When the Gürtler family, owners of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, took over what used to be the Hotel d'Autriche in 1989 it only grew in popularity among well-heeled visitors to the city on the Salzach. From the old town you can see the terrace of the chic Café Sacher, its lights reflecting romantically on the river. The private and public spaces here have big windows with panoramic views. Rooms are cheerful and comfortable, with excellent beds and luxurious furniture, beautifully combining modern and antique styles. In early 2014 a number of rooms on the second and third floors were renovated, overlooking the river, and I recommend trying to book one of these. Most doubles are large, with elegant marble bathrooms and separate tubs and showers. Suites are very roomy and polished, with understated color schemes and lots of light. Unlike the Vienna Sacher, Salzburg's does not have an extensive spa area, but it does boast a sauna, steam bath, and small fitness area, as well as massage service, which needs to be booked in advance. There is food and drink at every turn: Both the Wintergarden, a banquet room, and the Roter Salon, an opulent dining room facing the river, are great for imbibing. The Zirbelzimmer is a Gault Millau award-winning restaurant. There are also two riverside terraces at the Salzachgrill, offering everything from a snack to a steak, and the aforementioned Café Sacher, which is a traditional Austrian café. If all that wasn't enough, there's also the Sacher pastry shop, which sells the famous Original Sacher-Torte.