Hotel Zur Post is a charming, family-run guesthouse in Austria, making it a cozy spot for a few days of sightseeing in Salzburg. After a couple of hours’ drive from Munich airport, we were grateful for our Sat Nav, which helped us easily locate Hotel Zur Post on one of the roads leading into the old town.

Upon arrival, we parked in a small area next to the garden and checked in with the friendly, English-speaking receptionist. She directed us to our room and offered helpful sightseeing tips. Initially, we were given a family room on the first floor, but since it faced a busy road, we requested a quieter room. Fortunately, another family room was available in a separate house set back from the road. This room had a spacious double room overlooking the garden and a smaller single room, perfect for our teenage son. Although the fittings weren’t as modern as the first room, the quieter location suited us better, and we had a restful night’s sleep.

The large double bedroom was traditionally furnished with a wood and padded leather headboard, dark wood furniture, and blue and cream striped curtains. There was a large mirrored wardrobe with ample storage space. The smaller room had a cream leather sofa matching the headboard and similar traditional furnishings. While the decor wasn’t particularly stylish, the room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, making it a great base for sightseeing in Salzburg.

The bathroom was a mix of old-fashioned fixtures and a modern green glass sink, which seemed to be a recent addition. It wasn’t particularly stylish but was clean and functional.

The receptionist was very helpful, providing us with a tourist map and marking points of interest. She advised us to take the bus into the old town from just across the street and sold us the Salzburg card, which offered free entry to major sites and free public transport. We opted for the 24-hour pass for €22 per adult, which provided good value for our short stay.

After settling in, we decided to visit Hangar 7, a free motor and aeronautical museum known for its great food. We found it was an easy walk from the hotel, along the canal and through residential areas. We spent a couple of hours admiring the Formula 1 cars and vintage planes before relaxing in the Mayday bar with exotic fruit smoothies. Intrigued by the Smart Food concept, I ordered the Brainfood set menu for dinner, while my husband and son enjoyed a hearty meal at Gasthaus Kuglof, a nearby restaurant recommended by the hotel.

The next morning, we enjoyed a good breakfast at Hotel Zur Post, featuring a typical buffet of cold meats, cheese, eggs, pastries, rolls, and a variety of teas and fresh coffee. The breakfast room was cheerful and modern, in contrast to our traditionally styled bedroom.

Hotel Zur Post has limited public areas, with no sitting area that we could find. The breakfast room might have been available for guests, but it was closed when we passed by later. However, there was free internet access via a cable in our bedroom and Wi-Fi in the breakfast room, though we didn’t have a chance to test it.

Since we spent most of our time sightseeing, the lack of sitting areas didn’t bother us. Hotel Zur Post is ideal for those touring Austria by car, as it offers convenient parking and avoids the hassle of driving into Salzburg’s old town. The hotel is a 15-minute bus ride from the old town, with frequent buses, making it easy to get around. However, those who prefer to return to their hotel during the day might prefer staying in the old town itself.

Overall, Hotel Zur Post is a great base for sightseeing in Salzburg, especially for those arriving by car. The staff is very helpful, and the hotel provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling old town.