Hello all-

My wife and I will be traveling to Salzburg and I would appreciate feedback on the quality and service level of the Hotel Sacher as we are considering it for our stay.

Thanks!

I have never stayed at Hotel Sacher, had only a snack. You can't go wrong. The location is perfect..on river Salzach opposite the old town. Salzburg has some wonderful hotels, and Gault Millau thinks Sacher is the best.

The Sacher is one of my favorite hotels in Europe and I am surprised not to see it rated higher on all the "Best" lists. It is not a "super"-luxury hotel, but is a full of charming quirks and has a distinctly Austrian personality all its own. Be sure to have a before-bed schnaaps in the bar (ask the bartender to recommend one and he'll be your friend for life).

Hotel Sacher, Salzburg, is in the 2006 Conde Nast Gold list. They call it the "best place to stay in Salzburg".

We stayed at the Salzburg Hotel Sacher about 5 years ago in a small suite. The hotel's location and view were wonderful, however the furnishings at the time were very dated and even "worn". The bed was uncomfortable (typical old european hotel mattress). Our junior suite was good size, however. Service was average. At that time, the hotel was on the CN Gold List and rated as the best hotel in Salzburg. That didn't give me a good feeling about the other hotels in Salzburg.

Since our trip, a friend who is really into the Relais and Chateaux properties recommended the Hotel Goldener Hirsch for both the hotel and the fabulous restaurant. It is on the other side of the river in the pedestrian area of Salzburg and is only steps from the Sacher. I'd recommend you look into this first. It is smaller and more charming (and it's just got to be better).

I stayed there about 2-3 years ago and liked it a lot. It's one of the few LHW hotels that have given me Leaders Club benefits without being asked. I had a great view, a nice-sized room, and I don't remember being uncomfortable in the bed. Yes, it's a bit old-fashioned, but it's Salzburg. Very sweet staff. My only complaint would be the restaurant, which I don't think is very good.

The Sacher has a fantastic location on the river and looks much better than the Starwood "luxury" collection Goldener Hirsch.

Should you however go to Salzburg for the festival (as I do), you might wish to be less than 1 minute from the opera venues at the now fully refurbished Blaue Gans which calls itself "art hotel". It is refreshingly pleasant with extremely motivated staff and provides understated but efficient luxury.

The rooms are theme designed with very comfortable beds and soundproofing is so efficient that even the rooms towards the Herbert Von Karajan Platz are totally silent - with a view.

Mrs Schaffner, the restaurant manager provides a kind of dining experience even after the opera which is unrivalled - even my harsh complaint regarding a mistake with a preordered menu which was served at a too slow pace was professionally handled and rectified - and the food quality is top notch.

Arriving with the car, which can be stressful, is eased by a specific loading zone and valet parking for only EUR 10 a day.

Breakfast is a highlight and even my evening suit was ironed within 30 minutes at no charge ^^ (I tipped generously - thing i normally never do).

So if you think Salzburg, consider also the Blaue Gans.

It is a bit painful to read this as I will be in Salzburg this week for the festival but is too late to change my Sacher reservation w/o full cancellation penalty. Blaue Gans sounds really wonderful. Will try it next time.

Sacher is superior from a strict luxury point of view, BUT Blaue Gans is just kind of the convenient luxury with a twist. Go for dinner one evening there, they serve after the opera, but you have to reserve.

If money is not an issue go to the Sacher anytime. But for me times are hard and I prefer a better opera seat and a bottle of Champagne instead of a EUR 600 plus room.

Enjou the operas ! Both Boheme and Zauberfloete are of world class level.