Review: ADLERS Hotel, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria

ADLERS Hotel in Innsbruck is a place where contradictions collide in the most mesmerising of ways. A beacon of modern design in the heart of Innsbruck, it’s a place where minimalist interiors are framed by jagged, snow-dusted peaks, with a rooftop bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine whilst admiring landscapes that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Innsbruck itself is a city of contrasts where historic cobbled streets meet the sharp, contemporary edge of a bustling ski culture – and ADLERS mirrors this perfectly. But does it deliver on its promise of being a gateway to both luxury and adventure? Let’s take a closer look.

The welcome

First impressions are everything, and ADLERS knows it. From the moment you step into the sleek, ground floor reception, the staff greet you with an efficiency that doesn’t sacrifice warmth. We had arrived on a very early flight but were able to leave our luggage, go and explore the city, and check in to our room when we returned later.

The room

The hotel’s 79 rooms are located on the uppermost floors of the building. We’re in rooms 712 and 716 – the Panorama Classic category – on the seventh floor. If ever a hotel room was designed to remind you that you’re in the Alps, this is it. ADLERS’ rooms are an ode to their surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Innsbruck like a living postcard.

Waking up to the sight of the Nordkette mountain range is a humbling experience – the kind that makes you truly appreciate the natural beauty of the city’s surroundings. The interior design of the 25 square metre room is crisp and contemporary, all clean lines and earthy tones, with just enough soft furnishings to keep things cosy.

And the bed? It’s incredibly comfortable, and you won’t have to fight your partner for the duvet – in Austria, it’s common to have separate duvets for each person.

The view from the room is nothing short of spectacular. Below, the colourful buildings of Innsbruck line the streets, their vibrant façades standing out against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

The roads, tramways and railway stretch across the city, creating a dynamic contrast between urban life and the serene Alpine peaks. It’s a view that perfectly captures the unique blend of nature and modernity that defines Innsbruck – a constant reminder of the majestic landscape that surrounds the city.

The bathroom

The en suite bathroom at ADLERS is both modern and elegant, offering everything you need. It’s well-lit and features a panoramic mirror, basin, WC and a spacious walk-in shower. Unlike in the UK, where wiring regulations are more restrictive, it’s common in many European countries, including Austria, to have sockets in the bathroom and here is no exception.

ADLERS-branded body lotion and liquid hand soap flank either side of the basin. A hairdryer and slippers are neatly placed on the shelf below, and robes are available on request should you wish to head to the spa.

The rainfall shower is particularly invigorating – one of the most powerful I’ve encountered in our many hotel stays around the world. Hair and body shampoo from Natural Remedies, a premium body care line developed by ADA Cosmetics in neighbouring Germany, is conveniently wall-mounted within the shower.

The facilities

The star of ADLERS’ facilities is, undoubtedly, its rooftop bar and restaurant situated on the 12th floor. Offering panoramic views that stretch far beyond the city, it’s a hotspot for both guests and locals.

The menu at the weitsicht Restaurant showcases a modern and versatile dining experience, blending regional Tyrolean flavours with international influences. All the steaks are dry aged and sourced from their trusted Tyrolean butcher Gunter from A la Carte in Haiming, 50 kilometres west of Innsbruck.

We particularly enjoyed the black garlic cream soup with shrimp. And the pickled wild salmon with gin, cucumber, sesame and Ponzu was also a great option.

For the mains, we recommend the duet of duck served with red cabbage and rosemary potatoes, or the Hokkaido pumpkin squash with salmon.

There’s a continuously changing selection of seasonal desserts. If available, you won’t go far wrong with the ‘mandel and schoko’ (almond and chocolate), served with a honey ice cream.

The hotel also has its own spa with a relaxation area with the most glorious view. You can go up here to unwind, sit and read a book, or simply marvel at the landscape in front of you.

There’s also a sauna and steam room but, as is customary in Austria, nudity is expected. You can of course simply refrain from using this aspect of the spa if this feels too un-British for you.

The location

Few hotels can boast a better location than ADLERS. Smack in the centre of Innsbruck and just steps from the main train station, it’s perfectly poised for exploring both the city and the mountains. You’re a short stroll from the Old Town’s golden-roofed charm, yet close enough to the ski lifts to make a morning on the slopes feel entirely effortless. In essence, all of beautiful Innsbruck is on your doorstep.

Other nice touches

Tea and coffee facilities, and a small fridge, refreshed each day with a new bottle of complimentary water, can be found in each room.

The cost

Panorama Classic rooms start from an extremely reasonable 111 euros per night.

At the other end of the room category spectrum, the Panorama Presidential Suite starts from 749 euros per night.

The best bit

For me, it would have to be the spectacular views. What truly elevates ADLERS is its sense of place. As Innsbruck’s highest hotel, it feels deeply connected to the mountains and woven into the fabric of Innsbruck itself. It’s a rare and wonderful thing for a hotel to make you feel so connected to its surroundings.

The final verdict

ADLERS Hotel doesn’t just provide a place to sleep – it offers an experience. From the moment you arrive to the second you leave, it feels like a celebration of everything that makes Innsbruck extraordinary: the mountains, the culture, the seamless blend of old and new. Yes, it’s modern, and yes, it’s very comfortable indeed – but more than that, it is very relaxed. Whether you’re in Innsbruck for adventure, relaxation, or simply to soak in the beauty of the Alps, ADLERS is a solid, unstuffy choice for your time in the city.

Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.