The 13 best hotels in Salzburg, Austria
Hotels in Salzburg, where time dances with elegance, cradle stories of Mozart and baroque splendor amidst Alpine whispers and timeless charm.
Under the sentinel peaks of the Alps, hotels in Salzburg unfold like verses of a baroque sonnet, each a storekeeper of melody and grandeur. Riverside sanctuaries hum with quiet grace, while regal halls whisper of forgotten waltzes. Vaulted arches and stone-kissed courtyards meet sleek modernity, embodying the city’s timeless dance of art and soul.
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Best hotels in Salzburg
1. Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron
© Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Hidden within a sprawling 17-acre, Schloss Leopoldskron is a place where artistry and legacy converge. Its 67 refined rooms and suites grant access to an enchanting 18th-century palace, famously linked to Max Reinhardt, the visionary behind the Salzburg Festival. The serene lake and majestic exterior evoke The Sound of Music, yet the estate retains an air of exclusivity. Guests meander through rococo treasures—the resplendent Great Hall, a secret-staircase library, and opulent chambers adorned with Venetian and Chinese influences—each space a chapter in this grand narrative of culture and elegance.
2. Romantik Hotel Gmachl
© Romantik Hotel Gmachl
In the serene village of Elixhausen, Gmachl weaves 675 years of Alpine legacy with a fresh, modern spirit. This historic family-run hotel nurtured through 23 generations, invites guests to embrace breathtaking Alpine views, a tranquil spa, and exquisite cuisine under aged wooden beams. Nestled amidst meadows and trails, it feels wonderfully remote yet lies just minutes from Salzburg’s iconic landmarks. A rustic yet elegant charm flows through every detail, from intimate parlors with tiled stoves to flower-filled terraces, where candlelight breakfasts and peaceful aperitifs make every moment memorable.
3. Hotel Sacher Salzburg
© Hotel Sacher Salzburg
This grand Austrian landmark exudes timeless sophistication on the Salzach River’s edge. Celebrating over 150 years, its elegant rooms, some offering sweeping Old Town vistas, are impeccably refurbished. Located in Salzburg’s Old Town, between the Mirabell Gardens of The Sound of Music fame and the Makartsteg footbridge, the hotel places guests within walking distance of iconic sights. Opulent interiors feature crystal chandeliers, 1860s mosaics, and antique furnishings. Guests savor the renowned Sacher-Torte at Café Sacher, while the Zirbelzimmer dining room enchants with its historic wooden panels and Alpine charm.
4. Hotel Zum Hirschen Salzburg
© Hotel Zum Hirschen
Deep in Salzburg’s beating heart, Hotel Zum Hirschen unfurls a tale of enduring tradition and bold reinvention. Rooted in the 15th century, this family-run treasure melds storied history with a fresh, artistic spirit. Its 106 rooms, a symphony of time-honored grace and sleek modernity, offer a haven for travelers. The restaurant tantalizes with an innovative blend of local flavors and Middle Eastern zest, its offerings both comforting and vibrant. Perfectly positioned between the historic Old Town and Salzburg’s modern pulse, it promises a journey through the city’s soul, steeped in charm and ease.
5. Cool Mama Hotel
© Cool Mama Hotel
Cool Mama rises boldly above Salzburg, a modern icon of sleek lines and shimmering glass. With its minimalist rooms bathed in monochrome tones, the hotel offers views that stretch from the fortress-crowned city to the dramatic peaks of the Alps. While slightly removed from Salzburg’s historic heart, it remains effortlessly accessible—just a short bus ride connects guests to Altstadt’s cultural gems. The glass-clad skyscraper houses the 15th-floor Sky Bar and Restaurant, where style meets spectacle, and every detail, from soundproofed walls to its contemporary design, echoes a bold, urban spirit.
6. Boutiquehotel Amadeus
© Boutiquehotel Amadeus
A 500-year-old treasure in Salzburg’s vibrant tapestry, this hotel bridges centuries with finesse. Nestled on the lively Linzer Gasse, it stands near St. Sebastian’s onion-domed sanctuary and the serene resting place of Mozart’s kin. Inside, a vaulted lounge whispers history, while daring modern touches—vivid hues and textured brass—add a contemporary pulse. Just moments away lie the baroque splendor of Schloss Mirabell and Mozart’s creative haven. Adorning its walls, artworks breathe life into the composer’s legacy, born from the imaginations of Milan’s Brera Academy, weaving a narrative of melody and time.
7. Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg
© Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt
Poised at the threshold of Salzburg’s vibrant Linzer Gasse, Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt beckons with its seamless marriage of storied heritage and present-day elegance. This century-old haven, nurtured by family hands, offers serene accommodations where crisp air-conditioned rooms meet sleek, inviting design. Each morning begins with a bountiful spread of Austrian flavors, served in an ambiance of warmth and cheer. Steps away, the treasures of Salzburg await—Mirabell Palace, Getreidegasse, and a maze of historic wonders. A perfect retreat for those yearning to embrace Austria’s timeless allure and spirited culture.
8. artHOTEL Blaue Gans
© artHOTEL Blaue Gans
Nestled opposite Salzburg’s Festival Hall, Blaue Gans artHotel unfolds as a poetic tapestry of centuries-old heritage and avant-garde artistry. Its 14th-century soul whispers through timeworn stone floors and timbered vaults, while a gallery of 120 evocative works captivates the imagination. Anchored on Getreidegasse, the vibrant heart of Salzburg, the hotel beckons guests to explore Mozart’s birthplace, the Residenz palace, and the majestic cathedral. Culinary delights echo Austria’s flavors, crafted with flair, as Mönchsberg’s forested heights rise dramatically, casting a theatrical silhouette over this sanctuary of culture and elegance.
