Hotel in Salzburg, Salzburg, Salzburg
Hotel Stein
A stylish design hotel on the right bank of the Salzach with Salzburg's most celebrated rooftop terrace—offering a 180-degree view over the Old Town, fortress, and river. The restaurant and bar are among Salzburg's trendiest venues. Modern interior contrasts beautifully with medieval views.
Hotel Stein is a four-star design hotel at Giselakai 3-5 on the right bank of the Salzach in Salzburg, Austria, celebrated primarily for its rooftop terrace — consistently cited as the finest panoramic viewing point of any publicly accessible venue in the city. The terrace spans the full width of the hotel's upper floor and sweeps across 180 degrees, taking in the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the baroque domes and towers of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Salzach River, and the mountains beyond. The hotel occupies a 16th-century building that has been comprehensively modernised, with interior design favouring clean contemporary lines, bold coloured accents, and locally commissioned artworks.
The hotel's 56 rooms and suites are distributed across several floors of the historic building. Rooms are designed with quality bedding, good lighting, and well-appointed modern bathrooms. Higher floors on the river-facing side command views toward the Old Town. The most sought-after are the corner suites on the upper floors, which frame the fortress and dome skyline simultaneously in two directions.
Rooftop dining and drinks represent the primary draw for non-resident visitors as well as hotel guests. The rooftop bar is one of Salzburg's most popular sunset destinations, filling quickly from early evening through the summer months. The main restaurant at street level serves contemporary Austrian and international cuisine with a modern approach to seasonal ingredients.
Hotel Stein is located in Salzburg's New Town (Neustadt) district on the right bank of the Salzach, with the Old Town visible across the river. The Staatsbrücke bridge, one of the city's main pedestrian crossings, is immediately adjacent to the hotel, placing the Old Town's central squares, the Getreidegasse shopping street, and the festival district within a three-minute walk.
The hotel caters primarily to a design-conscious, younger demographic though its location and views draw guests of all ages seeking a stylish alternative to the city's more traditional grand hotel addresses.
Amenities
- Rooftop terrace bar
- Restaurant
- Concierge
- Room service
- Parking nearby
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Giselakai 3-5, 5020 Salzburg
Highlights
- Famous rooftop terrace
- Old Town views
- Design-forward interiors
- Trendy bar scene
Tips
- The rooftop bar opens to non-guests and becomes very busy after 19:00 in summer — hotel guests can access it from a dedicated internal lift, bypassing the public queue.
- Request upper-floor rooms on the Old Town-facing side at booking; these rooms fill first and command the best views.
- Sunset from the rooftop terrace is most dramatic from May through September, when the sun sets behind the Mönchsberg cliff and illuminates the fortress.
- Giselakai is a moderately busy road; rooms on the courtyard side are noticeably quieter for night-time sleeping.
- The Linzer Gasse shopping street, a short walk from the hotel, offers independent cafés, bookshops, and local retailers in a largely pedestrian setting.
FAQ
Is the rooftop terrace open to non-guests?
Yes, the rooftop bar and terrace at Hotel Stein is open to the public and is one of Salzburg's most popular venues for cocktails and views. Reservations are recommended for the rooftop restaurant during summer months as capacity is limited.
What is the walking time from the hotel to the Old Town?
The Staatsbrücke bridge is immediately adjacent to the hotel and crosses the Salzach in under a minute. From the far end of the bridge, Mozartplatz and the cathedral district are a further three minutes on foot.
Does the hotel have parking?
The hotel does not offer on-site parking. Guests driving to Salzburg can use the Mirabell underground garage or the Altstadt garage on the south bank, both within a short walk of the hotel.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Breakfast options vary by room category and booking rate. Guests should confirm at the time of booking whether breakfast is included; it can be added as a supplement if not.
What is the nearest public transport connection?
Bus stops on Giselakai and Makartplatz, both within a minute's walk, serve multiple city routes and provide connections to the main train station and airport bus.
Accessibility
The hotel has lift access to all guest floors from the lobby. The main entrance on Giselakai is at street level. Accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms are available on request and should be specified at booking. The rooftop terrace is reached by lift, though some areas of the historic building retain original uneven flooring. Guests with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the hotel directly before arriving.
When to visit
The rooftop terrace is at its best from late spring through early autumn (May to October), when the weather supports outdoor dining and the long evening light showcases the fortress and Old Town skyline. Summer weekends are the busiest; weekday visits offer more space at the rooftop bar.