Austria - recommended places to stay by Mark Sukhija

Over repeated visits to various parts of Austria, I've stayed in various hotels. These are my four favorites.

Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when contacting these fine establishments. I have stayed at all these hotels.

Salzburg

• Hotel Sacher (Schwarzstrasse 5-7, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria) - The Hotel Sacher has a name to live up to and, unlike many others, it does so. Situated on the banks of the River Salzach many rooms overlook the historic old town of Salzburg - which is a great night photo op and a short walk away. Front desk, restaurants service is exemplary - which is what you expect. Rooms are spacious and beds sumptiously comfortable. Dining in the Zirbelzimmer is highly recommended and the wine list is excellent. Don't forget to have some excellently enjoyable Sacher Torte!

Vienna

• Hotel Romischer Kaiser (Annagasse 16, Vienna A-1010) - The location of the Hotel Romischer Kaiser couldn't really be improved - being a matter of minutes walk from historic Vienna including both St Stephans Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Reception staff are excellent and very, very helpful - it's hard to remember the last time I encountered front desk staff quite this good. (And thats coming from a cranky old man!) Rooms are very comfortable and well decorated in a Baroque style. My only complaint is that the beds are too comfortable!

• Hotel Das Tyrol (Mariahilfer Strasse 15, A-1060 Vienna) - We found the Hotel Das Tyrol through the Small Luxury Hotels website - which has given excellent results in the past. The Hotel Das Tyrol was no exception. Really good and helpful front of house, comfy beds and fine brekky alongside an excellent location on shoppers heaven Mariahilfer Straβe make the Hotel Das Tyrol a firm recommendation.

Bregenz

• Hotel Weisses Kreuz (Römerstrasse 5, A-6900 Bregenz) - Well located in Bregenz being close to Lake Constance and the Old Town. Welcoming and hospitable front desk. The restaurant is very, very good and with a highly respectable line of quality Austrian wines. Rooms are decent size and comfortable. A solid performer worthy of repeat stays.

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