With a sprinkling of snow dust, and the scent of sausages and evergreen in the air, Salzburg, Austria, seems like a storybook setting for the holiday season; and a stay at the city’s Crowne Plaza Salzburg –The Pitter—means you’re in a perfect location to enjoy all the timely good cheer (and “glühwein”) the city offers.
That’s not to say summertime isn’t also a great season to book a few nights near these hills that come alive with music; it’s just that when the Christmas market is in full swing here, Salzburg sparkles and sings in a whole different way.
Photo: Donna Tabbert Long
Located within a 10-minute walk of the train station, the hotel is also a 10-minute walk from the historic Old Town and its spectacular cathedral—in front of which the main Christmas market has been taking place for some 500 years. I loved strolling there each morning, walking through the nearby Mirabell Palace and Garden (a picturesque place to indulge on a warm pretzel from a smaller market) then crossing over one of the bridges into Old Town. At night, with the lights reflected in the water, crossing the bridge on the way back to the hotel was magical.
Photo: Donna Tabbert Long
Originally opened by the Pitter family in 1864, the Pitter in 2014 celebrated its 150th anniversary by adding and opening its newly built Pitter Event Center.
It also refurbished its 199 rooms—which include 60 newly built rooms (31 are new Panorama Suites and Courtyard Junior Suites—offering views across the old town of Salzburg). All rooms have AC, free wi-fi, flatscreen t.v.s, coffee and tea making facilities, spacious modern bathrooms (bathrobes and slippers provided) and comfy beds.
I stayed there before its other new addition was built too: the Imlauer Sky-Bar and Restaurant on the top floor. 
But downstairs I stopped in its Restaurant PitterKeller—still popular—and which is considered the oldest beer cellar of Salzburg. With a selection of more than 30 beers, the room is huge and filled with memorabilia and photos of long ago; it’s a cozy and fun spot to relax and re-charge with plenty of foaming good cheer—but it also offers traditional hearty Austrian fare as well.
Photo: Donna Tabbert Long
The lobby is sunlit, beautiful and modern; check-in is easy and fast — and staff are super friendly and helpful (all speak excellent English). Room rates start at approximately $145 and run to $246. There is underground parking available for an additional fee. 
For more information or reservations, check the InterContinental Hotel Group website. You can also book online through Hotels.com and Booking.com.
Review by Donna Tabbert Long who was a guest of the hotel’s. Photos courtesy of IMLAUER Hotels & Restaurants unless otherwise noted.
