Room Service: Hotel Sacher, Salzburg

This 120-room deluxe hotel is the epitome of Austrian tradition, style and service. The elegant yet warm décor – lots of wood, red carpet and subtle lighting – and friendly staff make everyone feel at home. Hotel Sacher, known for the Original Sacher-Torte made at the Viennese sister hotel and exported worldwide, has managed to move with the times (fitness centre, internet access) while basking in tradition. Something special.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The Hotel Sacher Salzburg (Schwarzstrasse 5-7; 00 43 662 88 97 70; www.sacher. com) was built in 1866 on the north bank of the river Salzach. The stunning façade overlooks the old part of town and has an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and the Festung Hohensalzburg castle. All sights are within easy walking distance – especially the Mozarteum and Landestheater.

Time from international airport: A taxi takes about 15 minutes and costs about €12 (£8).

Transport: The old town is only a five-minute walk across the Staatsbrücke, but taxis are always readily available. The train station is less than two miles away.

ARE YOU LYING COMFORTABLY?

Very. After admiring the unforgettable view from your balcony, come inside and admire the original oil paintings, antiques and nice touches such as a fresh fruit bowl, excellent minibar and walls of (heated!) mirrors in the bathroom. All rooms are individually decorated and fully air-conditioned.

Freebies: A good selection of toiletries, but more importantly an Original Sacher-Würfel (chunk of chocolate cake), which you can put in your room's safe for later.

Keeping in touch: All rooms have two phones, internet access, fax upon request. A business room is available.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Doubles from €205 (£135).

I'm not paying that: Bearing in mind Mozartwoche is generally considered high season, €85 (£56) for a double at Hotel Amadeus just round the corner (Linzer Gasse 43-45; 00 43 662 87 14 01; www.hotelamadeus.at) isn't bad at all. It's a smallish hotel on a fashionable street – no river views, though.