Design Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg

Design Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Design Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg consistently earns high praise from guests, establishing itself as a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of historic charm and modern luxury in Salzburg. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is recognized for its exceptional design and overall quality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Design Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg is overwhelmingly positive, with overall ratings frequently in the "Excellent" or "Superb" range, often scoring 8.9 to 9.4 out of 10. Guests express high satisfaction with nearly all aspects of their stay, contributing to a strong sentiment of recommendation.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "super friendly," "amazing," and "couldn't do enough for us." The family-owned nature of the hotel often contributes to a personalized and welcoming atmosphere.
• Location: Its central yet quiet location is a major draw, offering excellent accessibility to major attractions.
• Design: The hotel's ability to blend its historic 1500s building with modern, minimalist interiors by award-winning local architects and designers is highly appreciated. Guests love the tasteful design, bespoke lighting, and contemporary art collection.
• Amenities: Key amenities include a well-equipped spa and fitness area (featuring a sauna, steam room, and gym), convenient underground parking with EV charging stations, a stylish bar, and a charming central garden ideal for outdoor breakfast. Some rooms even offer the luxury of a personal sauna. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Design Hotel zum Hirschen are consistently described as "spacious and comfortable," "spotless," "warm and well-appointed," and "beautifully designed." Many feature comfortable king-sized beds, garden views, and modern walk-in rain showers stocked with locally produced bath amenities. Larger apartments are noted for their pale wood finishes and distinctly Scandinavian feel. Guests appreciate details such as soundproof windows for a quiet stay, tea/coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and ample storage. Room types range from "Small Cozy" Double Rooms to spacious Superior Studios with balconies and Junior Suites with private saunas, catering to diverse needs.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience, particularly breakfast, receives glowing reviews. Guests consistently describe the breakfast as "great," "rich," and a "generous buffet style with hot and cold, mostly organic, options." The selection often includes local foods and a wide variety of gluten-free options, which is a significant plus for many. Beyond breakfast served in the hotel's bistro, there is an adjacent restaurant led by an "up-and-coming chef" that offers a culinary journey of local and international flavors for dinner. The lively Hirschen Bar also serves Austrian wines, coffee, and cake throughout the afternoon.

5. Service & Staff

The "amazing" and "super friendly" staff are a consistent highlight, with many guests commenting on their helpfulness and attention to detail. The team, often described as multilingual, goes above and beyond, from seamlessly accommodating booking changes to providing excellent assistance with queries. The family-owned nature of the hotel is frequently mentioned, contributing to a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Services like express check-in/check-out and a dedicated concierge further enhance the guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "great location" that balances proximity to key transport links with easy access to Salzburg's attractions. It is just a 5-minute walk from Salzburg's main train station and approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the historic Old Town and Mirabell Gardens. Public transportation is highly accessible, with the Kiesel Bus Stop (or "Saint Julien Strasse" stop for bus line 2 from the airport) located conveniently across the street or a short walk away, offering routes to the city center and attractions like Hellbrunn Palace. For those arriving by car, an underground parking garage is available for an additional fee (around €25 per night), complete with electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, guests can obtain a Guest Mobility Ticket for free use of public transport throughout the Salzburg region. Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport is a quick 10-15 minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride away.

7. Value & Pricing

Design Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg is generally considered to offer good "Value for money," scoring 8.5 out of 10 in some ratings. Pricing can fluctuate significantly with the seasons; January typically sees the lowest rates (around a 55% price drop), while October is often the most expensive month (around a 43% price increase). Average weeknight prices are around $262, and weekend nights average $285, though rates can start from $121, reflecting a wide range based on demand and room type. It's worth noting that breakfast usually incurs an extra charge (approximately EUR 28 per person), and there's a city tax of EUR 3.55 per person per night for guests aged 15 and over. Pets are welcome for an additional fee of EUR 30 per pet, per night.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, no significant recurring complaints or criticisms were identified in the available reviews. The hotel consistently scores high in all categories, including cleanliness, comfort, facilities, and staff performance. While one review noted that the room "met our expectations, offering almost everything," implying minor unfulfilled desires, this appears to be an isolated comment rather than a widespread issue.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. hotelsalzburg.net
5. hotels.com
6. michelin.com
7. youtube.com
8. zumhirschen.at
9. agoda.com
10. hrs.com
11. kayak.com