This beautiful yellow manor house—really a castle—stands on top of a hill at the center of Salzburg, just like a fairy tale. The building was constructed as a fortified tower in 1350 and wasn't transformed into a hotel until 1950. Atop the mountain you feel removed from civilization, pampered at the height of luxury, even though you're only 15 minutes from town. On the premises are a wedding chapel and a garden terrace overlooking a statue of Apollo in the roomy private park. Rooms come in varying sizes and styles, but are uniformly elegant and comfortable. The use of bright and pastel colors balances paneling and antiques. Some rooms are quite luxurious, with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and oriental rugs on parquet floors. The suites are some of the most spectacularly decorated rooms in Salzburg. A 2014 renovation brought new air conditioning and an upgrade to the spa, with an outdoor garden whirlpool and and an infinity pool with a view of the city. The award-winning Restaurant Schloss Mönchstein serves first-rate Austrian and international dishes at elegant, candlelit tables. The hotel also has various terraces for dining, and prepares a charming picnic basket for lazy afternoon lunches on the extensive and romantic castle grounds. For very special occasions, "The Smallest Restaurant in the World" seats up to four in the castle tower, with panoramic views through the petite windows.