Hotel Goldgasse

Hotel Goldgasse is situated in a townhouse that was a coppersmith's workshop in the 1500s. Modern decor is paired with historic details at this boutique property, for a look that's chic yet homey. Furniture has a Scandinavian, minimalistic air -- in the lobby, white pedestal cafe tables are surrounded by mustard-yellow chairs with white legs, and walls are covered in photographs of old Salzburg. The restaurant takes a turn toward traditional Austrian style. Think: wood-beam ceilings, wooden chairs with carved backs, and an antlered chandelier. High-end service and thoughtful touches is the norm here, with little extras like welcome gifts for guests. 

Hotel Goldgasse is situated on a narrow street in the heart of "Altstadt," Salzburg's "Old Town," a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its baroque architecture. The neighborhood is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, and high-end boutiques, all an easy walk from the hotel. Within five minutes, guests can walk to an array of attractions, including Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, Residenza Fountain, DomQuartier museum, Mozartplatz Square, and St. Francis Church. Salzburg train station is about a 15-minute drive, while Salzburg Airport is roughly 20 minutes by car.

Guest rooms are individually decorated with fresh, minimalistic decor. Bedding is all-white, and there are oak floors, photographic murals featuring scenes from the Salzburg Festival, and bright pops of color, often in red or yellow. The difference here is in the details -- amenities are stylish and high-end. Mini SMEG fridges are stocked with several free (non-alcoholic) drinks, De Longhi Espresso Machines come with Nespresso capsules, and there are high-end electric tea kettles with lose-leaf teas. Rooms also have safes, 40- to 60-inch flat-screen TVs (with Sound of Music always ready to play), a small selection of books, and free Wi-Fi. The biggest drawback is that there's no AC, which isn't uncommon for other hotels in the area. Bathrooms are nicely sized and trendy, with marble floors, wood vanities, and cylindrical basin sinks, plus walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. All contain robes, slippers, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries. 

Rooms tend to be small -- Single Rooms can be cramped at a mere 150 square feet, though Junior Suites can be twice as large. There's one two-bedroom suite that can accommodate up to six guests, with a private rooftop terrace and a bathtub. Views may be of Goldgasse or the backyard. 

This small hotel's primary extra property feature is its on-site restaurant and bar, which offers traditional Austrian decor and dishes, the latter of which range from local classics like Salzburger Nockerl to more modern fare. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests generally enjoy the modest breakfast buffet, but it's not included in the room rate. Some outdoor seating is available, and the hotel also has some seating for hotel guests on a small rooftop terrace. 

Other extras: Guests are given a small welcome gift on arrival, the hotel has an elevator, staff are thoughtful and attentive, and Wi-Fi throughout is free. Pets are allowed for an extra per-day fee. Downsides: the front desk has limited hours, there are no wellness facilities, and there's no hotel parking, as the hotel is situated in a pedestrian zone. Guests usually park at "Altstadtgarage B," a garage that's about a 12-minute walk from the hotel.