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Updated January 2023: The Ironman 70.3 Graz race is unconfirmed at the moment. We will update the dates as soon as the organization announce it.
Graz will host its first Ironman 70.3 on August 15th, 2021. Well, it was scheduled for 2020 then May 23rd but, for obvious reasons, postponed to August 2021. I believe that after one year of wait you are probably as excited as me to take part in the competition. So let’s talk about the race and where to stay for Ironman Graz, Austria.
When training for an Ironman triathlon competition, we focus on performance, nutrition, transitions, gears… travel planning is often the last thing we worry about, right? But it shouldn’t be like that. A well-planned trip and a good hotel are essentials and they can help us achieve the Ironman finish line.
If you are wondering where to stay in Graz for Ironman 70.3, I’m here to help. I spent five days in Graz last summer and loved the city. Between eating delicious food, tasting good wine and sightseeing in Graz, I did my Ironman homework.
My goal was to find the best accommodation in Graz for the Ironman race, map the city, and check where the transition areas, the expo, and the starting and finish line will be located. Now it’s time to put all the info together to help my fellow athletes to find the best place to stay during Ironman 70.3 Graz.
This guide about where to stay in Graz for Ironman has two parts. The first one is about what you should consider when booking a hotel for Ironman 70.3 Graz weekend. The second topic is a list of the best hotel rooms in Graz, their locations, amenities, and why they are a good option of accommodation for Ironman Graz.
Let’s get it started, and once you are done choosing your place to stay in Graz, you can go back to your training.
What to consider when choosing a hotel for Ironman 70.3 Graz, Austria?
When choosing a hotel or planning where to stay for Ironman Graz, you should consider a few things:
- Your budget.
- Location (in which part of Ironman 70.3 Graz course the hotel is located).
- Cancelation policy (a crucial feature in times like this).
- Is it a bike-friendly hotel?
- Does the hotel offer breakfast?
- Does the hotel have a gym or sauna?
- Does it offer free parking for guests in case you decided to travel to Graz by car?
Then, of course, you must think of your hotel preference. Do you want to stay in a boutique hotel, a hotel chain, a private apartment, or in an Airbnb? You can find all types of accommodation in Graz, which is good but also challenging if you don’t know what kind of place you want to book.
However, in my option, the most important thing you need to consider when choosing a place to stay in Graz for Ironman is the different locations of the starting point, T1, T2, and finishing line.
The Ironman 70.3 Graz course will pass by different parts of the city. The starting point & T1 are close to Graz Airport, approximately 17 km from the city center. The Ironman village, T2, finish line are right into the city center, a walking distance to the Graz Opera where the briefings will happen.
The organization will offer a shuttle bus service, although it’s not clear yet if bikes will be allowed on it. I plan to cycle from my hotel in the city center to T1 for the bike check-in and return with the shuttle bus.
Enough talking, here it goes a list of the best hotels in Graz for Ironman 70.3.
Also read: Ironman Langkawi Malaysia Race Review.
Where to stay for Ironman Graz – Best hotels by location
We are starting our recommendations with hotels near Ironman Start Line and Transition 1 that are also close to Graz international airport.
Hotels near Ironman Graz Starting Point and T1
Keep in mind that these hotels near Graz Airport are a bit far from the city center. From there, it will be easy to do the bike check-in, and you won’t need to wake up that early to be at the start line. On the other hand, you will need to find your way to Graz city center for the briefings.
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Amedia Express Graz Airport (Ironman Graz Official Hotel)
– 7 km from starting point, circa 10 min by car.
– 12 km from the Expo area, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– Bike-friendly.
Amedia Express Graz Airport is a 3-star hotel with nice rooms and reviews. They offer shuttle service, free WiFi throughout the property, buffet breakfast and a sun terrace. The hotel doesn’t have a fitness center nor a sauna, but guests can use the parking and relax at the bar. I have mixed feelings about staying at the Ironman official hotel. It gives you a great atmosphere with all the athletes and organization, but it could be too busy.
Click here to see the rooms and book your stay at Ironman 70.3 Graz Official Hotel!
– 1.1 km from starting point, circa 3 min by car.
– 18 km from the Expo area, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– Bike-friendly.
