Welcome to the Grand Hotel Zell am See

Grand Hotel Zell am See has a history spanning 130 years. This historic hotel has borne its name since 1896 and celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2026. Set on its own private peninsula on Lake Zell, it has welcomed generations of guests seeking holidays and relaxation amid the Austrian Alps.

Today, our 4-star superior hotel in Zell am See combines historic charm and warm hospitality with modern comfort. With 131 rooms and suites, two distinct spa areas and dining experiences right by the water, it offers a memorable setting for a holiday in Zell am See. Throughout your stay, the hotel’s distinctive atmosphere brings its history and present-day character to life.

GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE offers 131 rooms and suites across 17 room categories: 96 double rooms, 12 family rooms and 23 suites. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for two or a family holiday in Zell am See, our 4-star superior hotel on Lake Zell offers accommodation to suit a wide range of preferences. For relaxation in complete privacy, 7 double rooms and 13 suites feature their own sauna.

Grand Hotel Zell am See is a welcoming family-friendly hotel in Zell am See, offering a wide range of amenities for a relaxing holiday with children.

Families can enjoy spacious family rooms and suites, attractive discounts for children and plenty of leisure activities in summer and winter right by Lake Zell. A thoughtfully designed playroom inside the hotel and a large playground nearby provide space for play and fun.

Our kids’ club offers a varied programme for children aged 3 to 10, including arts and crafts, painting, games, face painting, a mini disco and other exciting activities. Children are looked after by experienced members of our team.

At mealtimes, special children’s menus are available as part of our half-board service. We also provide a range of equipment for families with babies and toddlers upon request.

In summer, our private lakeside lawn with direct lake access, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats invite families to enjoy time together on the water. The hotel’s central location also makes it easy to explore the region’s many attractions and family activities.

With so much to enjoy, Grand Hotel Zell am See is an ideal choice for a memorable family holiday in Zell am See.

The price of a night at Grand Hotel Zell am See varies depending on the season, occupancy and your chosen room category. To check current rates for your holiday in Zell am See, simply select your travel dates and the number of adults and children in our online booking system.

Attractive special offers are available on selected dates, particularly during the low season. With our 4=3, 5=4 or 7=6 offers, you can stay for four, five or seven nights and pay for just three, four or six. Depending on the offer, up to two children aged 12 or under stay free in their parents’ room – ideal for a family holiday in Zell am See. Please see each offer for the applicable travel dates and full terms and conditions.

The history of Grand Hotel Zell am See began with a small “Hotel am See”, which welcomed guests at the present site as early as 1878. In 1896, Carl and Therese Böhm acquired the property and built an elegant hotel in the architectural style of the Gründerzeit era, naming it “Grandhotel am See”.

Eventful decades followed, spanning the flourishing early years of tourism, two world wars and several changes of ownership. After the Second World War, the American occupying forces used the hotel as accommodation and a training centre. In 1955, Karl Gramshammer took over the building, which had been badly damaged by fires, and revitalised it through extensive modernisation. In 1984, the hotel was completely demolished and rebuilt as an all-suite hotel, with architecture inspired by the original Gründerzeit design.

The hotel has been owned by the Holleis family of Zell am See since 1995. They brought it together with the neighbouring Clima Hotel and continued to develop it as a family-owned property. New additions included the Imperial Café-Bar, the Austria Fountain based on a design by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the GRANDSPA and the hotel’s own brewery, Pinzga Bräu am See.

In 2026, the 4-star superior hotel on Lake Zell celebrates its 130th anniversary, continuing to combine Austrian hotel tradition with modern comfort and warm hospitality.

Grand Hotel Zell am See offers two distinct spa areas: the family-friendly CLASSIC SPA and the adults-only GRANDSPA for guests aged 16 and over.

The CLASSIC SPA is designed for relaxation with the whole family. An indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, children’s pool and two saunas where swimwear is required offer guests of all ages space to swim and unwind. A fitness room and direct access to Lake Zell complete the facilities.

The GRANDSPA invites guests aged 16 and over to enjoy peace and relaxation with panoramic views. Located on the upper floors of the wellness wing, it features panoramic saunas, a tepidarium, spacious relaxation rooms and a terrace overlooking Lake Zell and the mountains. Wellness and beauty treatments can be booked at an additional charge.

