by When I first traveled to Graz, Austria, I thought of hotels as nothing more than places to sleep. But this city subtly changed my perspective with its unique charm. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz isn’t just about Baroque architecture and terracotta rooftops—it also embraces contemporary design in ways that surprise and delight. Here, even the places you stay are filled with artistic flair and creativity.
During this trip, I specifically chose three boutique hotels recommended by locals. Unlike cookie-cutter chain hotels, these gems stand out in their architecture, interior design, and attention to detail. Here’s a detailed account of the three stylish, design-forward hotels I personally experienced in Graz.
1. Kai 36 – A Contemporary Art Gallery at the Foot of the Castle Hill
Love at First Sight with Modernist Architecture
Kai 36 was the first hotel I stayed at, and its location couldn’t have been better—right at the foot of Schlossberg (Castle Hill) and close to the heart of the old town. The building features a striking combination of concrete and glass, giving off a “quiet industrial chic” vibe. Stepping inside, I found a lobby filled with wall-sized photo art, making the space feel more like a modern gallery than a hotel. The lighting was subtle, almost theatrical, spotlighting each artwork with intention. Every corner seemed curated, from the polished concrete floors to the minimal reception desk, giving me the feeling I had walked into an architectural digest feature.
A Room That Reflects an Architect’s Vision
I stayed in a Superior Double Room, where the design was minimalist yet sophisticated. Grey concrete walls paired beautifully with warm walnut furniture, and the bedside lamp looked more like a sculpture than a light fixture. The bed was cloud-soft, but what truly captivated me was the view—looking out toward the Mur River and the green slope of Schlossberg, with the golden light of dusk pouring in. It felt like nature and architecture were having a quiet conversation through the window. Even the linen textures were thoughtfully chosen: crisp, breathable, and subtly scented with a touch of lavender.
Rooftop Pool – A Private Oasis Above the City
The rooftop infinity pool at Kai 36 is a true highlight. From the water, you can gaze out over Graz’s old town, its church spires, and the rolling hills beyond. I went for a swim at 6 a.m., with no one else around. The water was perfectly warm, the surface gently rippling—at that moment, the entire city felt like it belonged only to me. Morning mist floated above the rooftops, and the first rays of sun painted the sky in delicate pastels. It wasn’t just swimming; it was a meditative experience in a suspended moment of peace.
Nearby Highlights: Schlossberg Night Climb & Old Town Morning Run
One great perk of staying here is the immediate access to the Schlossberg trail. I climbed it one night with a headlamp, enjoying a serene view of Graz under the stars. The stone steps led me past ivy-covered walls and ancient fortifications, all bathed in silence. The next morning, I went jogging along the Mur River, passing the Murinsel (Mur Island) and the Kunsthaus, all while soaking up the city’s architectural beauty. The rhythmic sound of my footsteps, mixed with birdsong and the distant hum of trams, made it a perfect Graz morning.
2. Hotel Wiesler – Where Nostalgia Meets Avant-Garde
A Historic Landmark Hotel Reimagined
Hotel Wiesler is one of Graz’s oldest hotels, located in a prime spot right by the Mur River. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the old town, Kunsthaus, and the main square. Housed in a Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) building, the exterior radiates European old-world charm. What makes it special is how it honors its history without being trapped in the past. Subtle renovations have introduced avant-garde design elements—like laser-cut signage and abstract light installations—blending seamlessly with the original mosaic floors and wrought-iron railings. It feels like time folds into itself here, making every hallway a walk through eras.
An Artistic Installation You Can Sleep In
I stayed in the “Independent Room,” and walking in literally made me stop in my tracks. One wall was left with exposed original brickwork, and the furnishings included a vintage record player, leather sofa, and industrial-style pendant lights. A spray-paint mural hung above the bed, giving the room the feel of a curated art installation. The layering of textures—rough bricks, soft velvet, smooth concrete—felt intentional and sensory. It wasn’t just a place to rest; it was a room that stirred creativity. I spent the evening flipping through art books and spinning jazz records, completely absorbed in the ambiance.
