Despite being the type to never stay in hotels and frequent B&B's and apartment rentals via Airbnb,…read morewe decided to stay here for a few days since it was the most central hotel we could find for the time period in Villach. I probably haven't been to a holiday inn since I was 12 so I was really curious to see how it was in Europe. The hotel itself is connected to a public underground parking which is very convinient. Parking is NOT free and costs 8.50 a night {special hotel rate} but they give you a special card that can allow you to come and go as you please which made up for some of the cost ;-).
What I liked: Beautiful, modern and swanky, this is a nice hotel. It was just as nice and in the pictures and I loved the lobby, beautiful restaurant (though we didn't eat there), comfortable room and most of all the spa/fitness area. One of the best I have scene, they have every detail covered from updated gym equipment connected to the satellite TV, weights, YOGA and workout room, free tea and water, gym towels, robes, locker room with keys, sauna, turkish bath, relaxation area. I was very impressed. They do require nudity in the sauna/turkish bath but I still wore my bathing suit and just covered up with a towel. The receptionists were very friendly and helpful, I had them make several reservations for us which they did withotu problem and I was very happy with the housekeeping and details. This is a very great place to stay if you are looking to base from Villach for a few days. Wifi was free and was fast, which is great for someone like myself that needs to be connected. Also you needed a key card to use the elevator which was actually a good thing since the hotel/elevator is connected to the below public parking.
What I didn't like. Not really anything having to do with the hotel itself which was marvelous. I don't usually stay at American-style hotel chains because they alla carte price everything so we skipped out on breakfast because it was 15/20 euros more per night {depending on the booking site}. We ended up going to various bars located near the hotel instead. Also parking costs were lower but still, it was extra. These two things are worth factoring in if you are on a budget like we are. Also for some reason the hotel's wifi didn't work well on our mobile devices. wifi was excellent but they give you a new code each day which can be kind of annoying if it runs out at midnight and you have to go to reception for a new code. Make sure to ask for one that supports being on multiple devices at the same time.
All in all, I would say this is a great place to stay, really nice and very very central!