Our 4-star superior hotel in Zell am See combines quality family time with peaceful spa experiences for adults.

You can reach Grand Hotel Zell am See by car, train or plane. Our hotel is situated on its own private peninsula directly on Lake Zell.

By car: The hotel can only be accessed via Zell am See railway station. Please provide your vehicle registration number in advance so that the access barrier opens automatically. Alternatively, contact our team using the “Grand Hotel” intercom button at the barrier and at the retractable bollard further along the route.

By train: Travel comfortably to Zell am See railway station, where our complimentary hotel shuttle will collect you by prior arrangement. With the Guest Mobility Ticket, you can use public transport throughout the province of Salzburg during your stay – including your arrival and departure days – at no additional travel cost. On request, we can email you the ticket on your arrival day. To arrange this, please provide the full names, addresses and dates of birth of all arriving guests in advance. A mobility levy of €0.50 per person per night applies to guests aged 15 and over.

By plane: Salzburg Airport is approximately 80 kilometres away, while Munich Airport is around 200 kilometres away. We are happy to arrange an airport transfer to the hotel at an additional charge upon request. Please contact us well in advance of your arrival.

GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE welcomes guests during both the summer and winter seasons. Each year, we close at the end of October for our seasonal break and reopen at the beginning of December. Outside this break, we look forward to welcoming you for a holiday by Lake Zell – from relaxing summer days to winter getaways in the mountains.

In 2026, our hotel will close on 1 November and reopen on 4 December.

Yes, you can book your stay at the GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE directly through our website. Simply enter your preferred travel dates to view all currently available rooms, suites and offers, including the applicable rates. By booking directly with us, you can also benefit from exclusive advantages and special offers.

Grand Hotel Zell am See offers far more than a traditional hotel stay. It combines timeless elegance, an extraordinary location and first-class comfort to create a truly unique holiday experience.

One of its most remarkable features is its exceptional lakeside setting on a private peninsula in Lake Zell. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding mountains, as well as a private sunbathing lawn with direct access to the lake right on the doorstep. From summer 2027, the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card is included in your stay at Grand Hotel Zell am See, giving you access to numerous attractions and experiences across the region at no extra cost, as well as attractive discounts with selected partners.

The historic hotel also captivates guests with its distinctive charm and elegant atmosphere. The combination of traditional architecture, stylish rooms and heartfelt hospitality makes every stay a memorable one.

When it comes to dining, Grand Hotel Zell am See delights guests with alpine flavours, regional specialities and carefully curated menus that promise an exceptional culinary experience.

Another highlight is the exclusive GRANDSPA, located in the penthouse above the rooftops of Zell am See. This adults-only retreat invites guests to unwind while enjoying a unique panoramic view of Lake Zell and the surrounding mountain scenery.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, a culinary escape, an active getaway or a romantic retreat, the combination of rich heritage, a unique lakeside setting, alpine cuisine and exclusive wellness experiences makes Grand Hotel Zell am See an exceptional choice for your stay in Zell am See.

Yes, Grand Hotel Zell am See is situated directly on the shores of Lake Zell, enjoying a unique setting on a private peninsula.
As one of the few hotels in Zell am See with direct access to the lake, Grand Hotel Zell am See also offers a private bathing area with a sunbathing lawn exclusively for hotel guests.

Cancellation Fees Summer 2026

Our reservation and cancellation policy is based on the General Terms and Conditions of the Austrian Hotel Industry (AGBH 2006 version):

Cancellation fee between April 30 – May 31, 2026

• Up to 5 days prior to arrival: free of charge
• From 5 days prior to arrival: 90% of the total amount

Cancellation fee between June 1 – July 9, 2026; August 23 – November 2, 2026

• Up to 8 days prior to arrival: free of charge
• From 7 days prior to arrival: 90% of the total amount

Cancellation fee between July 9 – August 23, 2026

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival: free of charge
• From 14 days prior to arrival: 90% of the total amount

Non-Refundable Rate
This booking is binding and cannot be cancelled or modified free of charge. In the event of cancellation or no-show, 100% of the total amount will be charged.

