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Salzburg is just perfect for a weekend away. If you’re looking at where to stay in Salzburg, these are the best hotels for you!
I’m throwing this out there but Salzburg *might* just be my favourite place in Austria. I could walk around the cobbled streets of Old Town popping into little boutique shops and cafes all day long.
Then there’s the amazing architecture everywhere, this beautiful blend of old 15th century buildings with modern hotels dotted around the city.
If you’re looking at where to stay in Salzburg, you’ve certainly come to the right place! In this blog post I’m going to take you to some of the best hotels in Salzburg, whatever your budget. Stay at one of these hotels and you’re bound to have an amazing time in the city.
Also, if you’re looking for a travel guide then make sure you check out my Salzburg itinerary with some of the best things to do in the city. I’ve also written about some of the best day trips from Salzburg too if you want to get out of the city for the day.
Getting around Salzburg
One of the best things about Salzburg is its size. It is a very easy city to get around and you can walk to most places. The town is split into two by the Salzach River running through it. Don’t worry though, there are several bridges connecting the city so it is very quick getting from one side to the other.
All the major tourist attractions in Salzburg are walkable. The majority of people stay in and around the Altstadt (the old town) in the city. This is where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace, the Mirabell Gardens (where they filmed The Sound of Music) and Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square).
Personally, I think Altstadt is where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Salzburg. Saying that, there are some lovely hotels on the other side of the river which I’ll tell you about too. Heading from Mozart’s Museum to the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress only takes 15 minutes. You see, I told you it was a walkable city!
How many days do you need in Salzburg?
When it comes to staying in Salzburg, there’s no right or wrong answer. I know some people who have only spent a couple of days here. On the flip side, I know people who have stayed for a week exploring all Salzburg and Austria had to offer.
For me though, I’ve been to Salzburg a couple of times now. Once was in winter for the Salzburg Christmas Market and once in summer. It was amazing seeing the contrast that the seasons brought. Winter was so magical but I warn you, it is very cold.
Both times I spent 3 days in Salzburg and I think this is the perfect amount of time to really get a feel for the city. You can definitely tick off loads of things to see and do in that amount of time. As it’s a small city and easy to get around, that makes Salzburg one of those cities perfect for a city break or a romantic weekend away.
Things to know before you book a hotel in Salzburg
There are a few things worth knowing before you book, especially if you’re driving. Salzburg now runs a summer traffic restriction from 1 July to 31 August. Day trippers can’t drive through the city centre, but hotel guests are exempt if their hotel is inside the zone. You’ll need your booking confirmation, and your hotel will send you the access details before you arrive, so check your email rather than turning up and hoping.
If you’re not staying in the centre, use the Park & Ride sites at Messe, Salzburg Süd, the airport or the Designer Outlet. In July and August a day ticket costs €7.50 and covers parking plus public transport for up to five people, which is the best value going.
Salzburg also charges a city tax of around €3.55 per person per night on top of your room rate, payable at check-in. Under-15s don’t pay.
The best bit: every overnight guest in Salzburg now gets a Guest Mobility Ticket, which covers all public transport for the length of your stay. Your hotel issues it at check-in as a QR code. It’s easy to miss if nobody tells you, so ask for it.
Where to stay in Salzburg
From little boutique hotels to 5* luxury resorts with incredible views, there is an abundance of accommodation options to choose from here in Salzburg. To make it easier, I’ve split my favourites into three groups: 5* luxury hotels, 4* mid-range hotels and 3* budget hotels. Pick your budget and you’re good to go.
5* luxury hotels in Salzburg
If you want to really treat yourself, these are the ones. Think antiques, serious restaurants and the kind of views you’ll be showing everyone when you get home.
Hotel Schloss Mönchstein
To kick things off let’s start with one of the most luxurious hotels in Salzburg (don’t worry, they’re not all going to be this posh and expensive!) Hotel Schloss Mönchstein is a 5* superior hotel at the top of the Mönchsberg, a hill right in the centre of Salzburg. It is surrounded by a large park and offers the most stunning panoramic views of the city. In fact, I think this is one of the best photo spots in Salzburg too.
To make things even better, there’s an outdoor infinity pool (perfect for summer) and an outdoor hot tub (perfect for winter), so you’re covered in all seasons. Obviously there’s a spa with a sauna and steam room. You can also get beauty and wellness treatments if you’re looking for a little extra R&R.
The exclusive rooms and suites are all individually and luxuriously furnished. They feature priceless antiques and marble bathrooms, as well as modern amenities. There are just 24 rooms and suites, and the restaurant is now The Glass Garden, holding a Michelin star and four Gault&Millau toques. The Old Town is 7 minutes away on foot or via the Mönchsberg lift.
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Hotel Goldener Hirsch is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. A complete renovation finished in 2019, giving it 70 rooms and suites with handpicked Salzburg-style décor and original antiques. Situated on the famous Getreidegasse right in the heart of Old Town, this hotel is just moments from Mozart’s birthplace.
There has been a luxury hotel on this site since the 15th century. As soon as you step inside it’s like going back in time and the whole hotel is decorated with antiques and handmade furniture. If you decide to stay here then make sure you check out Bar Goldener Hirsch. This bar is ornate on another level.
The cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and all the major sights of Salzburg are only a short walk away from Hotel Goldener Hirsch.
4* mid-range hotels in Salzburg
For me, this is the sweet spot in Salzburg. You get loads of character and a brilliant location for a lot less than the 5* places, and three of these four are right in the centre.
Arthotel Blaue Gans
The very trendy Arthotel Blaue Gans is in an old 14th century building in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, but the inside is very modern.
Situated along the famous Getreidegasse shopping street, Arthotel Blaue Gans is directly opposite the Festival Hall and just a few steps from Mozart’s Birthplace. It combines a historic ambience with modern design and contemporary art. More than 100 original works of art are spread throughout the Arthotel. This makes it the perfect place to stay in Salzburg if you’re an art lover!
There’s a really nice restaurant downstairs which is surrounded by medieval stone walls. They serve really nice Austrian cuisine and in summer you can expect things like asparagus salad and lots of trout. There’s also a beautiful herb garden out back which is a lovely place to kick back with a cocktail.
Hotel Stein
Located right in the centre of town, Hotel Stein comes with a rich history dating back to medieval times. However, it was fully renovated and reopened in the spring of 2018, giving the hotel a new lease of life. At the top of the hotel is a panoramic rooftop terrace with some of the most beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
The rooms here are in a classical style but with a lot of modern touches. Each room is really bright and I love the splashes of colour everywhere. Also, restaurant Seven Senses is to die for. I ate here on my last trip to Salzburg and the food was incredible (I recommend this restaurant in my Salzburg itinerary). You really can’t beat the views from the terrace for sunset, especially in summer. Only 100 yards from the hotel is the start of the well-known Linzergasse, where you’ll find a variety of shops.
Imlauer Hotel Pitter
If you’re looking at where to stay in Salzburg then you really can’t go wrong with this place. First opened in 1864, Imlauer Hotel Pitter is in the centre of Salzburg and within walking distance of all the top attractions.
The famous PitterKeller restaurant serves dishes which are typical of Salzburg and its surrounding region, as well as a range of beer specialities. The IMLAUER Sky Bar & Restaurant has panoramic city views, and the sauna and fitness area is free for guests.
Mirabell Gardens is 2 minutes away and the train station is a 7-minute walk, so this is great if you’ve only got a short amount of time in Salzburg.
Hotel Rosenvilla
Hotel Rosenvilla is a little further out of town in the residential district of Aigen, south of the Kapuzinerberg Mountain and just a 15-minute walk to the Old Town. This means it feels like your own little escape from the hustle and bustle of the centre of town.
What I really like about this place is it’s very clean and modern inside. It kinda feels like a ski chalet crossed with a country manor. Also, some of the rooms come with a balcony which is perfect for the summer. The views of the mountains from here are gorgeous.
3* budget hotels in Salzburg
Don’t write these off. Star ratings in Austria are based on facilities rather than setting, which is why one of these is an 18th century palace from The Sound of Music.
Meininger Hotel Salzburg City Center
The Meininger is one of the best budget hotels in Salzburg, partly because it’s a little out of the action. You’re about 2km from both the Old Town and the main train station, so it’s either a 25-minute walk or a quick bus ride, which is covered by your Guest Mobility Ticket.
Each room is decorated with modern, wooden furniture and the roof terrace offers panoramic city views. Also, the bar has a pool table and a fussball table. Loads of games for me to lose at.
Das Grüne Hotel zur Post
Now for some very different Salzburg accommodation! Das Grüne Hotel zur Post is a 100% eco-friendly hotel. It uses a photovoltaic system to generate electricity and solar energy to heat the water. The remaining energy comes from carbon-neutral pellet heating, making this an energy-neutral hotel. That means you can stay here knowing you’re keeping your carbon footprint down.
Also, their breakfast buffet isn’t your normal fare either (sorry sausages). Instead, you can expect a selection of vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free dishes. There’s also a really nice terrace here and a sauna too, and both are great places to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Das Grüne Hotel zur Post is about a 5-minute bus ride from Salzburg city centre and now holds the EU Ecolabel. There are apartments with kitchenettes, private parking, free EV charging and bike hire, which is a big one for families.
Schloss Leopoldskron
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep somewhere from The Sound of Music, this is the one. Schloss Leopoldskron is an 18th century rococo palace sitting on its own lake just south of the Old Town, and the terrace and lakeside were used in the film. It’s also where the Salzburg Festival was dreamed up by Max Reinhardt, who owned the place in the 1920s.
What makes it feel special is that the grounds aren’t open to the public. Only hotel guests get in, so you can wander the lawns down to the water with the fortress in the distance and have the whole thing to yourself.
Rooms are split between the palace itself and the Meierhof guesthouse next door, and breakfast is served in the Marble Hall. There’s free bike hire and parking, and bus 23 stops outside the gate and runs into the centre.
If you’re travelling around Austria, then check out my guide on travelling from Salzburg to Vienna. This should help plan your trip.
What are some of your favourite hotels in Salzburg? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to this blog post!
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