The Best Boutique Hotels in Salzburg

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is the greatest export from this cultured city, and this four-star hotel is a celebration of the composer’s life. Works of art created by artists from the Brera Fine Arts Academy in Milan – where Mozart stayed during his first trip to Italy – adorn the walls, complemented by elegant designer furniture by local artisans. The nearby sister restaurant Gasthof Goldgasse is found on the other side of the Salzach River, and serves up hearty classics. Try the veal wiener schnitzel followed by Salzburger nockerl (a kind of sweet soufflé) for dessert.

This five-star hotel in the heart of Salzburg is a luxurious destination for all guests, whether travelling for business or on a romantic getaway. There are 109 extravagantly decorated rooms and suites – some with a balcony overlooking the Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress. You also get a health club and spa, and four restaurants – including the award-winning Restaurant Zirbelzimmer led by executive chef Michael Gahleitner. For something truly special, book the Sacher Sky Suite: it’s the largest self-contained suite in the city and has a private roof terrace.

This boutique design hotel, in a historic 14th-century building in the Old Town, offers an insight into Salzburg’s colourful history. The interior combines sleek, contemporary design with original architectural features, including characterful timber beams and stone arches. Step outside onto the pretty Goldgasse Lane to discover traditional shops housed in ancient vaulted chambers. They sell everything from antiques and fine wines to traditional Austrian clothing and leather goods. The hotel is also just a few steps from Mozart’s birthplace, as well the famous Getreidegasse, the Festspielhaus and the Salzburg Residenz.

Renowned Belgian art collector and interior designer Axel Vervoordt transformed this 16th-century townhouse in Salzburg’s Old Town into a luxurious boutique hotel. There are six suites across four floors, and guests have the option of renting the entire hotel. That makes it an ideal option for large families, groups or discerning travellers in search of total privacy. The interior is decorated in a sophisticated palette of neutrals, with some walls dating back to the 18th century. There’s also a lounge with a fireplace, a small spa with a steam bath, and a lush garden courtyard with views over Festungsberg mountain.

This boutique hotel in Andräviertel – often described as the Paris of Salzburg – has been hosting guests since the 1950s. Today, you’ll find 31 rooms, ranging from The Cozy 17sq. m (183sq. ft) single room to an expansive 42sq. m (452sq. ft) suite, all decorated in pretty pastels and a modernist style. There’s also a bar and bistro serving up inventive cocktails, such as the Mozart-inspired cocktail 1756. It’s a mix of gin, lillet, prosecco, lemon thyme and sour cherry. To eat, try the Mediterranean dishes, such as grilled chicken with honey. The hotel has also put together a helpful list of Salzburg experiences, including watching a spectacular sunset from the castle, ideally with a glass of Ccémant in your hand.

If you’re in search of a quiet spot, this small bed & breakfast in a residential area is an ideal choice – and it’s just a 20-minute walk along the Salzach River to the Old Town. There are 11 guest rooms, including a family room with a sofa bed and a “snuggly single room” with a blue-and-white tiled bathroom. There’s also a romantic, flower-filled garden with sun loungers and shaded seating where guests can relax with a glass of local wine from the honesty bar.

Described as a “unique jewel in the heart of Salzburg”, these 5-star luxury lodgings are sure to make you feel like royalty. With the palatial grounds and all the very finest amenities, a stay at Hotel Schloss Monchstein is a truly exclusive experience. If the thought of a Finnish sauna, outdoor infinity pool, gym and gourmet restaurant don’t tempt you, then nothing will.

Despite being located in the bustling heart of Salzburg, Hotel & Villa Auersperg is the perfect place for a tranquil stay. The on-site spa is the star of the show: it comes complete with a sauna, steam room and a massage parlour for ultimate relaxation. Yoga lovers can take part in a weekly class (7:30am every Wednesday and 8:30am ever Friday) with private one-on-one lessons available upon request. There are various packages to choose from, including double rooms and luxurious suites.

This stylish and unique hotel is the oldest inn in town, at more than 600 years of age. Standing at one end of the most popular shopping stretches in Salzburg (Getreidegasse) and close to all the main attractions (such as Mozart’s birthplace), it’s both ideally located and full to the brim with luxury features. Each bedroom is different, uniquely decorated with contemporary paintings, sculptures and photographs.

This family-run hotel is tucked away in the outskirts of the city in Elixhausen. Ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, there are excursions on offer that promise to make sparks fly, including boat trips, intimate dining experiences and spa packages. The restaurant, run by chef Christian Kastenmeier, offers creative dishes made using fresh regional ingredients – including special roast dinners on Sundays.

There are historical hotels and then there’s Hotel Stein, which has occupied the same building and position since 1399. It’s recently been revived into a modern-meets-historical hotspot, with many of the grand original features maintained – take the 18th-century stucco ceilings that took more than three months to repair, for example. The jewel in the crown, however, is the rooftop Steinterrasse, which provides a magnificent view of Salzburg as the backdrop to your evening drink.

One of the few skyscrapers in this otherwise low-built city, COOL MAMA cuts a striking silhouette. This is an ultramodern hotel – think floating beds and freestanding bath in the middle of your room levels of modern. Plus, there’s that sleek, monochromatic decor, which enhances the incredible city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Sky Restaurant and Bar occupies the penthouse level, meaning your scrambled eggs come with a side of incredible views every morning. In the warmer months, you can enjoy cocktails al fresco on the terrace.

With only 16 rooms, this cute boutique hotel can be found down a medieval alley in the heart of the historic quarter. Rooms are modern yet characterful, alluding to historical details with medieval-inspired murals covering feature walls. A mini Smeg fridge will keep your drinks cold, and a DeLonghi espresso machine will make sure you get your early-morning pick-me-up. Breakfast is unforgettable – think fresh pastries, bread, fruit and juices, with cereals and scrambled eggs to set you right. You can even wash it all down with a glass of sparkling wine.