Sleeping near the square in Salzburg

Which square are you talking about?

It's been a few years since I was in Salzburg, but I thought I would mention that one could not drive directly into the old center and had to park instead in a public garage just outside. The streets leading into the center had those gate arms, and they won't open without an access card. Just an FYI in case you're driving and it's still that way (I don't know why it wouldn't be). I would have liked to have known this info in advance at the time. :) Cheers!

The Old Town near Steingasse or Getriedegasse. Any thoughts?

You can use the map on Tripadvisor to pinpoint location. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g190441-Salzburg_Austrian_Alps-Hotels.html Check the "B&B/Inns" option if that is what you wish to see, rather than hotels.

Distances might be less than you think. We stay in new town and it is < 10 minutes walk from cathedral. Many of Rick's recommendations will be similar. We prefer new town for our evening walks along Franz Josef Str. to the Mirabell Gartens with views through the garden up to the castle. There are also decent restaurants in new town that are a bit less crowded. We like the Hotel Bergland. http://www.berglandhotel.at/Deutsch.html

Weisse Taube is not expensive, in old town, and very nice.

Agree with LaRae... Altstadthotel Weisse Taube is a great hotel right in the old center. It wasn't super cheap, but it wasn't expensive either. Not sure if it's in RS book or not...haven't looked for some time. I'll also second the recommendation to use tripadvisor for other choices.

Just found Hotel Weisse Taub only available for one of the two nights I needed so called Gasthaus zur Goldenen Ente. The Gasthaus offered me, with the RS book, two connected rooms, called a "Superior Bedroom" with them adding a bed and the double room and this room connected to a another room with two single beds and bathrooms in each room. Cost Euro 290 per night for five adults. The Weisse Taub had two doubles and a single, not connected, for Euro 283. I'm pleased that for only seven more Euro my husband and I can be connected to our three young adult kids in more of a suite-like accomodation. Breakfast included. And located in Old Town. I think the RS book really helps.
Just wanted those of you who helped me know what kind of price I am paying and that I spoke with very friendly people at each location.

Jana, it's been a long time (almost 15 years) but we enjoyed our stay at the Austrotel Salzburg. It's not in the old town but just across the pedestrian bridge and right across the street from the entrance to Mirabell Gardens and Palace. Nothing fancy but clean and convenient and under $100/night in July. Not sure about how many rooms you intend to get for 5 adults but worth checking into. Just wanted to add that the under $100 is a current price, not from 15 years ago. Also the hotel is still rated "very good" on Trip Advisor and Booking.com.

The Goldene Ente restaurant is fabulous.

Jana, We've stayed at the Goldenen Ente 3 times and absolutely love it. I didn't recommend it at first because I thought it would be out of your price range. Breakfast there is fantastic and the location can't be beat. The staff is also very helpful and friendly. And as another poster mentioned the restaurant is very good also. Try their goulash soup!

Jana, I stayed at the Hotel Goldene Krone last time I was in Salzburg, and was very pleased with the service and the room. It's in the old town and within easy walking distance to many sights. Happy travels!