Cancellation Fees Winter 2026/27
Our reservation and cancellation policy is based on the General Terms and Conditions of the Austrian Hotel Industry (AGBH 2006 version):
 

Cancellation fees for stays between Dec 4 – Dec 19, 2026; Jan 6 – Jan 23, 2027; Mar 13 – Apr 30, 2027

• Up to 7 days before arrival: free of charge

• From 7 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount

   

Cancellation fee for stays between 03 Jan – 06 Jan 2027; 06 Feb – 06 Mar 2027

• Free cancellation up to 22 days before arrival.
• From 21 days before arrival, the cancellation fee is 70% of the total amount.
• From 14 days before arrival, the cancellation fee is 90% of the total amount.
• In the event of a no-show or early departure, we reserve the right to charge 90% of the total amount.

Cancellation fees for stays between Jan 23 – Feb 6, 2027; Mar 6 – Mar 13, 2027

• Up to 14 days before arrival: free of charge
• From 14 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount

Cancellation fees for stays between Dec 19, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027

• Free cancellation until Nov 1, 2026
• From Nov 2 – Nov 30, 2026: 70% of the total amount
• From Dec 1, 2026: 90% of the total amount

Non-Refundable Rate
This booking is binding and cannot be cancelled or modified free of charge. In the event of cancellation or no-show, 100% of the total amount will be charged.

 

Cancellation fees for Summer 2027 
Cancellation Policy (based on the Austrian Hotel Terms and Conditions – AGBH 2006):

Cancellation fee between April 30 – July 02, 2027; September 05 - November 1, 2027

• Up to 3 days prior to arrival: free of charge
• From 3 days prior to arrival: 90% of the total amount

Cancellation fee between July 02 – July 09, 2027; August 22 – September 09, 2027

• Up to 7 days prior to arrival: free of charge
• From 7 days prior to arrival: 90% of the total amount

Cancellation fee between July 9 – August 22, 2027

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival: free of charge
• From 14 days prior to arrival: 90% of the total amount

Non-refundable Rate

This rate is non-refundable.
In case of cancellation, modification, or no-show, 100% of the total amount will be charged.

Cuisine:

• Extensive breakfast buffet
• Afternoon snack with sweet and savoury treats at the Imperial Café Bar (included with half board)
• Grand Gourmet Half Board with a 5-course choice menu or evening buffet (classic, regional and vegetarian options)
• Children's menus as part of the half-board package
• Breakfast and dinner served on the lakeside terrace during the summer, weather permitting

Wellness & Relaxation:

• Access to the adults-only GRANDSPA with panoramic views
• Access to the Family Classic Spa with indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas and fitness room
• Bathrobe provided in your room (slippers available on request)
• Access to the hotel's private beach on Lake Zell

Activities & Sports:

• From summer 2027, enjoy the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card during your stay with us, including complimentary rides on selected mountain lifts and free or discounted admission to numerous attractions throughout the region.
  Download the Summer 2026 brochure here.
• Complimentary bicycles, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats (summer only, subject to availability)
• Complimentary use of Nordic walking poles
• 30% green fee discount at Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Club
• Complimentary shuttle service to Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Club
• Golf bag storage and a small welcome gift for golfers

Families & Children:

• Kids' Club (Monday to Friday, or Tuesday to Saturday during the high season)
• Children's playground and indoor play area
• Children's bicycles and Nintendo Wii area
• Complimentary baby and children's equipment (high chair, baby bathtub, nappy bin and much more)

Summer Extras:

• Private lakeside beach
• Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats
• One-hour introductory sailing session for children (weather permitting and by prior reservation)
• Starting in summer 2027, the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card is included in the room rate with every stay at the GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE and is automatically provided to you at check-in.

