I first reviewed this hotel in July 2006, based on a very good first impression when my family and I booked an apartment there.

Most of what I wrote then still holds true -- the apartments in the hotel are definitely superior to the regular rooms, and a bargain in the center of Graz if you need the space.

However, since I wrote that review, I have been back to Gollner three times. Two out of those three times, I have had major problems getting them to honor my booking. I must therefore revise my original rating.

In December 2006, I used booking.com to reserve an apartment between Christmas and New Year's. On arrival, I gave them my booking confirmation, and they gave us the key. We went up to what we thought was an apartment, to discover it was just a regular business room. Back down to reception, where I pointed out I had reserved an apartment. They informed me there was no apartment available for all four nights of our reservation. We didn't have anywhere else to stay, so we had to take a regular room, which was very inconvenient. They also did not want to give us a lower price, complaining that the rate I had for the apartment from booking.com was already lower than their regular room rate. No one ever offered an explanation or much of an apology, and booking.com was not able to do anything about the situation.

In July 2008, we returned to Gollner, booking an apartment through ratestogo.com, because I hadn't had any problems using them before. As we walked into the lobby, I recognized the desk clerk as being the same person on the desk in December 2006, and immediately had a bad feeling. Sure enough, he gave me a key without saying anything, but I immediately recognized by the room number that it was not for an apartment. I pointed out that our reservation was for an apartment. He already had a copy of the booking behind the desk, and he pretended to study it closely, even though it said "APARTMENT" in bold letters, then said there was no apartment available. I went ballistic, and pointed out this was the second time this had happened.

After some time, he finally said we could get an apartment the next day, and again since we had nowhere else to go, we had to take the regular room for the night. Again, I never got any real explanation or apology.

I think it's safe to bet that the hotel holds low rate internet bookings only as long as no one else shows up ready to pay full price. So, I strongly advise anyone not booking directly with the hotel to be sure to confirm your reservation directly with the hotel, ideally via e-mail so you get it in writing. Still, don't be surprised if you show up and they don't give you what you booked.

I will not be returning.

well, i have nothing special to tell about this hotel.
its location is just perfect if you are in graz as a tourist.
the staff is really kind and friendly.
the interior design is quite poor, looks like a hotel from the late seventies.
the breakfast is good.
so, this is an ok hotel, but not a four star.

We just stayed in one of this hotel's apartments for a long weekend with our 5-month old baby.

The apartment was perfect for our needs and the staff offered to give us a different apartment than the one booked so that we would have access to kitchen facilities. We found the Reception staff to be very welcoming and helpful.

The location of the hotel is fantastic - only a five minute walk to the centre of Graz.

As some reviewers have been less than impressed with this hotel, I thought I should share my own very good experience.

I wanted to take my elderly parents to Graz (my father had been stationed there after the War) and noticed, from its website, that the hotel offers apartments, including use of a kitchenette which seemed a suitable option for 3 people for a week, especially as we didn't always want to eat out. I booked one direct with the hotel and was very satisfied.

The hotel is in a very central location and so it's easy to get everywhere, whether walking or using Graz's excellent public transport. The apartment seemed newly furbished, was clean and comfortable with a very nice view over a rose garden. It also had air-conditioning and use of a roof terrace for sitting, quite an advantage with daily temperatures of 30 centigrade plus.

Breakfast was included: a good and plentiful selection of the usual Austro-German type of breakfast with friendly and efficient service by pleasant ladies.

Reception staff were English speaking and always helpful and courteous.

Graz has many really good or at least solidly reliable restaurants serving Styrian, Austrian or more international fare and the prices seemed to me to offer very good value for money. For Styrian-Austrian cooking I'd recommend Stainzerbauer near the Cathedral, but there are others. For self-catering or even just a snack, the daily market in the Kaiser-Josef-Platz (a stone's throw from the Gollner) is really excellent. Farm fresh produce sold by the farmer (or at least the farmer's wife, mother or grandmother !) and good "fast" food stalls that are nothing like McDonalds.

An interesting and relaxed city well worth visiting. We were there for culture (including the Opera House) and memories, but the city has a student population of over 20 to 30000 so there's plenty for young adults too.

No complaints at all about the Gollner and I'd happily stay there again.