Arthotel Blaue Gans, situated on the famous Getreidegasse in Salzburg’s Old Town, harmoniously blends history and modernity while providing friendly service. This hotel is both the oldest inn in the city, dating back to 1350, and was reimagined into the first boutique hotel, created as a meeting point for music and design lovers. Contemporary art lines the minimalist white corridors and airy-feeling common spaces mix with the historical features of the building to create a bright and lively atmosphere.

The 35 rooms and suites are elegant and minimal with streamlined furnishings, crisp fabrics and warm lighting and are equipped with modern amenities. No two rooms are alike, but each is decorated with original art and feels contemporary and sophisticated. The charm of the hotel extends beyond the rooms: the restaurant’s mural paintings, wood paneling and cast-iron lamps make for a warm atmosphere where guests can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine; the bar’s leather seating and occasional live jazz performances make it the perfect place to lounge and linger; the outdoor dining space offers spectacular views of the Festival Hall and Mönchsberg mountain. And while there is no gym, there is a massage room.

Located on the historic Getreidegasse in the center of the Old Town, this grande dame hotel has an understated elegance. The 70 rooms and suites are beautifully furnished and are a tribute to the hotel’s rich history, which dates back to the 15^th century. Characteristically Salzburg in style—pink, blue and yellow color-schemes blend with antique furnishings and stag-themed accessories—the Goldener Hirsch reflects the city’s captivating character.

The hotel has two dining options: Restaurant Goldener Hirsh, which was once a blacksmith’s shop, has a simple yet sophisticated atmosphere; Tavern s'Herzl is a more casual dining experience. Both serve traditional Salzburg specialties and share the city’s characteristic warmth and charm. Originally an inner courtyard for horses, Bar Goldener Hirsch has an open and airy feel. Guests can sip a signature “Susanne” cocktail—originally created for a young girl who regularly visited the hotel, the bartender added a new ingredient each year as Susanne grew up, making the drink increasingly more adult—or choose a libation from the bar’s extensive cocktail and wine list.

The Goldener has a long history of being intricately intertwined with the Music Festival; conductor Herbert von Karajan stayed here for decades, and during the summer festival, the who’s who of the music scene can be seen staying or dining at this venerable institution.

Just minutes from the Old Town of Salzburg lies the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron. Commissioned in 1736 by a Prince Archbishop of Salzburg and purchased in 1918 by the founder of the Salzburg Festival, Max Reinhardt (who committed his creative resources to restore the property), the Schloss is steeped in history. Today it is home to not only the hotel but also the Salzburg Global Seminar, a non-profit organization that focuses on driving social change, which purchased the Schloss in 1959.

The Meierhof building, formerly the administrative buildings of the Schloss, has 55 guest rooms and two townhouses for long-term stays. There are also 12 individually designed suites, all of which have antique furnishings and remarkable views. The new design combines elements from the varying stages of the Schloss, including headboards crafted from historic shutters and photography from Reinhardt’s productions. Guests should note that due to the historic nature of the Schloss, rooms are not equipped with air conditioners (there are fans), so it may not be the ideal spot to stay during the hot summer months.

One of the city’s most fabled properties, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg has long been one of two top addresses in Salzburg (alongside the Goldener Hirsch).

The location and the historic building are both fabulous. Built in 1866, the same year Salzburg joined the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the hotel today overlooks the Baroque Old Town and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. It's within walking distance to all major sites, one of the reason the Sacher is one of the uncontested social hubs during the annual summer music festival. The 113 rooms and suites were individually designed and feature antiques, silk-covered walls and crystal chandeliers, and a recent refurbishment added a beautiful finish.

At the Café Sacher, guests have wonderful views of the Salzach River while indulging in a slice of Sacher Torte. The hotel offers several other dining options, including the cozy Zirbelzimmer, which is known for its classical Austrian cuisine.

Appealing to travelers who prefer to be based in the scenic Alpine countryside, this chateau seems to have sprung out of a fairytale. The Schloss sits right on the shores of one of Austria’s largest lakes and has played host to archbishops, empresses and actors since 1450. The 110 rooms, suites and cottages display a timeless elegance and effectively balance tradition with modernity.

The oasis of a spa offers treatments with Ligne St. Barth’s products and a calming ambience (lakeside al fresco treatments are available upon request). If playing golf is the preferred mode of relaxation, the nine-hole course on the lake is an appealing feature**.**The Schloss Restaurant is one of the area’s best and is worth the 30-minute drive out for lunch or dinner, even for those staying in Salzburg city center.