We chose the hotel because it was the cheapest we could find, though at just ovr $100 a night we thought it somewhat over-priced for what it provided. The room, having a double bed and an overhead bunk bed, was meant for three, but though there were only two occupants I found it uncomfortably small. There was a tiny little desk in a corner, and a small rod and couple of cheap plastic hangers provided an apology for a closet. The toilet and shower, both attached, were tiny, and if a person was standing at the wash basin, another could not move around in that part of the room. The room had another major disadvantage. Though there was a thermostat, temperature was pretty difficult to control. At a time when Graz was having a heat wave, the absence of proper cooling plus the fact that the single window could not be opened left the room extremely stuffy and rendered sleep at night something of a problem.
As against these drawbacks, the room provided free and easy wi-fi access round the clock. There were also at least two electric sockets in the room for charging computers, iPhones, etc., though for the American or British traveler it needs to be emphasized that special plugs meant for European sockets are required. Breakfast, which was included in the price, was excellent. You could call it Continental, but unlike the American idea of Continental breakfasts, which usually consist of a danish or a croissant and coffee, breakfast at Etap was a big affair. You could choose from several cold cereals, cold cuts, cheese, boiled eggs, fruit, tea and coffee; there was also whole milk as well as the skinny variety.
Breakfast was presided over by a staff member who made sure that no items ran out. She or he was also responsible for checking in people, and all the staff was extremely knowledgeable about the city and extremely courteous and helpful. And they all spoke at least three languages, German, English and French, and probably some others as well.
When the staff is not on duty the incoming guest can do a self check-in and be provided with a security number which allows easy entrance and egress. Likewise, after 10 p.m., when staff leave for the night, late-returning guests can use the number for getting entry to their room. It may sound complicated, but the system runs smoothly and is easy to use.
To sum up, points in favor of the hotel are its budget price, its excellent breakfasts, the helpfulness and knowledgeability of its staff, free Internet access, and a fine location which puts the hotel close to important parts of the city. The major disadvantage is the tininess of the rooms, the bare, Sartan furnishings, and the absence of temperature control or air conditioning. Even opening the window for ventilation is not an option.
I also found that though billed as a "budget" establishment, it wasn't all that cheap in comparison to American inns and motels. But then these are European prices for you..