Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg - Austria

We always stay the delightful Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg when we visit the city. Salzburg is one of those places that you will inevitably find on all the ‘Places to See Before You Die’ lists. A delightfully compact and scenic medieval city it is also blessed with a location to kill for: bounded on one side by the Salzach river and on the other a fortress-topped berg, whilst in the distance are soaring alpine peaks.

Add to this that the city is also the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music and you have a sure-fire tourist honey trap. Despite this the city remains remarkably attractive, pleasant and less ‘touristy’ than it could easily be, with an unspoiled and pedestrianised city centre.

With the city heart occupied by either grand squares and vast public buildings or narrow cobbled streets, top quality central hotels are like gold dust. Talking of which, one of the most beautiful of the medieval alleys is the Goldgasse, named after the goldsmiths who once had their shops and workshops here.

To this day, there is still wonderful gold workmanship to be had here, as well as antiques, folk costumes, silk flowers, books, antique clocks, old coins, paintings, exclusive leather goods. It is also of course home to the wonderful Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg, one of the very best – and most original – in the city.

Although it is in the heart of the pedestrian zone a code from the hotel magically allows us through a set of hydraulic bollards and in to the vast Residenzplatz and Domplatz. Somehow resisting the temptation to do an unhindered traffic-free tour around all the major city sights we were able to unload our bags virtually at the hotel door before accessing the local underground parking.

The Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg entrance is directly from the cobbled alley with the first floor reception accessed via a tiny lift where we are enthusiastically and theatrically welcomed. The public areas are bright and new with with lots of quirky and individual touches. Although the hotel has had an ultra-modern makeover the building’s origins – apparently somewhere in the 14th century – are seen variously in the crooked walls, old wooden beams, worn stone steps and highly individual room arrangements.

There are just sixteen bedrooms, each individually named after composers or musicians, and decorated with large-format scenes dedicated to a performance of their work at the Salzburg Festival.

On the top floor you will find the biggest and best suites – the Trovatore room for example opens onto a large shared terrace with a table, sunshade and plants. Each oak-floored rooms is decorated with giant images of theatrical opera sets and (sometimes overly) colourful furniture.

The Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg beds, some four-poster, are extremely comfortable plus there are lots of cool extras like are SMEG fridge with a complimentary bar, Nespresso coffee maker and organic leaf teas.

The marble floored bathrooms are cool and modern with complex-looking massage showers, lots of glass and usefully bright lighting. Beds are firm, duvets are fluffy and soft dressing-gowns are provided. Products by the excellent natural cosmetic line Vinoble with more in an Honesty basket with buyable extras.

Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg breakfast is briskly and cheerfully served downstairs in the lovely traditional dining room – a welcome contrast to the ultra-modern rooms. Woody and atmospheric it is decorated with Kupferpfandln (copper pans) reminding diners of its 16th-century origins as a coppersmith’s workshop.

We are offered a small but exemplary buffet that includes varied breads, cheeses, egg, ham, sausages and jams with individual pots of fresh fruit and yoghurt. On request there is a selection of freshly cooked dishes. Lunch and evenings authentic Austrian-influenced dishes are based on seasonal produce and although we didn’t dine here we understand that it has a well deserved local reputation for fine quality.

It almost goes without saying that theHotel Goldgasse Salzburg location is next to unbeatable. It is within a ten minute pedestrian stroll of all the major city sights as well as a couple of minutes to the funicular to the top of the fortress. There is a risk that the narrow streets and city centre location may mean you get some noise from the streets but we heard nothing on our stay and rear facing rooms are also available. A delightful and extra friendly hotel that should be your first choice in this beautiful city.

For more information visit Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg

The Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg is part of the Amadeus Hotels Group and is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. Their brand new Hotel Stein will open in 2018

CELLOPHANELAND were guests of the Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg