Weekend in Salzburg at the Hotel Bristol

First off, the hotel’s location is a huge asset; it’s situated on the lovely Markartplatz, in the heart of historic Salzburg but removed from the main hotspots swarming with tourists. I should mention that at this time of year, the city is VERY touristy. A bit of peace and quiet is always welcome, and the Bristol is the perfect pied-à-terre. Built in 1619, this building has watched the years go by. It became a hotel in the early 20th century before being purchased by the Hübner family in the 1930s. Today it’s run by the third generation of Hübners, adding to the hotel’s rich history.

60 Rooms and Suites with a Classic Look

If like me you’re a lover of history and heritage buildings, you’ll immediately fall under the spell of the beauty and character of the premises. Starting in the lobby, I’m enchanted by the numerous reminders of the past: two enormous paintings decorate the walls, impressive chandeliers hang from the ceilings, and period furniture is dispersed throughout the room. After check-in, we head to the second floor, where we find long hallways with high ceilings leading to some of the 60 rooms and suites. They’re divided into several categories, from the Standard Rooms to the Deluxe Suites. The latter, in addition to offering perfect comfort, also have an ace in the hole: a lovely balcony overlooking the city.

Next stop, the suite where I’ll spend the night. It’s the perfect combination of antique style and modern comfort, featuring a classic elegance with a theatrical quality, an emphasis on music or visual arts… Salzburg’s reputation as “the City of Mozart” sets the theme. The room is filled with elegant materials, such as the heavy curtains and the opulent antique furniture.

The Gastronomy

In the evening, we make our way to the Sketch Bar, which with its pianist and fireplace immediately draws us into a cozy atmosphere. We don’t have the chance to discover the Polo Lounge, a restaurant where guests can enjoy both international and local Austrian cuisine. We’ll have to check it out next time! However, we do have the pleasure of visiting the superb dining room for breakfast the following morning. The central buffet is full of tempting treats and the service is impeccable, as usual.

Salzburg, Birthplace of Mozart

We take advantage of the nice weather to explore the city, known worldwide as Mozart’s birthplace. In this city where he spent his early years, you need only walk through the distinctive, charming streets to realize that he’s the star of the local tourism industry. The city is truly beautiful, with a rich cultural heritage. Our visit coincides with one of the busiest times of year—the Salzburg Festival is in full swing, featuring a program full of appealing events and revelry. Another option: the Christmas season also seems like an attractive time to visit, thanks to the famous holiday market.

The Verdict

In Salzburg, the Bristol is the ideal place to stay for lovers of beautiful buildings and antique charm. I was immediately transported to another era, while still enjoying the services and amenities offered by a 5-star establishment. The location is perfect and allows guests to discover Salzburg without being overwhelmed by other visitors to the city.

I loved:

I disliked:

Practical Information

Thank you to the Bristol Salzburg for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!