Review: Hotel Auersperg Salzburg, Austria

WHAT’S IT LIKE This charming family owned hotel, part of the larger Schloss Hotel group is one of the city’s best kept jewels. It is not too expensive and not in the center of the action, however, it is a short walk from everything. This gives it the basis of a fairly priced offering with homespun charm. Originally a residential villa, it was converted to a hotel with modern charm in recent years. It is only a short walking distance from most attractions, but access to public transportation is a cinch. Guests enter into a clean-lined lobby where a friendly sit-down reception provides the perfect welcome to this boutique hotel. The pedestrian area surrounding the hotel is known as Linzergasse, which is near all of the main sights.

DINING A pleasant feature is that all guests are treated to complimentary breakfast, which includes hot egg dishes in addition to a large selection of fresh fruit, hot quinoa with cinnamon, fresh viennoiserie, and more bread, cheese and cured meats than you can imagine. The selection has a focus on organic dishes from fresh juice and yogurt to hand-crafted specialties and Gluten-free items. A-bar serves cocktails during the afternoon and evening hours and sees plentiful locals and guests with faces buried in newspapers and laptops each morning. Lunch and dinner are also served, but these are not the busiest times for the hotel given the plethora of options in the property’s vicinity. AMENITIES

Those looking for a chance to kick back can enjoy the hotel’s own rooftop sauna, steam room, fitness center, and sun terrace with views of town. Fitness buffs that want to borrow one of the hotel’s own bikes can ask for a ride. Parking carries a surcharge for those with cars overnight, but the cost does not take advantage of other downtown offers. Free wireless high speed Internet is available throughout. Yoga goers will pleased to know that the hotel has its own yoga and spa program, which can be organized upon request. ROOMS All accommodations are nonsmoking, and rooms open for fresh air, often with views of the property’s romantic garden. The décor, unlike the historic architecture, is fresh and contemporary, which appeals to younger travelers.

Bedding is firm with back-supporting mattresses and German-style feather duvets. Desks and bedside nightstands have easy access to power outlets. Flat-screen cable TVs and espresso machines are tucked away into corners, which appeases the most urbane of guests. Bathrooms are coated with white subway tiles, underfloor and towel bar heating, and scented toiletries. The glass shower stalls offer impressive power for a city-center hotel, and spacious walk-in closets are unheard of at other hotels in the area.

CONCLUSION The care delivered to the guest experience here is unique to a small hotel. Fresh fruit, staff that acts more like a friend than hotelier, and centralized location make this hotel one of the best values in the home of The Sound of Music.