After hunting for months on all hotels around Salzburg for a little getaway, I decided to take pop luck and book the Intercontinental Hotel for our little getaway before driving to Salzburg for a conference from Munich Airport.

One does absolutely need a car if staying at this hotel; however, it is well worth an effort to do so. The hotel is located up a steep windy hill from the town of Berchtesgaden in an isolated and prime position overlooking stunning views of the Alps.

The hotel is ultra modern stylish 5 star hotel with a slight ‘precious” feel but offers fantastic facilities for a romantic getaway.

Check in – fast and efficient.

Room – Our room had direct magnificent views of the Alps. A spacious room with a seriously cute gas open fireplace, lounge room with a complementary mini bar, tv and sliding doors with balcony (no balcony size) just sliding doors to a railing.

The bathroom was spacious with all fab toiletries and robes. One would be hard to find a fault with the facilities or amenities within this hotel.

Breakfast – We enjoyed everything including the friendly and helpful staff. A great variety which consisted all possibilities regarding breakfast.

Swimming Pool – We went down to check it all out, but we were grossly disappointed with the attitude of the staff. (No return ..and NO treatment from us ! ). Too precious….

Restaurants – Are all fabulous with excellent menus and wine lists. On the lower level lobby there is an amazing wine bar with an incredible overwhelming selection of every wine available from every country of the world.

Overall – Regardless of spa staff, we actually really enjoyed our stay and thought the hotel to offer fabulous modern, ultra hotel facilities for a romantic getaway. Anyway, just look a the pictures for instant impressions.

One needs a car - its difficult to find.- took approx 2-3hrs from Munich Airport.

My wife and I have stayed at the Intercontinental resort every February for our anniversary ever since it opened. the place is magnificent. Staff super professional, magnificent bar with a huge fire place overlooking the mountains. Wonderful indoor outdoor 35 degree pool. Have to admit that it is remote, somewhat.. A ten minute drive gets you into the heart of Berchtesgaden and a little more into Salzburg. It's the kind of place to splurge, park the car, put up your feet and get pampered! Beware, you will not want to leave!!

The Intercontinental hotel is truly a spectacular property in a gorgeous setting. The consequence for this beauty is it's remoteness. It is located about 35 minutes from Salzburg by taxi on a very steep/narrow mountain road. You may have problems getting a taxi if the car isn't properly equiped for the conditions. The hotel is very contemporary and cosmopolitan in both design and clientel. Most of the hotel staff are able to communicate to a degree in english so not such a problem. The rooms were spacious and extremely well maintained. The SPA and pool facitlities are fantastic with an absolutely gorgeous view of the mountains from the outdoor heated pool. So what was the downside of our stay...the hotel is very limited in dining options. The only casual dining is the hotel bar with a very...very limited menu and extremely long wait times. The bar staff were friendly but the drinks overpriced and who would have expected to see mice run across the lounge literally...ok so they were from the forest and kind of cute....but really at a five star hotel? The breakfast charge was outrageous $50 per person...and there is literally no store of any kind that sells toiletries and essentials. If not for the remoteness I would rate much higher.

After a year travelling to and from Germany (and having stopped in all five other Intercontis in Germany), I can safely say that this is definitely the most spectacular. Situated in Obersalzburg (about 10 minutes drive from Berchtesgaden), the Interconti is in a remote and quiet location. It has one of the best views on the mountain looking down towards Berchtesgaden.
I rented a Duplex suite which has direct views towards Berchtesgaden and over to Austria. I also could see the Kehlsteinhaus (otherwise known as the Eagle's Nest). The suite was very large at 154sqm and had a 40 sqm balcony. Everything was beautifully furnished and comfortable, with the bathroom equipped with large Molton Brown toiletries.
The hotel has an excellent spa; I was welcomed by the Spa Director who was very friendly and helpful. Of particular note is the outdoor swimming pool with can be used all year round. It is possible to swim from the indoor pool area to the outdoor pool via a sliding door which is operated by sensor. Once outdoors one has views of the mountains. All other areas of the spa (including treatment rooms), were impeccable.
The hotel has a number of restaurants, including one holding a Michelin star, Le Ciel - food and service were both impeccable.
In summary, I can safely say that this is an outstanding hotel and I would definitely return. A quick mention for couples: this is a fairytale type location and highly romantic; a tough place to leave.