13 Best Hotels in Carinthia and Graz, Austria

A glass-and-chrome structure in the middle of a residential neighborhood, the Augarten has more than 400 pieces of art, from the 1960s to the present day, spread through every room and common area. The spacious guest rooms, almost all with terraces, are decorated with a cool, lean touch, yet offer the ultimate in luxury—heated wood floors, feather beds, and eye-catching expensive fabrics. Want to go for a midnight swim in the heated indoor pool? No problem—all facilities are open 24 hours.

Occupying the 18th-century Palais Inzaghi, the Dom's whimsically decorated rooms combine the old history of Graz with the new modern style. The hotel is in an excellent central location, offers spacious rooms, and the rooftop suite has a Jacuzzi on a secluded terrace.

Just a few steps from the center's main square, this convenient little hotel is a good choice for leisure or business travelers on a budget. The staff is friendly and helpful. The lobby and the lounge are modern, with green accents setting a relaxing tone. A pleasant inner courtyard invites quiet relaxation, but in winter, you might prefer the brick-wall café where breakfast is served. Rooms are comfortable but basic.

A large property on the river, Das Weitzer offers a modern stay in the heart of Graz, which you can see from the upper floor rooms and sauna. Rooms are spacious, well-maintained, and unfussy. The Economy room is a great price, but the Classic offers a bit more comfort. The Weitzer’s sauna features a 360° view looking out over the city's rooftops. Even non-fitness fans will want to visit the wellness area’s shower which features thousands of shimmering glass mosaic tiles and a huge crystal chandelier.

Travelers who prefer a traditionally elegant city hotel will be happy with this historic establishment in a 16th-century building. It is ideally located on a corner of the Hauptplatz in the Old City. Rooms are somewhat dated but furnished charmingly, some in Biedermeier style, some with exotic themes and canopied beds in red or purple velvet. All rooms open onto a sunny and luxuriant winter garden. 

Located on the Mur River, this hotel retains its palatial proportions and historic character but its 2018 makeover brought modern comfort and quirky design details. Five guesthouses were converted into Hotel Wiesler in 1870 and the property has seen several lives; today, this historic property offers stylish, modern rooms in seven different categories and sizes. Guest rooms come in a variety of sizes, from compact to spacious, and feature a fresh white backdrop for a variety of contemporary art, hand-painted Talavera sinks from Mexico, free-standing bath tubs, guitars, typewriters, easels, and working fireplaces. The Oasis spa offers wellness inspired by the Orient with a sauna, steam bath, and Arabian tea room.

Located next door to the train station, Hotel Daniel's young, fresh concept makes it the go-to budget option in Graz. Less is more here: rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed, but there is no space for a proper desk or bureau. Bikes and e-Vespas are available to rent and you can indulge in the hotel’s own honey, gathered from four bee colonies on the terrace. The entrance uses space in the same economical way as the rooms: it functions as the lobby, café, bar, and lounge.

A popular hotel since the mid-1800s and family-owned for four generations, the friendly Gollner is close to the Jakominiplatz and about a 10-minute walk from the Old City. Rooms are mostly contemporary in design, with soothing neutral decor, soundproof windows, and plentiful space for toiletries in the bathrooms. For families and longer stays, the Gollner offers apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

A comfortable hotel in the center of things, the Mariahilf is across the river from the Old City close to the Kunsthaus. The rooms are nothing fancy, but the hotel is in a pedestrian zone, so the noises you'll hear will be church bells and the sound of people hurrying to and fro. A tram stop is just steps away to take you to the city center, or you can cross one of the two nearby bridges and reach the Altstadt on foot after a short walk.

Once the watering hole of Klagenfurt society, the Sandwirth now features streamlined furniture and innovative works of art that recast vintage landscape photographs in a new light, while retaining the 19th-century yellow facade. Guest rooms are subtly elegant and modern, with beige-and-cream accents. The small rooms are small, and some tend to be dark. Be sure to have lunch, dinner, or an afternoon tea break at the café-restaurant, which is a popular rendezvous in town.

Contemporary art meets antiquity and modern convenience at this town house tucked up against the foot of the Schlossberg, which was turned into a hotel in 1982. The tastefully furnished rooms display provincial antiques as well as 18th-century portraits, while the corridors are filled with modern artworks and an interesting display of old Styrian lamps. The excellent breakfast in the pretty dining room will give you strength to follow the owner's suggestions for a great day of sightseeing. The outdoor pool, on a rocky terrace, offers a spectacular view of the city.

Designed by a group of young Austrian architects, this hotel attracts business and leisure travelers alike, thanks to its position on the shores of the Wörthersee. Access to the hotel is from a busy road, but once inside a sense of space and nature prevail, with an outdoor terrace facing the lake and excellent gym, sauna, and pools. The rooms are sleekly designed and comfortable, some with balconies that offer great views. Avoid rooms facing the street.

This delightful hotel is decorated in modern country house style and boasts a prime location on the main medieval town square. Villa Bucher is housed in the historic Metnitztaler Hof building, erected in the first half of 13th century. The standard rooms are fairly stark with an abundance of wood while the superior rooms are softer with soothing hues. The best rooms have balconies and overlook the spectacular castle ruins. Other rooms face the town square and are not worth the price. Half board is available for an extra €28 per person.