Bristol Hotel Salzburg

Finding the Hotel Bristol was a fortuitous occasion on a rainy night in Salzburg. 

We had been driving for hours from Munich, and were tired and unprepared.  With an impulsivity granted only to the young, we had made no prior arrangements for accomodation, as we were open to whatever came our way. 

We drove through the old and new areas of Salzburg, even maneuvering the vehicle to the top of a mountain to inspect accomodations at a castle.  Though the idea of rooming in a castle for the night was romantic and engaging, it wasn't worth the 350 euros.

Driving along the river, with the lights of Salzburg twinkling beneath the Salzberg, we had decided on checking in to the next hotel we spied, regardless of price or accomodation.  And behold, like a beacon in our uncertain darkness, was Hotel Bristol.

Looking more like a palatial residence, we were sure to find nothing here, but were willing to spend what was necessary just to have a place to call home for the night.

Walking into the lobby, I was greeted by baroque chandeliers, wall murals, marble floors, and warm smiles.  Though it was well into the night, we were welcomed in like family, for 130 Euros.

The porter escorted us and our bags, via century old elevator, to our floor. On a red carpet we passed antique furnishings and more chandeliers, until we arrrived at our larger than life wooden double doors, accessible with old fashioned key!

Within, we were struck by the high ceilinged Baroque room, with high windows and gauzy curtains, marble tiled bathroom, balcony with a view of the imposing cathedral to our left, and the artfully carved bed.

We slept like royalty, and feasted like kings the next morning at the buffet, included with our stay.  Everything about the hotel is decadence.  Murals, chandeliers, red carpets, antique furnishings, and the royal treatment.

The best surprise, however, was finding out that we were staying directly across from the house in which Mozart grew up.  Now a museum, it was our first stop on our adventure.

Amongst other things, the late 19th century period hotel is in the center of what is now old town Salzburg.  Near the Salzburg Theater, Mirabell gardens and palace, and across the river from the Getreidegasse, the popular alleyway lined with shops, galleries, and curiosities, it was the perfect place for us to stay.

I would definitely come back here. Not only for the charm and location, but for its outstanding staff and reasonable pricing.