Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg

Facing Old Town on one side and the Salzach River on the other, this six-story property has a salmon-pink facade adorned with arched windows and a cornice that proudly displays the year of construction -- 1377. Given the building’s medieval roots, the warren of public areas inside (considered charmingly quirky by some, just plain odd by others) is understandable. A narrow reception area with roughly plastered walls replaces the usual upscale lobby, but the little vaulted lounge behind it is invitingly filled with tufted armchairs. A restaurant, bar, cafe and furnished interior courtyard provide alternate spots for the hotel's guests -- a mix of business travelers, independent vacationers and tour groups -- to unwind. It's worth noting that this Radisson Blu is often advertised as a five-star hotel, which can disappoint guests expecting something a bit more grand.

Ideally located on Altstadt side of the Salzach River, this historic hotel sits on the edge of Old Town and offers easy access to Salzburg’s major attractions. You can, for example, walk to Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter's Abbey, and assorted Mozart-related sites in under 10 minutes; reaching Mirabell Palace and its magical gardens or ascending to the Hohensalzburg Fortress takes only a few minutes more. The area is so pretty -- and so pedestrian-friendly -- that even if you have your own car, it’s best to park it for the length of your stay and proceed on foot: a public garage is located nearby and valet parking is available at extra charge.

• Four-minute walk to Mozart's Birthplace
• Five-minute walk to Getreidegasse shopping
• Six-minute walk to Salzburg Cathedral
• Seven-minute walk to the Salzburg Festival
• Seven-minute walk to the Mozart-Wohnhaus Museum
• Nine-minute walk to St. Peter's Abbey
• 11-minute walk to Mirabell Palace and Gardens
• 12-minute walk to Hohensalzburg Fortress
• 10 minutes by public transit to Salzburg Central Station (11-minute drive)
• 23 minutes by public transit to Hellbrunn Palace (16-minute drive)
• 34 minutes by public transit to Salzburg Airport (18-minute drive)

A surprisingly low-key decorating scheme plays out throughout the rooms, comprised mainly of dark woods offset by light walls and crisp white linens. It's this simplicity that lets the architectural features take center stage. Rooms vary in terms of their layout and decor, but all from the smallest 215-square-foot Standard Room to the largest 1,270-square-foot suite, merge traditional elements with modern amenities. Decor consists of exposed-beam ceiling, vintage parquet floor, or brocade fabrics (which might feel a bit old fashioned to some), while amenities covers air-conditioning, digital safes, minibars, Nespresso machines, LCD TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms add seating areas and, in some cases, private balconies, while suites offer living rooms and welcome extras -- most notably a free buffet breakfast. Bathrooms across the board are attractively tiled and trimmed in marble, with each featuring a shower and tub (either separately or in combination) along with robes, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers and This Works! toiletries.

Features are a little short at this Radisson Blu, largely due to its centuries-old footprint. And those expecting luxury-level amenities, such as a spa or fitness facilities, will be let down. What it does have is an elegant river-view restaurant with an artsy contemporary decor and a seasonal menu that focuses on fine cuisine made with market-fresh ingredients. Light bites and decadent desserts, meanwhile, are served beneath a vaulted ceiling in the on-site cafe. These areas, like the clubby lobby bar, seem made for lingering. But, knowing that its business guests don't always have the luxury of time, this Radisson Blu outpost also offers speed-oriented services like a “Grab & Run” breakfast option and express check-out. Corporate travelers (as well as those attending social gatherings here) will also appreciate the hotel’s gorgeous event spaces which have a combined 95-person capacity -- the loveliest being the beamed Renaissance Saal banquet hall. Access to top-notch audiovisual equipment and a dedicated meeting coordinator are added bonuses. Other features include a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staffers; concierge, dry-cleaning/laundry and turndown services; round-the-clock room service; free overnight shoe shining; and free Wi-Fi throughout.