First of all – the hotel is located in the famous “Getreidegasse”, which is more or less the most important street in Austria. It`s the Rue Saint Honoré of Salzburg. And even in this road, the Blaue Gans marks the peak of this alley. The walls from 1320 are at the centre of the bustle: Everything of cultural importance is around the corner.
Owner Andreas Gferer, who is running the place in the fifth generation, transformed the Blaue Gans into a very creative oasis, with works of art, installations and a good mixture of traditional and modern.
The Gastronomy
The centerpiece is the place on the ground floor. Actually it’s three restaurants. First there’s the restaurant with white chairs, but with classic chic and Wiener Schnitzel on the menu. Next to this is a kind of bar-brasserie-bistro, in which you can enjoy a home-made lemon-ginger-lemonade whilst standing at a bar table. Then in the cellar, there is a wine archive, where guests are intentionally seated close together at a table called “La Tavolata” – you might think of a Fellini movie here. The whole room can also be rented completely for birthday celebrations for example. And in summer the creative world of Salzburg meets outside on the terrace in the “Schanigarten“ for drinks und snacks, some jazz music and red Campari drinks.
The Art
You get to the total of 35 rooms through narrow, historical passageways, which have low door beams. However it’s certainly worth dallying in the passageway: Works of art from the private collection of the owner are hanging everywhere. Those who are lucky enough to be given a guided tour by him, get all the information about every piece whispered in their ear. Originals from Joseph Beuys, Gilbert & George or Tobias Rehberger certainly can’t be found in every hotel.
The Rooms
All the rooms and suites are furnished modestly rather than ostentatiously, with high quality parquet floors, furniture from Moroso, MDF Italia, Fredericia or even manufactured by themselves. The walls and floors of the more than 660 year old house are not very compatible with “off the peg” stuff. The design principle: the rooms facing Getreidegasse reflect more their role as an arterial road for merchants. The rooms facing Karajanplatz – the “courtly” Salzburg so to speak – possess a certain urbanity. The most important thing however is: you quickly feel at home. The highlights of course are the suites. The Master Suite, in which not only European presidents have slept, but also stars like Elina Garanca, belongs to the things that people should treat themselves to on special occasions – and it only costs about the same as a standard room in New York.
Ideal for
Every visitor to Salzburg, who is looking for a place to live, rather than a hotel.
Special
Illuminated raised beds are located in the interior courtyard, in which 20 various herbs are cultivated. Naturally they can be rediscovered in your meal when you dine in the restaurant downstairs.
Prices
Double room from 177 euros, suites are available, apart from festival times, for 367 euros per night.
Booking & contact
Arthotel Blaue Gans
Getreidegasse 41-43
5020 Salzburg
Austria
