Scenic Stays: 7 Hotels with a Stunning View of Salzburg
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As a tour guide and photography enthusiast, I’m always looking for great views in Salzburg. And when it comes to hotels, nothing beats waking up to a stunning panorama of the city. Whether you’re a backpacker or an independent traveler, I’ve put together a list of the seven hotels with the best views in Salzburg.
Arte Hotel Salzburg
First up on my list of hotels with a view in Salzburg is the Arte Hotel, housed in a glass tower built in 2019 called Perron. The unique sixteen-floor building has room-height windows all around that offer unparalleled views of either the old town or the train station. The Arte is only a few meters from the tracks, after all! Its proximity to the train station also provides access to a lounge perfect for intrepid train spotters and is still just fifteen minutes from the Old Town itself.
This urban minimalist hotel is suited towards business travel with its meeting rooms but also packs some nice amenities like fitness and sauna on their second floor as well as a rooftop bar and breakfast on their 15th-16th floors. There are 120 total rooms at the Arte Hotel ranging from 31m² suites to 24m² standard studios down to 16m² doubles – making sure even budget travelers can get a luxury experience here!
Note: When booking your stay, don’t forget to check out their “low,” “medium,” and “high” options because if you want those panoramic views, I suggest you book one of their rooms in the “high” category, located between floors 10 through 13!
Stadtalm Salzburg
On top of Mönchsberg mountain, Stadtalm is not in the most convenient location, but boy, do you get rewarded with an incredible view. It takes an elevator ride or a hike up to get there, but it’s worth it for the view. The atmosphere is simple and relaxed, like being taken back to an alpine pasture – peaceful, yet remarkably close to the bustle of the city center. The Stadtalm isn’t really a hotel with a view but rather a hostel.
This modest place, even for hostel standards, also houses one of my favorite restaurants in town, where they serve traditional Austrian dishes. The service and facilities provided by Stadtalm are nice enough – they offer private rooms as well as family rooms and dormitory-style bedding with shared bathrooms.
If you are a backpacker or like staying in hostels, as I do, the prices are incredible! If that’s you, and if you’re looking to experience natural beauty in the middle of a bustling city without sacrificing convenience, the Stadtalm hostel might be the best pick for hotels with a view in Salzburg. If you are looking for conveniently located conventional hostels in a less picturesque setting, check out my guide to the best hostels in Salzburg!
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg offers river-facing suites and high-end prices. Its location is one of the most central–just over a bridge from Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace. The Sacher is not only perfect for sightseeing but being located across all the famous sights, you can take in the amazing view of the old town on the other side (given you choose a room facing the river). What’s more, its luxurious Victorian atmosphere means that it is popular among festival guests, performers, politicians, and celebrities alike.
Regarding service and facilities, you can expect top-notch luxury at Hotel Sacher. There are four high-end restaurants, including a cafe for traditional Sachertorte, plus a health club to burn those calories. The rooms are expensive but will leave no wish unfulfilled, with double rooms costing several hundred euros during the high season while suites can cost thousands each night! Of course, the price may be steep, but so are the views–you’ll get a clear cityscape up close, taking in the fortress and the countless church towers of Salzburg!
If you want to learn more about Salzburg’s luxury hotels, read this article.
Hotel Stein
Situated just 50 meters from our Free Walking Tour meeting point and a bridge away from the famous Getreidegasse, this boutique hotel offers the same stunning view as my previous pick, the Hotel Sacher but comes with a slightly lower price tag.
At Hotel Stein, you can experience the perfect combination of old-world charm with modern decor. You’ll be dazzled by their blue glass chandeliers and vases, and bowls crafted by a Venetian glassblower. Plus, the kind and helpful staff ensure that any bookings or tours you may have been taken care of. They often book their guests into our tour.
When you stay here, you won’t just appreciate its location but also its amenities as it’s equipped with a small gym and sauna facilities so that you can relax after touring around and before marveling out the window. If that wasn’t enough, they also boast quaint rooms where each bed has deep beds plus colored walls to suit whatever mood you’re trying to create within your stay! Hotel Stein is one of the best Hotels with a View in Salzburg, as it offers its guests not only an incredible venue but also truly indulging services during their stay.
By the way, the rooftop bar is not only accessible to guests, and the Kapuzinerberg mountain behind the hotel is a way to get the same view for free. Kapuzinerberg is also one of the best places to go hiking in the city of Salzburg.
Hotel Stein and the aforementioned Arte Hotel are also on my list of the best boutique hotels in Salzburg because they offer a truly unique experience.
Austria Trend Hotel Europa
One such hotel is the Austria Trend Hotel Europa. Located at the heart of Salzburg’s downtown area, this 4-star business and sightseeing hotel offers magnificent panoramic views from its 15th-floor restaurant. Originally built in 1957 as one of the tallest buildings in town, it was renovated in 1999 when a glass panorama elevator for easier access to amazing vistas was added.
The 103 rooms are slightly outdated but relatively functional, with all essential features like blackout curtains and air conditioning included. Prices aren’t too steep either, making this hotel a great value option for travelers on any budget. And if you’d like to start your day off right, they offer an excellent breakfast!
Cool Mama Hotel
The Cool Mama Hotels is located outside the Old Town – so it’s not within walking distance, but the upside is that each side of the building faces a different scenery providing 360-degree panoramas from their sky lounge. While it might have more of a business vibe to it, there’s still plenty for independent travelers to enjoy – like their gym, conference rooms, and spacious rooms that start at 26m². Plus, there’s an executive suite corner room with a free-standing bathtub – perfect for relaxing in this amazing view!
Schloss Leopoldskron
Schloss Leopoldskron offers some gorgeous views, but unlike my previous recommendations, it’s not a cityscape. In the garden of Schloss Leopoldskron, you will find lake-view scenery that might seem familiar – it was one of the filming locations of the Sound of Music!
The luxurious palace dating back to the eighteenth century is not only famous for being featured in the Sound of Music, but it’s also renowned as the birthplace of the Salzburg Festival. Guests will find spacious rooms and suites, while the breakfast served in the ballroom offers an air of sophistication. Moreover, those wishing to get married can even use Schloss Leopoldskron as a wedding venue. Talk about romantic hotels in Salzburg!
The location is not the most convenient but still only a 20-minute walk from the old town. It’s a nice walk, too, since you can either go through Nonntal or over Mönchsberg Mountain. Schloss Leopoldskron provides guests with a bit of luxury during their stay.
Make sure you book a suite if you want the ultimate Sound of Music experience since standard rooms are in the side building, but even these offer beautiful views if you take advantage of being able to walk around the palace’s gardens. The palace is off-limits to the average tourist, who only gets to admire the castle from across the lake.
