Grand Hotel Wiesler

Grand Hotel Wiesler, Graz: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Grand Hotel Wiesler in Graz, Austria, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique blend of historic grandeur and contemporary style, making it a highly-rated choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in the heart of the city. Originally dating back to 1909, the hotel skillfully combines its rich past with modern design elements and a vibrant atmosphere.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the Grand Hotel Wiesler frequently receiving "Excellent" ratings. Agoda.com shows an average rating of 8.8 based on over 4,110 reviews, while Booking.com shows many recent reviews giving 9.0 or 10.0 ratings. Guests consistently express their love for the hotel, often highlighting its unique charm and ability to exceed expectations. The hotel is praised for its "Jugendstil vibe with a contemporary twist."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's:

• Location: Perfectly situated in the city center, making it ideal for exploring Graz's attractions like the Clock Tower and Murinsel, with many sights within walking distance. It's also conveniently located directly on the Mur river, across from Graz's old town.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel is celebrated for its stylish, modern, and unique design, which artfully balances century-old elegance with casual boutique-style gestures and cheeky modern graphic flourishes. It offers a cozy atmosphere, described as "somewhere between Soul and Art Nouveau."
• Dining & Bar: Salon Marie, the hotel's versatile restaurant and bar, is a significant draw. It's popular with locals, contributing to a lively and authentic vibe, and offers a welcoming atmosphere for unwinding.
• Service & Staff: Numerous reviews commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, welcoming, and providing excellent service.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the Grand Hotel Wiesler are described as very nice, clean, spacious, and comfortable, often featuring unique layouts and decor. Some rooms offer fantastic views of the Mur river and the Old Town Square. Guests appreciate the amenities provided, and some suites even feature large tubs and cozy balconies. The hotel offers various room types, including suites, with options like king beds, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Grand Hotel Wiesler is a major highlight, particularly the breakfast. Salon Marie, the hotel's restaurant, serves a hearty and rich breakfast buffet that many consider the "best hotel breakfast you will find in Graz" and "extraordinary." It is described as delicious and beautifully presented. Beyond breakfast, Salon Marie offers Austrian and exquisite international cuisine, along with special treats and excellent cocktails at the hotel bar.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Grand Hotel Wiesler consistently receive high praise. Guests frequently describe the staff as "friendly," "helpful," "welcoming," and providing "excellent service." The "warmness of the staff" is a recurring positive comment, contributing to a pleasant and memorable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Grand Hotel Wiesler boasts an excellent, central location directly on the Mur river in Graz's old town. This prime position allows for easy exploration of the city, with attractions such as the Kunsthaus (328 feet away), Murinsel (984 feet away), and the Schlossbergbahn (a 5-minute walk) all within convenient walking distance. The hotel also offers an on-site public parking garage and provides bicycle and e-Vespa rentals, enhancing accessibility and convenience for guests.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges are not detailed in the general reviews, the overall sentiment suggests that the Grand Hotel Wiesler offers good value for what guests receive. The hotel's status as a Michelin Key Selected property implies a certain level of quality and service that typically commands a corresponding price point. Booking directly through the hotel's website is often highlighted as the "cheapest" and "fastest" way to secure a reservation.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly praised, a few recurring issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Wellness Area: The wellness area, including the sauna and fitness room, is sometimes described as small, basic, or "quite disappointing." However, some guests still find the sauna peaceful despite its size, and the fitness room is noted for having high-quality equipment.
• Noise: Some reviews mention potential noise issues, particularly from outside, such as garbage collection early in the morning, due to windows not being well-insulated.
• Thin Doors: One guest noted that the doors could be thin, potentially impacting sound insulation within the hotel.

Overall, the Grand Hotel Wiesler stands out as a charming and stylish hotel in an unbeatable location, offering excellent service and a fantastic dining experience, particularly its renowned breakfast. Its few minor drawbacks are generally outweighed by the numerous positive aspects of a stay.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. austrianveganderlust.com
5. booking.com
6. grandhotelwiesler.com
7. grandhotelwiesler.com