The very name of Austria conjures up images of snow-capped mountains, beautiful architecture and, of course, the music of Mozart, Haydn and Strauss. While many travelers just hit the hotspots of Vienna and Salzburg, there are many wonderful villages and towns waiting to be discovered by travelers. There's plenty to do and see in Austria, and here are some of the top places to stay -- all winners of Karen Brown's annual Readers' Choice Awards.



Schloss Kapfenstein has been rated by readers of Karen Brown's travel guides as Austrian Most Romantic lodging. Romance is certainly in the air at Schloss Kapfenstein, as well as great views and food. This castle hotel is located in Kapfenstein, a village that is part of the Styrian wine country. Several award-winning vintages have been produced by the owners and you can sample a glass as you enjoy the view from the patio. The owner's son is executive chef and prepares dinners full of rich, regional dishes. The guest rooms are delightful, and you can even stay in the castle's tower room or in the restored gatekeeper's cottage.

Landhaus Zu Appesbach in Saint Wolfgang is truly a lodging fit for a king, or at least a former king. Great Britain's King George VIII sought refuge at the hotel after abdicating his throne, and guests can stay in the same suite as the former monarch. The hotel's impressive guest list is just one of its many attributes. The grounds of woods and expansive lawns are impressive, as is the manor's ivy-covered exterior. Many guest rooms feature decks or balconies with views of the lake, which has its own pier and swimming dock. Landhaus has been rated by Karen Brown readers as Austria's Warmest Welcome and much of this is due the untiring kindness of the host, Maximilian.

The 500-year-old Wolf Hotel has been in the same family for more than a century offering what Karen Brown readers have rated as Austria's Greatest Value. In addition to the wonderful hospitality, the hotel's Old Salzburg location is ideal, close to plenty of points of interest. The guest rooms are comfortable with crisp white walls and rag rugs, as well as update bathrooms. Breakfast buffets are served in the expansive dining room with its pine tables and Oriental rugs.

For an extra special experience, readers at Karen Brown's World of Travel have chosen Hotel Goldener Hirsch has Austria's best Splendid Splurge. Lush, richly decorated guest rooms feature antique furnishings. There is a bar with a courtyard where guests can enjoy a glass of wine or beverage, as well as two restaurants. The Restaurant Goldener Hirsch is one of the Salzburg's most notable restaurants, serving gourmet Austrian cuisine. Herzl, the hotel's other restaurant choice is more casual.

There are plenty of ways to approach your trip to Austria. You can travel from Salzburg to Vienna, making various stops along the way. Another option is to pick a mountain or lake region and explore the surrounding towns and villages. Whether you chose country or city, or a combination of both, Austria is sure to be one of your most enchanting destinations.