue operating in a limited capacity and engage with the community despite the lockdown restrictions.
The Austrian government's decision to impose a lockdown and close hotels to tourists was not taken lightly. It considered the health and safety of its citizens a top priority, as reflected in a statement by the Vienna Tourist Board: "This lockdown is epidemiologically necessary." The government's challenge was to balance the need for health measures with the economic impact on the tourism industry, which was already struggling due to previous restrictions.
As the situation evolved, there was discussion and anticipation regarding the reopening of hotels. The Austrian chancellor suggested that hotels could potentially open by mid-May, subject to the positive development of the epidemic and the relaxation of border restrictions. This potential reopening was seen as a signal of a broader shift in travel policies, indicating that the country was once again welcoming tourists and travellers.
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Hotels in Vienna offer luxury and unique experiences
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. The city is known for its grand, luxurious hotels that offer unique experiences to their guests. From apartment-style spaces to hipster pads, there is something for everyone in Vienna. The Austrian capital is filled with fine art and classical music heritage, and its efforts in wellness and design have earned it the title of the "most livable city in the world". The best hotels in Vienna showcase the city's many charms in their décor, architecture, and cuisine.
One of the most well-known luxury hotels in Vienna is the Hotel Sacher Wien, which is famous for its chocolatey Sachertorte cake filled with apricot jam. The hotel has a centuries-old café that is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Hotel Sacher Wien offers a blend of old-world details like crystal chandeliers and modern innovations like televisions built into the mirrors, making it ideal for those seeking a fairy-tale experience with contemporary comforts. The hotel also provides horse-drawn carriage tours of the city for its guests.
Another notable luxury hotel in Vienna is the Park Hyatt, located in the heart of the city on Am Hof square. The hotel's columned façade and magnificent interior design, including wood paneling and comfortable club chairs, make it a stand-out choice for those seeking a grand and opulent experience. The public spaces, including a humidor and cigar bar, exude old-world glamour, while the hotel bar is known for its impressive back-lit liquor display.
For those seeking a more contemporary luxury experience, the Rosewood Vienna offers sumptuous suites with modern amenities. The Guesthouse Vienna and Hotel Motto are also excellent choices for those interested in boutique hotels with unique designs and experiences. Hotel Motto Vienna, in particular, offers a glimpse into contemporary Viennese life with a touch of 1920s Paris influence. The top-floor Chez Bernard has become a popular hub for locals and visitors alike, known for its crepes, charcoal lattes, and gin cocktails.
In addition to these renowned hotels, Vienna also offers a range of budget-friendly options, including design-led boutiques and apartment-style accommodations. Many Vienna hotels provide complimentary teatime treats and guest-only happy hours, ensuring that guests have a warm and welcoming experience during their stay. Whether you're seeking grand opulence or casual comfort, Vienna's hotels offer unique and memorable experiences that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and modern innovations.
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Hotels in Salzburg offer design hotels, hostels and castles
Salzburg, Austria, is a picturesque city known for its romantic buildings, squares, and impressive castles. The city boasts a range of accommodation options, from design hotels and hostels to stays in majestic castles.
For those seeking a unique and luxurious experience, Salzburg offers historic luxury resorts and design hotels with modern amenities and stylish touches. One notable example is the Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, a historic building dating back to 1377, located in the heart of the Old Town. The hotel combines old-world charm with modern conveniences, featuring comfortable rooms with wooden beam ceilings and large arched windows that open to let in the fresh air.
In addition to luxury accommodations, Salzburg also caters to budget-conscious travellers. The city has several budget-friendly hostels that offer a vibrant and social atmosphere without compromising on quality. Yoho Hostel, with its backpacker-friendly amenities and central location, is a popular choice for those seeking an authentic hostel experience.
For those who dream of staying in a castle, Salzburg delivers with its impressive selection of majestic buildings. One notable example is an 11th-century castle that overlooks the city from a hill on its outskirts, offering a truly regal experience.
Salzburg truly has something for everyone, whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a wellness retreat. The city's diverse range of accommodations ensures that visitors can find the perfect place to stay, from historic charm to modern design, all while exploring the beautiful city and its surrounding countryside.
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Hotels in Austria reopened with restrictions in place
Hotels in Austria have reopened with restrictions in place. While the Austrian government had enforced a lockdown, shutting down hotels, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions, the country is now slowly opening up. The Austrian model, as it is being called, is being considered by other countries as well.
Austria had shut down hotels and other businesses in 2021 due to rising COVID-19 infection rates. However, with Christmas around the corner, the government decided to reopen hotels and tourism, albeit with restrictions. The move came as a relief to businesses, which were hoping that the holiday season would bring some much-needed revenue after a tough couple of years.
Hotels were allowed to reopen from 13 December, leaving just about 12 days until Christmas. The Sacher Hotel in Vienna, for instance, was already decked up for Christmas, with its lobby decorated in festive finery. The hotel's famous chocolate cake, the 'Sacher Torte', was also being sold at a drive-in set up outside the hotel.
However, the situation remained uncertain, with the government yet to give a clear signal about the way forward. This led to a tide of cancellations in the city. The New Year's Day Concert, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic, was also in doubt. The lockdown was deemed epidemiologically necessary by the Vienna Tourist Board, but businesses were hoping for some financial magic during the holidays.
While hotels reopened, they had to follow strict restrictions. Restaurants could only operate between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, with a maximum of four adults and children allowed per table. Tables had to be at least a metre apart, and restaurant staff had to wear masks. Guests were required to wear masks when arriving, leaving, or going to the toilet. Nightclubs and discos remained closed, and buffet breakfasts at hotels were not allowed.
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Frequently asked questions
Hotels in Austria were set to open on 13 December 2021, 12 days before Christmas.
Hotels in Austria are closed for tourists and people travelling for fun, leisure, or recreation. However, they remain open for certain groups that must travel or need accommodation due to their status, such as workers or guests who cannot leave the country.
Restaurants across Austria are allowed to operate between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, with a maximum of four adults and children per table. Nightclubs and discos, however, are not permitted to reopen.
