Schlossberghotel

The Schlossberghotel is ideally located near the river, just a block from the pedestrian heart of Graz. The tasteful decor of this splendid small hotel is most refreshing. After the ornate, fussy antique furniture encountered in many hotels throughout Austria, the Schlossberghotel is like a breath of fresh air. The mood is set by the exterior, which is composed of three simple shuttered buildings, one painted French blue, one gray, and one yellow. Inside there is a small courtyard, a tiny bar, a comfortable lounge, and two very cozy breakfast rooms. The owner, Dr. Marko, is a retired racing-car driver. His attractive wife used to own an antique store, and it is her fine taste for simple, predominantly country-style antiques that creates the delightful ambiance. The walls are painted white, contrasting pleasantly with the antique wooden furniture, baskets of fresh flowers, and colorful old oil paintings. The bedrooms offer modern conveniences such as mini-bar, satellite TV, radio, and phone, yet still maintain the country feel, often with antique accents such as beautiful armoires. About 80 percent of the rooms lead to one of several romantic inner courts. From the terrace on the hillside behind the hotel, reached by taking the elevator to the top floor, the view over the tiled rooftops across the river to the cathedral is spectacular. On one terrace level there is a small swimming pool.

At first glance, the romantic hotel at the foot of the Schlossberg has the appearance of an idyllic small townhouse. But hidden behind its walls is an ambience truly worthy of any castle.
A hotel with all the comforts, tightly pressed up against the mountain’s rocky face, yet only a three-minute walk from the pulsating centre of the city. But behind its blue façade, it is dominated by an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity combined with urbane elegance.

Looking at it from the exterior, you would probably never guess that this building, whose history extends back to the year 1450, is home to 54 rooms, including 4 suites, each of which, though equally matched with regard to luxury and standards, otherwise bears no comparison to the other. Whether romantic seclusion, or bright and open spaciousness, combined with priceless interior design in a magical Biedermeier setting; each room is precious gem unto itself. No matter where you go, you are surrounded by stylish antiques, or encounter either old or, more frequently, modern sculpture and paintings, attesting to the owners as the patrons and lovers of the arts they are.

“Life, art and soul” is the motto true to which the owner, Helmut Marko, presents this hotel jewel, with its interior courtyards, terraced gardens and numerous other smaller highlights, to his discriminating guests.

Yet another attraction is the romantic conservatory, where guests can enjoy breakfast on those cooler mornings. And there is no better place to start your summer’s day than out by the swimming pool on the rooftop terrace – where guests can also wind things down at the end of the day – “comme-il-faut” – with a wonderful glass of champagne.