9. Hotel Bristol
© Hotel Bristol
Set in the pulsating core of Salzburg, Hotel Bristol stands as a sanctuary of refined sophistication. With 68 rooms, each a canvas painted with unique historical narratives, this family-run gem carries a legacy over seven decades strong. The Polo Lounge tempts with exquisite culinary artistry, while the Sketch Bar beckons with its intimate warmth, perfect for unwinding by a crackling fire. A stone’s throw from Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s cherished home, the hotel harmonizes antique allure and contemporary elegance, creating a stay as unforgettable as the city itself.
10. Hotel Stein
© Hotel Stein
Standing sentinel by the Salzach River, Hotel Stein breathes renewed brilliance into centuries of legacy. Its Venetian rebirth unfolds in shimmering glassworks, intricate Rubelli fabrics, and a cascade of iridescent discs tumbling from seven floors above. From the rooftop terrace, Salzburg’s soul unfurls—Fortress Hohensalzburg rises like a guardian, and the Altstadt whispers its ancient stories. Moments away, Mozart’s origins and the city’s cultural jewels beckon. Here, heritage and avant-garde artistry entwine, creating a sanctuary where time-honored elegance meets a daringly reimagined future.
11. PLAZA INN Salzburg
© PLAZA INN
Tucked within Salzburg’s vibrant heart, PLAZA INN Salzburg City captures the essence of modern ease amidst Austria’s timeless allure. A brief wander leads to the enchanting Mirabell Palace and Gardens, while its contemporary rooms, complete with air conditioning and sleek technology, cater effortlessly to travelers’ needs. From the rooftop terrace, the Alps stretch in majestic splendor, a tranquil counterpoint to the city’s bustling charm. Perfectly placed near Salzburg’s treasures and well-connected by public transport, this retreat harmonizes urban convenience with the soul-stirring beauty of a UNESCO-listed wonderland.
12. Hotel Schöne Aussicht
© Hotel Schöne Aussicht
High above Heuberg’s gentle slopes, Hotel Schöne Aussicht whispers serenity, offering sweeping panoramas of Salzburg’s timeless skyline. Once a humble 350-year-old farmhouse, it has blossomed into an inviting retreat, where 26 tastefully designed rooms fuse rustic simplicity with contemporary comfort. Guests immerse themselves in tranquil indulgence—basking in the outdoor pool, rejuvenating in the sauna, or relishing authentic Austrian flavors in the cozy restaurant. A mere 3 kilometers from Salzburg’s historic core, this haven blends seclusion with accessibility, inviting travelers to savor both the city’s storied wonders and pastoral calm.
13. Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
© Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
Radisson Blu’s Hotel Altstadt is a five-star jewel set within two meticulously restored medieval buildings in the UNESCO-listed old town. Located steps from Mozart’s birthplace, the hotel boasts entrances on the scenic Rudolfskai by the Salzach River and the historic Judengasse. With roots tracing back over 600 years, the building holds echoes of a synagogue and brewery from centuries past. Guests discover exposed 13th-century city wall fragments, original wood beams, and an enchanting courtyard beneath a glass roof, all framed by Salzburg’s rich Baroque splendor.
Best areas to stay in Salzburg
Salzburg’s neighborhoods unfold like a symphony, each movement offering its allure. The Altstadt (Old Town), crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants with baroque splendor and the whispers of Mozart’s genius. Across the Salzach, Neustadt hums with modern energy, its chic cafes and Mirabell Gardens a canvas of vibrancy. For those seeking serenity, Maxglan beckons—a quiet haven where tree-lined streets lead gently toward the city’s heart. Each quarter dances to its rhythm, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in Salzburg’s timeless harmony of history, culture, and tranquil charm.
Learn more about Salzburg
Cradled within Austria’s enchanting embrace, Salzburg is a symphony of culture, tradition, and modern vitality. This city, where Mozart’s genius first echoed, celebrates its illustrious musical heritage with the grand Salzburg Festival, a showcase of operatic splendor and theatrical brilliance. Wander the UNESCO-honored Altstadt, a treasure trove of baroque marvels, and ascend to the commanding Hohensalzburg Fortress for vistas that stir the soul. Stroll through Mirabell Palace’s lush gardens, amble along Getreidegasse’s storied lanes, and stand awestruck beneath the majesty of Salzburg Cathedral—a timeless ode to Austria’s cultural and historic heartbeat.
Best hotels in Salzburg FAQs
In Salzburg’s city center, the best hotels include Hotel Sacher Salzburg, Hotel Goldener Hirsch, and Hotel Bristol Salzburg.
For a luxurious stay in Salzburg, consider Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Hotel Sacher Salzburg, or Hotel Goldener Hirsch.
Budget-friendly options in Salzburg encompass Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg, Hotel Schöne Aussicht, and PLAZA INN Salzburg City.
Hotels in Salzburg offering spa facilities include Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Hotel & Villa Auersperg, and Hotel Wolf-Dietrich.
For hotels featuring pools, consider Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Hotel Schöne Aussicht, and Hotel Wolf-Dietrich.
Family-friendly hotels in Salzburg include Hotel & Villa Auersperg, Hotel Wolf-Dietrich, and Hotel Schöne Aussicht.
Romantic retreats in Salzburg feature Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Hotel Goldener Hirsch, and Hotel Sacher Salzburg.
Proximate to Hohensalzburg Fortress are Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Hotel Goldener Hirsch, and Hotel Sacher Salzburg.
