Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg — Hotel in Salzburg

Rating: 7/10||My family and I stayed here in rooms 84 and 85 for two nights in July 2025.||Goldener Hirsch has a ton of personality and historical weight, and for the right traveler—especially one who’s spry and unfazed by a few quirks—it offers a memorable, romantic stay in the heart of Salzburg. While our visit was marked by some mechanical hiccups and moments of uneven service, these may well have been one-offs rather than the norm. The charm of the place, paired with surprisingly reasonable prices for a five-star hotel in such a prime location, makes it easy to forgive the imperfections. It’s a property that remembers its past beautifully—and with just a little more consistency, could fully embrace its present. I’d return.||Positives:|• The location couldn’t be better. Step outside and you’re in the heart of Salzburg’s historic district, minutes from shops, bratwurst vendors, cafés, and more Mozart kitsch than you’ll know what to do with. The river, with its scenic running and biking trail, is just a short stroll away. You’re right in the thick of it, and that’s worth a lot.|• The staff were friendly, helpful, and handled the not-insignificant challenge of valet parking in a tightly packed old town with ease. They also loaded up our car with our bags at departure, making the check-out process refreshingly seamless.|• The rooms lean hard into their baroque heritage, but not in an oppressive or overdone way. The hotel building dates back to the 1400s, and a recent renovation has smartly layered in comfort and subtle modern upgrades. Think: charming antiques and wooden beams, but also in-bathroom music channels. It’s a vibe—and a surprisingly pleasant one.||Negatives:|• We were assigned connecting rooms with a shared private foyer—nice in theory. But when we instinctively closed the interior partition door on our way out for the evening, we returned to find that the keypad controlling it had failed. Suddenly, our rooms—and all our belongings—were locked behind a high-tech, non-functional door from which there seemed to be no escape. The front desk staff, increasingly concerned, confessed they might not even have a physical key. After multiple treks up and down to the fourth floor, one staffer made a final, dramatic attempt with an old-fashioned key, warning us that failure might mean spending the night separated from our luggage. Thankfully, he succeeded. Still, the whole thing felt a little too immersive in the “centuries-old” experience.|• On our second day, the elevator broke—and never came back. Four flights of stairs became a recurring obstacle course, especially for my elderly mother, who started avoiding trips to the room entirely. One afternoon, while waiting in the lobby, a staff member did offer her a water… but frankly, more care or accommodation would’ve gone a long way.|• We gave the hotel restaurant a shot one evening, hoping for a refined Austrian dinner. What we got was underwhelming and overpriced. My cream of mushroom soup was missing, well, the cream—turning a comforting classic into something more reminiscent of mushroom tea. Not exactly...

The Goldener Hirsch was one of my aspirational properties in The Luxury Collection's portfolio, so when my travel plans shifted to allow a night in Salzburg, this was my natural choice. I had read many reviews about the hotel's historical charm, unparalleled ambience and personal service, so my expectations were naturally very high.

As an Ambassador member, I was pre-upgraded to a two-bedroom suite the morning of my arrival, and was excited by the thought of what lay ahead. Upon check-in, the agent assigned us a one-bedroom suite and upon my showing him what the app said, he said that the one-bedroom suites are two-bedroom since the living room can double up as another bedroom. This did not leave a favorable first impression with the service, but - at the risk of sounding picky - it would repeat itself with the lack of any form of in-room welcome amenity, a feature I personally appreciate. I have stayed at many luxury properties in the Marriott family, but this was the first time I had checked into a hotel of this level that did not even have a welcome letter/card. Properties in the upscale and upper-upscale tiers have historically gone further with everything from fruit platters and chocolates to wine, but none of this was present at what I had always read and believed to be one of the finest properties in the world. Another disappointment came with regards to dinner reservations: while we were staying at the hotel during the Salzburg Festival, a high-pressure time for the city, we were told that there was no space for dinner at either of the hotel's restaurants or bar and were instead recommended another, more casual restaurant down the Getreidegasse. In my experience, luxury hotels of this caliber would at the very least hold a small number of tables for their most elite guests or try to arrange something alternative or creative, but no such effort to accommodate us was made here.

The property has just come off a major renovation, and it shows - the hard product is indeed beautiful [despite the bathtub-only bathroom, which I always find a risky fitting] and modern, while retaining its traditional Austrian spirit. Food was top-notch, and the building itself is unmatched for the atmosphere it provides. Luxury, however, is ultimately delivered by the people delivering it, and I couldn't help but feel that the service delivery here was impersonal, and as such detracted from what I had hoped would be an experience to...

We stayed here three nights during the Rupert Festival. The location of this hotel and the level of service they provide is beyond compare. ||I am a Marriott Titanium member so that may be a factor in my visit - but only a small one. This was my third visit to Salzburg and my second to the hotel - we were hear for the Christmas markets in November. My stay before that was at the Sheraton when they still gave Titanium members access to the lounge. The Sheraton now has a very mediocre lounge for elite members so I wont be returning. And I can see no reason to with how nice Hotel Goldner Hirsch is. ||We were upgraded to a very nice junior suite on the backside of the hotel - had there not been so much construction outside it would have an amazing view - but they cant control that and I have no complaints at all. Considering the festival was on I did not expect an upgrade - so I really appreciate that.||At check in we received an invite to the bar for two free drinks and a small treat. You can use it between 2-4 any night of your stay. ||The hotel itself is a little quirky and takes some getting used to - for example there are two elevators to get up to your room in some cases. Once you get used to it its not an issue. The lights in the room can also be very confusing - there are many light switches and some motion activated lights - never fully figured it all out - but its an old historic building so to be expected. Its part of the coolness of it.||Its location is a very short walk to most things for example Mozarts house, the main square and Augustiner Bräu Mülln. I don't think the location can be beat.||The breakfast is a bit pricey at 50 euros a person, but book a rate that includes it - its a great breakfast and great service. Luckily with Titanium I get it for free. they have all the standard stuff as well as a small menu with things like crepes, eggs benedict and waffles. Make sure to order from the menu. In addition on my last day we were getting a train to Nurnberg and they gave us to go boxes so we could make a sandwich to take with us - that came in very handy and I really appreciate it.| |Looking forward to my next visit - I will be back and this is where I...