3 Best Hotels in Salzburg, Austria

Name: Hotel Auersperg
Address: Auerspergstrasse 61, Salzburg, Salzburg, A-5020, Austria
Telephone: 0662-889440
Price range: $$$

It's difficult for a Salzburg hotel not to have a good location—you can find a room with a stunning view over the Kapuzinerberg or Gaisberg or one that simply overlooks a lovely Old City street—but it's possible. Salzburg is not a tiny town, and location is important. It's best to be near the historic city center; it's about a mile from the railway station to historic Zentrum (center), right around the main bridge of the Staatsbrücke. The Old City has a wide assortment of hotels and pensions, but there are few bargains. Also note that many hotels in this area have to be accessed on foot, as cars are not permitted on many streets. If you have a car, you may opt for a hotel or converted castle on the outskirts of the city. Many hostelries are charmingly decorated in Bauernstil—the rustic look of Old Austria; the ultimate in peasant-luxe is found at the world-famous Hotel Goldener Hirsch.

If you're looking for something really cheap (less than €60 for a double), clean, and comfortable, stay in a private home, though the good ones are all a little way from downtown.

The tourist information office can assist with booking B&Bs, farmhouses, and religious institutions, as well as hotels and apartments.

If you're planning to come at festival time (July and August), you must book as early as possible; try to reserve at least two months in advance. Prices soar over the already high levels—so much so that during the high season a hotel may edge into the next-higher price category.

Room rates include taxes and service charges. Many hotels include a breakfast in the room rate—check when booking—but the more expensive hostelries often do not. A property that provides breakfast and dinner daily is known as halb pension, and one that serves three meals a day is voll pension. If you don't have a reservation, go to one of the tourist information offices, either in the center or the railway station.

Hotel Auersperg

$$$ | Auerspergstrasse 61, Salzburg, A-5020, Austria Fodor's Choice

A lush, green oasis is tucked between the two buildings that comprise the Auersperg: the hotel, built in 1892 by the noted Italian architect Ceconi, and its neighboring villa. The lobby welcomes you with Biedermeier antiques, and upstairs, the rooms have a fresh, modern feel, accented with classic ornaments. On request, kids' toys, food, and babysitters can be arranged. An extensive local, organic breakfast buffet, bicycles (including one fitted with a toddler trailer), and access to the rooftop sauna, steam bath, and lounge are included, while useful extras like iPads and e-bikes are available for hire. A five-minute walk brings you to the popular shopping street Linzergasse, while the historic Mirabell Palace is 10-minute walk away.

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

$$$$ | Schwarzstrasse 5–7, Salzburg, A-5020, Austria Fodor's Choice

Wonderfully located right on the Salzach River, this mammoth heritage hotel has attracted guests from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, but the owners, the Gürtler family, will ensure that even if you don't have a Vuitton steamer trunk you'll feel welcome. The main atrium is a symphony in marble, while the grand staircase still looks like the Empress Sisi could make a dazzling entrance amidst its ferns. Upstairs, guest rooms are so lovely there is a danger you won't want to leave (especially if you get one with picture-perfect views of the Old City). Each is different, but all are exquisitely decorated. Restaurants include haute-style dining at the Zirbelzimmer, grilled specialties at the Sacher Grill, and of course the Salzburg outpost of Vienna's fabled Café Sacher.

Gersberg Alm

$$$ | Gersberg 37, Salzburg, A-5020, Austria

A picture-perfect Alpine chalet on the lofty perch of the Gersberg, high above Salzburg, this hotel is less than 15 minutes by car from the Neustadt. Inside, it has all the warmth and rustic coziness you would expect in a country house; indeed, it was originally a 19th-century farmhouse. Guest rooms have contemporary furniture and wooden balconies overlooking the mountain scenery. The house restaurant is excellent—the seasonal menu changes monthly and serves favorites such as locally caught fish and Tafelspitz (broiled beef). Locals know to request the off-menu homemade Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy, baked, shredded pancake with plum compote) for dessert. The wine list has an outstanding selection of Austrian wines. The outdoor pool and small playground make it an especially nice place for families.

Salzburg

Salzburg

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