Hotels near Die heangenden Garten der Sulamith, Gemeinde Sankt Kathrein am Offenegg

In Graz for a customer meeting and stayed in Grand Hotel Wiesler Graz for 3 nights (Jan 18 to Jan 21). Truly enjoyed this stay, Five Star for sure. The facility was built in 1909 (guessed from its WiFi password), yet the interior is very modern. The staff was very friendly and responsive, and the breakfast was the best we ever had in Europe. The hotel is in a premium location, with Tram #1, 4,6,7 connecting to the train station,

The hotel is brand new, opened in June this year. Our room was small but very nicely designed. It smelt good as we entered. With its wooden floors and furniture, it had a strong Scandinavian feel to it. Everything is new, sleek and modern. We slept very well and, given its location on a busy street and across from the railway station, remarkably quiet. The whole hotel is an oasis of calm. The breakfast buffet was outstanding. Unfortunately though, our experience at this otherwise excellent hotel was affected by our first few minutes there. We didn’t receive the best welcome: the receptionist was fully focused on someone behind us making a phone call rather than on what we were saying. She did not take any notice of us at all. We were already a little annoyed that the room we had booked the night before was, when we checked the room facilities online, cheaper on the day we checked in. When I asked her whether I could pay immediately rather than in the morning, as we wanted to get away early, she said yes, but it would “take a while”. It wasn’t until later that I realised I had no evidence that I’d paid, so had to ask her for a receipt. She didn’t give us any information about breakfast times, WiFi codes etc but I found that information on the tv screen in our room. Not too professional. Her colleagues on reception when we checked out were super professional and friendly though. First impressions count and if our first impressions had been better, I would have been more than happy to give this hotel the highest rating. We would still happily return though.

Plus points - the location is good and the rooms are a decent size with decent facilities Minus points - the staff friendliness was a bit hit and miss - some where great, some not so helpful. The room service was a bit patchy - one day no towels, another day tea and coffee not replenished. The parking was also not ideal - I booked this hotel because it had hotel parking. I arrived around 10pm and was told the car park was full and I'd have to find somewhere to park myself either on the road outside or search the internet for a car park close by! Not really what I wanted to hear having travelled for around 12 hours - fortunately there was one remaining space fairly close which was a relief. We were lucky for the remainder of our stay that we managed to get a space in the undeground car park. If you do get a space the car park is really good - well lit, modern and easy to park with good room for each parking space. Overall our stay was ok.