Being a nineteenth-century Austrian aristocrat must have been wonderful. How do I know this? Because the interiors of Hotel Sacher Salzburg – the Wes Anderson-style hotel on the banks of the Salzach River – are supposedly inspired by their residences. Crystal chandeliers, antiques and historic photographs vie for your attention in the public areas. Oil paintings, plush rugs and elegant, period-appropriate furniture adorn each of its 110 rooms, which are designed in tastefully controlled colour palettes of green and red. There are light marble bathrooms, fluffy robes and (in some rooms) sweeping views toward the dramatic Hohensalzburg Fortress, sitting atop hills that feel very much alive. And of course, there’s the Austrian aristocrat’s chocolate cake of choice, the Sacher-Torte, available by the slice in the sumptuous breakfast buffet. It’s an almost irresponsibly rich way to start the day, but it’s the hotel’s namesake and the best you’ll find in the world, so you simply must.
It’s enough to make anyone feel like royalty (even kids!), and enjoy a reprieve from city life. Take those vibes up a notch by dining in the restaurant, Zirbelzimmer, preserved in its original 1866 state with antlers mounted to the wood-panelled walls. Here, friendly waiters wearing outfits inspired by dirndls serve delicious Weiner schnitzel.
But here’s the thing: Hotel Sacher Salzburg isn’t nestled in the Tyrolean mountains, it’s in the heart of the city’s bustling Old Town. It just feels incredibly relaxed; the countryside-inspired sister to its glitzier Viennese sister. And thanks to a renovation in 2016 to mark the hotel’s 150th anniversary, it’s effortlessly modern in all the right places. The central atrium – flooded with light from the glass roof above – instantly makes the space feel open and inviting. And in the morning, the breakfast room buzzes with excitement; staff joke around with kids eating pastries from the children’s dining cart and older couples discuss plans to visit Mozart’s residence over eggs benedict and seriously strong coffee.
Hotel Sacher is one of those rare five-star hotels owned and operated by a family, and you can feel it – everything about its Salzburg property feels carefully considered, and everyone feels instantly welcome.
Neighbourhood
Located in the Old Town, the hotel is exactly where you’d want it to be when exploring Salzburg. A short walk across the pretty Makartsteg footbridge will get you to the city’s main attractions, including the fortress and numerous museums, as well as its main dining and shopping district. It’s also right behind Mozart’s house and the famous Mirabell Gardens, which you’ll recognise from The Sound of Music.
Nearby
The Sound of Music Tour: for anyone who considers themselves even a low-level fan of the 1965 musical movie. This four-hour bus tour takes in the film’s main locations – including stunning historic homes – and is an easy way to see some of Salzburg’s jaw-dropping countryside. Be prepared to sing along to the songs.
St Peter’s Abbey and Catacombs: for a historic, overgrown graveyard with an unmistakably spooky atmosphere. Mozart’s sister, Namnnerl, is buried here.
Hohensalzburg Fortress: for the funicular railway journey to the top, where you’ll enjoy epic views over Salzburg, before exploring the eleventh century castle.
Time Out tip
Travelling with kids? The Hotel Sacher is incredibly family-friendly, with a welcome gift for kids, a special menu, bathrobe and bath set, a cot and basically anything you might not have been able to fit in your suitcase. There are often special offers for families too, if you book via the Sacher website.