The Sacher name -- widely known thanks to the eponymous cake, created by family patriarch Franz Sacher -- is synonymous with good taste in both the figurative and metaphoric sense; and this hotel certainly lives up to brand standards. The creamy classic exterior is mirrored by polished public areas: most notably the lobby, where soft lighting casts a golden glow over antique mosaics. It feels like a communal living room, and an eclectic group of guests gather in it: affluent business travelers, vacationing couples, and wedding parties. The same goes for families, and the “Petit Sacher" program, which includes welcome treats and activities for little ones, caters specifically to them.

Poised on the riverbank, this city-center hotel provides sigh-inducing views of the Altstadt (Old Town) plus easy access to beloved tourist attractions. The nearest bus stop is a mere one-minute walk away; however, you’ll likely never need to rely on public transit as the main draws (save for Hellbrunn Palace) lie within a conveniently compact area. For instance, you can stroll to the Mozart-Wohnhaus Museum, the Mirabell Palace and the shops of Getreidegasse (a pretty pedestrianized street) in six minutes or less: the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress can be reached on foot in under 15. Insist on driving? If you have your own car, paid off-street parking is available; if not, limousine service is offered.

• One-minute walk to Mozart-Wohnhaus Museum
• Five-minute walk to Mozart's Birthplace
• Six-minute walk to Mirabell Palace and Gardens 
• Six-minute walk to Getreidegasse shopping
• Eight-minute walk to Salzburg Cathedral
• Eight-minute walk to Salzburg Festival
• 11-minute walk to St Peter's Abbey
• 14-minute walk to Hohensalzburg Fortress
• 19-minute walk to Salzburg Central Train Station
• 22 minutes by public transit to Hellbrunn Palace (14-minute drive)
• 24 minutes by public transit to Salzburg Airport (16-minute drive)

Guest rooms -- many of which were refurbished to commemorate the hotel’s 150th anniversary in 2016 -- are individually decorated and vary markedly in size, covering 215- to 1,615-square feet. Specific amenities also differ (for instance, some have fireplaces, others river-view balconies); however, all share a grande dame style that’s achieved by combining elegant art and furnishings with luxe materials like silk wallpapers, plush carpets and premium linens. There’s no shortage of 21st-century conveniences either since air-conditioning, digital safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs, DVD Players, docking stations, modem points, and free Wi-Fi are standard issue. The posh marble bathrooms -- typically outfitted with a deep tub and separate shower -- are equally well equipped. In addition to robes, hairdryers, towel warmers, and spa-quality toiletries, each has a second TV built into the vanity mirror.

Given the Sacher name, it’s no surprise that dining is a big deal here -- and there are several places where guests can indulge, all boasting river views. The most formal is Zirbelzimmer, with its aged oak paneling, ornately carved ceilings and abundant antlers: this gourmet restaurant is the definition of “rustic refined” with a traditional Austrian menu to match. Meanwhile, the cheery Salzachgrill, done up in Christmas colors with plaid accents, focuses on grilled items (fine burgers among them); and the cute Cafe Sacher embodies the country’s coffeehouse culture (if you can look up from your cake long enough, you’ll see photos of famous guests lining the walls). The Roter Salon offers a fourth option, doubling as the breakfast room where an add-on buffet is offered in the morning; it acts as a banquet room at other times. 

Fitness buffs can make use of the Sacher Fitness Club, which includes a small gym, sauna, and steam bath. On-site you’ll also find a popular bar with live piano music and a waterside terrace, lovely reception rooms designed to host both corporate events and social functions (weddings are particularly popular), plus a confectionery stocked, of course, with Sacher-Tortes and other sweet treats. Additional features include a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staffers; concierge, babysitting, dry-cleaning/laundry and turndown services; round-the-clock room service; free newspapers, free shoe shining; and free Wi-Fi throughout. Kids get their own additional services with the “Petit Sacher" program that offers up child-focused activities and services.