Speisesaal Restaurant – A Retro Industrial Breakfast Haven
The breakfast room at Wiesler, Speisesaal, is the most design-conscious breakfast space I’ve encountered. With exposed cement ceilings, greenery, wrought iron accents, and leather chairs, the ambiance was like a retro loft. The buffet was styled like a farmers’ market stall, and even the yogurt came in ceramic jars—an absolute dream for detail lovers. The scent of fresh bread mingled with locally roasted coffee as sunlight streamed in through large factory-style windows. Guests chatted quietly over wooden tables, and the whole experience felt effortlessly chic, like dining inside an art magazine spread.
Nearby Highlights: Kunsthaus by Night & Mur Riverside Strolls
Wiesler’s location is unbeatable. During the day, you can easily walk to the Kunsthaus for some contemporary art appreciation. The building itself, nicknamed the “Friendly Alien,” is a masterpiece of blob architecture and reflects perfectly in the river. At night, take a riverside stroll and watch the Murinsel shimmer under city lights—it’s as dreamy as it sounds. The bridge glows softly, and the sound of water flowing beneath you adds to the poetic mood. Graz reveals its most romantic side here, and the journey back to Wiesler becomes a graceful wind-down to the day.
3. Lendhotel – A Contemporary Art Lover’s Home Base
Design Vanguard in the Lend District
If the old town is Graz’s soul, then the Lend district is undoubtedly its creative nerve center—a dynamic, evolving hub where street art, independent cafés, and weekend markets come together in perfect harmony. Lendhotel sits at the very heart of this district, capturing its essence through a striking architectural identity. The building, wrapped in sleek black aluminum with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, exudes a cool, sculptural elegance. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere changes. It feels less like checking into a hotel and more like entering a carefully curated gallery space. Every corner speaks to modernity, inspiration, and originality.
Living in a Daily Work of Art
I stayed in a so-called standard room, though the experience was anything but ordinary. The bold, expressive color palette—deep forest green walls, burnt brick red accents, and soft cream tones—felt like stepping into an abstract painting. There was thoughtful attention to every detail: custom-designed sculptural hangers, minimalist light fixtures, and a curated selection of local architecture and design magazines on the desk. A large, contemporary photograph above the bed set the tone for the space. The view from my window revealed the bustling Lendplatz Market below and the gently rising silhouette of Schlossberg in the distance, adding a poetic layer to each morning’s wake-up call.
Rooftop Terrace + Plant-Based Dining = Aesthetic Living
My absolute favorite feature of Lendhotel was its rooftop terrace—a tranquil, open-air space perfect for unwinding. I began each morning with a gentle yoga session under the Graz sky, surrounded by panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and green hills. In the evening, the terrace transformed into an intimate lookout where the city’s lights twinkled like stars. Downstairs, the hotel’s in-house restaurant carried the same stylish ethos, serving creative plant-based dishes that were as beautiful as they were nourishing. Their smoothie bowls were topped like works of art, and the wholegrain sandwiches were packed with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a sensory experience.
Nearby Highlights: Lendplatz Market & Local Design Stores
Just steps from the hotel is the lively Lendplatz Market, a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Open three times a week, the market overflows with fresh fruits, organic vegetables, handmade cheeses, honey from Styrian bees, seasonal flowers, and artisanal crafts. The atmosphere is both vibrant and authentic, offering a perfect glimpse into Graz’s daily rhythm. After browsing the stalls, I wandered into a hidden alley where I discovered a tiny design boutique. Inside, I found a delicate ring made from recycled glass—its subtle elegance and eco-conscious origin made it the perfect souvenir. It also paired poetically with the glass bottle charm I’d picked up earlier on Mur Island.
Graz Boutique Hotel Highlights
These three hotels represent different facets of Graz’s design philosophy: Kai 36 showcases poetic minimalism, Hotel Wiesler merges nostalgia with innovation, and Lendhotel offers full immersion in contemporary art.
Each one is more than just a place to sleep—they’re extensions of the city’s culture, design, and character. Staying in them made me realize that the most meaningful part of travel isn’t just checking off sights, but syncing your rhythm with the city and experiencing its spirit through where you stay.
Booking Tip
All three hotels can be reserved via Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com. To ensure the best room options, it’s recommended to book early—especially during Graz’s art festivals or peak summer season.
If you’re planning a unique journey through Austria, consider giving yourself a few nights in these lesser-known, locally loved boutique hotels in Graz. It’s a chance to truly “live inside design.”
