Hotel Schloss Monchstein

The Hotel Schloss Monchstein, formerly known as the “Tower of Tetelheim" and first documented in 1350, was converted into a hotel in 1948. The gated hotel renovated its rooms, wellness area, and restaurant in 2008 and added its pool and outdoor terrace in 2014. Interiors are a mix of antique and contemporary decor, which combine to create a romantic atmosphere with all the comforts of a modernized hotel. Structured in the form of a castle manor, the hotel sits on a vast area of green, manicured gardens. The lobby is bright and airy thanks to multiple glass walls, and it's furnished with an Oriental rug, antique tables, Louis XV-style chairs, and a white sectional sofa. Hallways have maroon carpets and are decorated with gilt-framed oil paintings. Most guests are vacationing couples.

Set on Monchsberg Mountain -- with panoramic views of Salzburg -- the hotel feel secluded, but most of the city's attractions are still easily reached on foot. Old Town is accessible via a free elevator that's located at the Museum of Modern Art Monchsberg, an eight-minute walk away. From the base of the elevator, Mozart’s House is a six-minute walk and the shopping avenue of Getreidegasse takes only four minutes to reach on foot. Hohensalzburg -- the biggest preserved fort in Central Europe -- takes about 20 minutes on foot. A 10-minute walk down the mountain leads to the Augustinerbrau Brewery. Salzburg Airport is 15 minutes away by car.

Rooms are luxurious, with Oriental rugs, glass chandeliers, antique furniture, dark-wood cabinets and desks, and antique paintings or decorative pieces that add to their romantic and historical charm. Rooms are spacious, though the Suites offer extra space, with lounge chairs and sofas situated around tables. Free fresh fruit and chocolate are a welcoming touch. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and safes, and some have private terraces or patios with beautiful views. While rooms have air-conditioning, there have been past complaints about it being difficult to regulate. Bathrooms have spacious white-marble counter tops with matching floor tiles; hairdryers and bathrobes are also provided. Many have tubs and showers, though Double Rooms are sometimes equipped with one or the other. 

Hotel Schloss Monchstein's outdoor infinity pool and hot tub have superb views of Salzburg and a nice patio area with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The hotel’s day spa offers a steam bath, a Finnish sauna, mani/pedis, facial treatments, and massages, all for a hefty fee. The 24-hour fitness center has an array of cardio machines with built-in TVs and some free weights, but it's on the small side. The hotel also has four meeting and event spaces with TVs, DVD players, magnetic walls, flip chart, and Bose stereo equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The entire castle can also be rented out for those looking to host a large event, such as a wedding. 

Schloss Monchstein, the hotel's restaurant, serves a free breakfast buffet (made-to-order options are also available), and it's also open for lunch and dinner. Room service is available around the clock. Guests also have the option of a romantic dinner for up to four in the tower spire. The outdoor terrace provides a peaceful dining option during the day and in the evening, when the fireplace is lit. It has a bar along with multiple covered and uncovered lounge areas.