Choosing Hallstatt lodging - opinions ???

Hallstatt is very beautiful but also very tiny, I wouldn't want to use it as a base for the whole trip. It's a little away from it all, cut off and has swarms of day trippers.. (like me)
I've had 2 week vacations in Austria 5 times and although I have only been to Hallstatt for a day I really feel there are so many others places you could use as a base to explore from yet still be somewhere full of authentic village charm.

We are driving from Salzburg (after 2 weeks in Italy) to Hallstatt for an evening and another day (for hiking/biking) before we drive to Garmisch, Munich, Tubingen, and German points beyond. So this is quick, but we chose Hallstatt instead of the Berchtesgaden area....

OK just 1 night now that makes sense! .
As for Garmisch, are you planning on spending time there? (not one of my favorite places) however, you do have Ehrwald and Lermoos on the other side of the Zugspitze mountain. Both lovely villages to stay in and hike from.

Carla, If time will allow, I'd suggest at least two days in Hallstatt. While it IS a very small town, it's also a great place to "recharge batteries" before continuing with travels elsewhere. There are also a few interesing sites and activities..... > The Salt Mine tour (the tour only takes a couple of hours, but you could stop at Rudolfsturm for lunch and a "cool one" and enjoy the incredibly gorgeous views from the patio - from there you can either take the Funicular back down the mountain or hike - Hallstatt is older than Rome, and is famous for it's Salt Mine) > The Museum > Boat trips on the lake (you could also take a trip across the lake on Stefanie, as that provides a great view of the town). > Churches (as I recall, there's both a Catholic and Protestant Church in town - they're interesting due to their age) AFAIK, you won't be able to drive in town, so you'll have to park at the far end by the Funicular station and walk to your accommodations. I'm not familiar with the B&B's you mentioned. I stayed at Gasthof Simony (older but very comfortable) and I'm also familiar with Seehotel Grüner Baum which is next door to Simony. Any of the properties listed in the Guidebook will be clean and reliable. Happy travels!

We can't wait ! It truly appears to be an incredible area. These locations appear even in the RS book, and I just wonder if there is a way to separate them and make a decision !