Elefant

Elefant Review

An old-time favorite, this hotel was once graced by the real Maria von Trapp (her personal check, written when she stayed here in 1981, is set under glass on the second floor). But we mean really old: this 700-year-old house began life as an inn run by Salzburg citizen Hans Goldeisen, host to the likes of Maximilian II, who on his way from Spain via Italy to Vienna was accompanied by his new pet, an Indian elephant named Soliman. That's also the reason why guests are welcomed by the sight of an elephant sculpture in the lobby. Some rooms are alluring, with pale-yellow striped wallpaper and blue accents, but others are much more generic. For real history, repair to the hotel's "Ratsherrenkeller," one of Salzburg's most famous wine cellars in the 17th century. Today it's the restaurant Bruno, and serves alluring candlelight dinners.