Winter Extras:

• Ski pass sales directly at the hotel
• Ski shuttle to the valley stations
• Heated ski storage room
• Discounts on ski rental and service at Sport Bründl

Included for holidays with your dog:

• Welcome treat
• Food and water bowls
• Stylish dog bed
• Cosy dog blanket
• A table in our Jägerstüberl restaurant for breakfast and dinner, where dogs are welcome
• Beautiful natural surroundings around Lake Zell and a variety of dog-friendly excursions in the region

Services & Comfort:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Railway station shuttle on arrival and departure (advance booking required)
• Internet terminal in the lobby
• Electric vehicle charging station (additional charge)
• Live music and entertainment at the Lake Bar

The traditional Grand Hotel Zell am See is one of Austria’s most exceptional hotels and is defined above all by its unique location directly on Lake Zell. As the only hotel in Zell am See situated on a private peninsula, it combines breathtaking lake views, direct access to the water and close proximity to the historic town centre in a truly unique way.

Guests can enjoy a private sunbathing lawn with direct lake access, exclusive wellness moments in the adults-only GRANDSPA with panoramic views, as well as the spacious Family Classic Spa designed for families. Depending on the category, the elegant rooms and suites feature lake views, a balcony, a private sauna or a fireplace, creating a truly distinctive living experience by the water.

Grand Hotel Zell am See also delights guests with refined cuisine, regional specialities, a wide range of leisure activities and an ideal setting for summer and winter experiences in the Zell am See-Kaprun region.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, an active escape, a culinary retreat or a holiday with your dog, the combination of timeless elegance, modern comforts, heartfelt hospitality and an extraordinary lakeside setting makes Grand Hotel Zell am See a truly special destination.

Step inside and unwind. The Grand Hotel Zell am See offers a selection of stylish rooms and suites, ranging from classic and elegant room categories to spacious suites with unique views.

Overview of our room categories:

• Double Room Comfort
• Double Room Superior
• Wellness Deluxe Double Room
• Lakeside Residence
• Junior Suite
• Family Room
• Emperor Franz Josef Suite
• Grand Suite
• Grand Suite Deluxe
• Empress Elisabeth Suite

Yes, your four-legged friend is very welcome at our hotel. We charge € 25.00 per night (excluding food) for dogs.

Please note: Dogs are not permitted in the main restaurant or wellness areas. However, you are welcome to dine with your dog in our Jägerstüberl (bar area).

For more details, please refer to our dedicated dog-friendly holiday information page.

The area surrounding Grand Hotel Zell am See offers an impressive variety of excursion destinations, sights and leisure activities throughout the year. Thanks to its unique location directly on the shores of Lake Zell, our 4-star superior hotel is the perfect starting point for your holiday in Zell am See.

During summer, the region captivates visitors with natural highlights such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Krimml Waterfalls, the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Hiking enthusiasts can explore an extensive network of trails around Zell am See and Kaprun, all offering spectacular views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. Lake Zell also provides ideal conditions for a wide range of water sports and leisure activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and boat hire. Other popular destinations include the Sigmund Thun Gorge, the Eisriesenwelt Werfen and the high alpine Weißsee Glacier World.

In winter, Zell am See-Kaprun transforms into one of Austria’s most beautiful winter sports destinations. Skiing and snowboarding on the Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn, snowshoeing, winter hiking and tobogganing ensure varied and memorable days in the snow-covered mountains. For truly special winter experiences, Grand Hotel Zell am See also organises atmospheric toboggan evenings, romantic horse-drawn carriage rides and guided torchlit walks.

Whether you are planning a summer holiday by Lake Zell or a winter escape in the Salzburg Alps, Grand Hotel Zell am See is the perfect base for unforgettable experiences in one of Austria’s most beautiful regions.

Grand Hotel Zell am See has received numerous awards. Recent recognition of our 4-star superior hotel on Lake Zell includes:

• Falstaff Hotel Guide 2026: 90 out of 100 points, with top scores for location and ambience.
• RELAX Guide 2026: one lily and 13 out of 20 points.
• Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2026: an award based on guest reviews.
• Pfotencheck 2026: five paws for our dog-friendly facilities and services.
• HolidayCheck 2026: “Recommended on HolidayCheck”, with a guest rating of 5.4 out of 6.
• Connoisseur Circle 2025: recognised among Austria’s best hotels in the “Romantic Hotels” category.

In addition, Falstaff TRAVEL lists our hotel among the eight most beautiful lakeside hotels in Austria.