Anyone who has traveled to Austria is probably familiar with Vienna and Salzburg, but Graz is where it’s at. The second largest city in Austria, Graz is a “must do” for foodies, architecture and art lovers. When in Graz, stay at Grand Hotel Wiesler. This luxury Graz hotel is where celebrities sleep, but you don’t have to be a celebrity to be treated like a VIP.
Whether you have two days in Graz or a week, Grand Hotel Wiesler has an ideal city center location. The hotel sits next to River Mur and is across the street from Kunsthaus Graz, the Graz Art Museum, aka friendly alien. Cross the pedestrian bridge to old town and you’ll be steps from the tram that will whisk you up Schlossberg (Castle Hill) to the clock tower. If you’ve noticed that I’m using a mixture of German and English words in this hotel review, it’s because German is the predominant language spoken in Austria. Don’t worry, most everyone speaks English in Graz and the hotel staff is anxious to help answer any questions.
Luxury Graz hotel
Renovated in 2018, the four-star Graz hotel was built in 1909 and blends old world charm and Austrian hospitality with contemporary art and modern amenities. The words “better times are coming. They are called holidays,” jump out in bold, white block letters from behind a black wall that greets guests at the reception area. Look up and you’ll notice Austrian artist Clemens Hollerer ‘Jigsaw Falling into Place’ modern art installation suspended from the ceiling in the lobby. Like a puzzle piece, white Art Nouveau walls join together with his enamel-painted wood structure to bring new energy to the historic hotel.
There are many things to see and do in Graz, but if you want to do Graz like a local, hop on one of Hotel Wiesler’s vintage bicycles and set off on a day of adventure. After a day of exploring this UNESCO World Heritage City, have dinner at one of the many Styrian style restaurants like the 500 year old Stainzerbauer by Graz Cathedral.
Grand rooms at Grand Hotel Wiesler
As I mentioned, this luxury Graz hotel has seen its share of celebrities from Mick Jagger to Jennifer Laurence. Former California Governor and local Austrian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stays here when he’s in town. I didn’t stay in the Schwarzenegger Suite, but if you enjoy a soak in a fancy free standing bath tub, surrounded by red velvet curtains, this is the room for you.
I stayed in room #301, the Grand Independent, complete with king bed, wood floors, high ceilings, windows that open to River Mur views and a fancy chandelier hanging above the reading chair. Standard features that one would expect in a luxury Graz hotel include free high-speed WiFi, in-room safe, air-conditioning, telephone, hair dryer and mini fridge.
I liked the hand-painted, brightly colored Talavera sink from Mexico, rainfall shower and Ferdinand bath amenities.
With 102 rooms, 7 hotel room categories and 2 elevators, this luxury Graz hotel meets the needs of business or leisure travelers. I was here to attend Propel Graz a conference for travel bloggers, so the conference facilities worked great for our group. My millenial son would have loved the on-site barber shop. I liked the sauna and Arabian tea room. I think I’m the only person in Austria who doesn’t like coffee.
Hotel dining
Speisesaal restaurant was my go to breakfast spot each morning, but I did splurge on room service one time. The lavish breakfast buffet included fresh baked breads with jams, meats, local cheeses, fresh fruit and yogurt, as well as hot and cold dishes, fresh juices and strong Austrian coffee. While it may not be “heart-healthy” I spotted the warm chocolate fondue with fruit on the first morning of my multi-day stay. The restaurant also served lunch, dinner and homemade Austrian cakes.
Need to know:
Rates start at 105 euros per room, per night, excluding breakfast and city tax. Hotel rates fluctuate regarding availability and events happening in Graz. Hotel Wiesler is pet-friendly and charges 18 euro per pet, per night.
The hotel offers a parking garage behind the hotel with 24 hour access for 15 euro. Valet parking is not offered. If you fly into Graz, you won’t need a car. It is a very walkable city.
Room service is available 24 hours daily for an additional 3.50 euro per person.
The hotel has a small gym.
Check in: 2:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m
Insider Tips:
The junior suites have bath tubs and views that look out to old town and Schlossberg. During my stay I found Woogle milk caramels in a circular container next to my bed. The hotel prides itself on featuring local companies like Woogle, and utilizing local food companies in the restaurant. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and Grand Hotel Wiesler on Instagram.
If You Go:
Grand Hotel Wiesler +43 316 7066-0
Grieskai 4-8
8020 Graz, Austria
Grand Hotel Wiesler luxury Graz hotel review, YouTube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a media rate during my stay, however, all opinions are my own.
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