We went to salzburg in December 2011 for the christmas markets. We travel to various destinations within Germany and Austria annually for these. On this occasion we decided to stay in the goldener hirsch and what a great decision this turned out to be. The hotel is completely charming with traditional decor and excellent service. we were warmly greeted on check in and shown to a gorgeous room. The bar is very sweet and was full of festive touches, including a large candle surrounded by a Christmas wreath on the bar. Service was excellent but unobtrusive, the barman always appearing just when you needed something. We had dinner in the more casual of the two restaurants in the hotel and the food was delicious. We enjoyed our stay so much that in January, when we decided to take a train journey through the alps from Zurich to Innsbruck and on to Salzburg we stayed here again. We had another wonderful stay and are looking forward to a return visit

Loved the hotel just as much the second time around!

Reserved, understated refinement. With handcrafted furnishings, looped rugs, and the rustic hunting lodge or Austria equestrian feel to the hotel, some may find this less than luxurious. Those that don’t appreciate this style may view the hotel as outdated, and worn. We loved it . . . again!

Saw 7 different rooms (due to the undying patience of the staff in trying to accommodate my whim for a huge bathroom – this attempt was way and above and appreciated). All are different, all beautiful – if you like simplistic comforts – if not, you should look elsewhere for plusher touches.

Some rooms have lower ceilings than others – so ask to see your room before hand to ensure the ceiling height is acceptable to you … but all are ruggedly rich! Not slick, not gold, not silk, and not bold. Rustically Rich.

The staff is professional (with the exception of one condescending person). Not bubbly, or overly friendly, but service orientated. (Like long term hospitality experts vs. overanxious hotel employees.) They call each other "my colleague", if that gives you a clue.

Some may find this less than personable. I’d label it polished service, as one staff member told me that most of the staff have been there ten years+ and were more like family than employees, and felt their guest should be treated with great respect while visiting their home.

It is not an inexpensive hotel, so be prepared to spend if you use the hotel’s amenities. This 600+ years hotel is not like or feel like a modern day chain hotel, nor will the amenities, i.e. parking, gym, business centers, heating (heating pipes – loved it!) or A.C. fit seamlessly into the building. They are provided, and current, but not to the level of a modern facility. Although a Starwood property, it still maintains its’ aged character.

We have stayed in many differently rated properties, from hostels to 5 star hotels, and ratings determine your expectations. If you are open to a culturally different, ‘Old World Salzburg’ 5 star experience, from the huge solid wooden door upon entry, to the stag and elk décor and wood beams throughout, to the traditionally Austrian dressed housekeeper, to the cotton linen and authentic food, this is THE wonderfully located, fun, quaint Salzburg place to stay.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch is 600+ years of history and ambience, catering to all walks of life, and is thus uniquely different. Different strokes for different folks!

We ate dinner in the restaurant on 5th February. We were not staying in the hotel. It was a very disappointing experience. The food was adequate but for the price (E195 without gratuity) we expected fine dining and the meal was certainly nowhere near that standard. The menu indicated a `cover charge' of E4.20 per person. When we came to pay the bill we were told that that was for the bread!, Quite apart from the fact that my wife hardly touched the bread, I find it a very strange way to charge for bread.
Booking on line was very straightforward. There was a reference to `a special occasion'. I wrote that it was the birthday of my son, and the response was `we will do our best to accommodate your request'. No mention was made of this on the evening. When we left there was no attempt to bring our coats to us. We were pointed towards a door. And that was with the restaurant less than a third full.

The Hotel Goldener Hirsch is a must stay if you can do it. Situated on the same street where Mozart was born/lived, it's a perfect place to walk out of the hotel and be right in the heart of Salzburg. The room we stayed in was a good size and comfortable - we had a large bathroom that had a bathtub, a separate shower and a separate powder room. It was private, intimate and functional. The staff is straight forward professional: Helpful, thoughtful and with wonderful ideas for days trips. Definitely would return to this lovely hotel without hesitation.