Hotel Ramada Graz is the closest hotel to the Ironman Start Line. This 4-star hotel in Graz provides guests with parking, bar, restaurant, fitness center, massage, sauna, free wifi and it’s also pet friendly. Rooms are spacious, modern and soundproof, which helps guarantee a good night of sleep. Every room has a minibar, and there is also a bar in the hotel facilities, as well as a 24-hour food market selling a wide variety of drinks and snacks. Hotel Ramada is the best hotel in Graz for Ironman athletes who want to stay close to the Start Line.
Check the rates and book your Ironman stay at Hotel Ramada Graz here!
– 1.2 km from starting point, circa 3 min by car.
– 17 km from the Expo area, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– Bike-friendly.
Airbase Hotel offers modern, spacious and spotless rooms. The staff is friendly and will be happy to guide you through their bar, shared lounge, garden, and provide you with free WiFi throughout the property. Although there isn’t a gym nor a sauna at this hotel, they provide guests with a terrace and all rooms come with a patio overlooking the garden, as well as a living area and a work desk. Airbase Hotel is close to restaurants via car, offers free parking and a yummy breakfast buffet. Another good option of accommodation near Ironman Graz Start Line.
Click here to see the rooms and book your stay at Airbase Hotel!
Hotels near the Ironman Graz Village, T2 & Finish Line
Ironman 70.3 Graz Village, T2 and Finish Line are in Graz city center, quite close to each other. You will find more options for places to stay there than near to the Start Line.
With so many options in the city center, choosing where to stay for Ironman 70.3 Graz can be difficult, especially if you have never visited the city. But don’t worry, we selected four great hotels in Graz and one apartment close to the Ironman Village, T2 e Finish Line. And when I say close I mean less than 15 minutes walking.
Check them out and choose your fave one.
– 18 km from starting point, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– Right in front of the Finish Line, circa 1 min walking.
– Bike-friendly.
NH Graz City is one of the best places to stay in Graz. It’s a well-located 4-star hotel that provides a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, a fitness center and luggage storage space. The hotel features air-conditioned rooms equipped with a work desk and private bathrooms. A delicious buffet breakfast will satisfy you every morning and you can park your car for a relatively affordable rate at a garage nearby. Very likely that this hotel will be fully booked months before the Ironman competition.
Click here to book your hotel close to Ironman 70.3 Graz Finish Line!
– 18 km from starting point, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– 900m from the Expo area, circa 12 min walking.
– Bike-friendly.
Located by the river Mur, Hotel Weitzer provides guests with stylish and super spacious rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and air-conditioning. Free WiFi is available in all areas of this 4-star property. Guests love their rich buffet breakfast and the typical Austrian café located at the hotel.
The hotel provides rental bicycles, shuttle service, and the most desired by athletes: fitness center and sauna. I’ve stayed in this hotel and highly recommend it. Das Weitzer is my hotel option for Ironman Graz 2021!
Click here to book your Ironman stay at Hotel Das Weitzer here!
– 15 km from starting point, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– 850 m from the Expo area, circa 10 min walking.
– Bike-friendly.
This beautiful and well-decorated hotel is in an excellent location. The Schlossberghotel offers free WiFi in the entire property, as well as a sauna, fitness center, rooftop pool overlooking the city, and a 24-hour bar. Sounds good, right? All rooms have air conditioning, a bathtub, and a work desk. Most rooms come with a view of the romantic courtyards, and elegant apartments with a kitchenette are also available. An underground garage, excellent breakfast and the fact that your pet is welcome to stay with you, add some points to Schlossberghotel.
– 14 km from starting point, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– 750 m from the Expo area, circa 10 min walking.
– Bike-friendly.
Grand Hôtel Wiesler, in Graz Old Town, is a beautifully renovated hotel that brings together the best of the good old days and the modern industrial world. This 4-star property offers services such as a Turkish bath, as well as sauna, fitness center and barbershop. Guests have access to WiFi throughout the hotel, an in-house restaurant serving fantastic breakfast in the morning and international dishes throughout the day, plus a 24-hour front desk. Rooms are excellent, parking is available and pets are allowed to stay with you.
Click here to book your stay at one of the best hotels in Graz, Austria!
– 17 km from starting point, circa 20-30 min by car (depending on traffic).
– 550 m from the Expo area, circa 7 min walking.
– Bike-friendly.
Perhaps staying in an apartment for half Ironman Graz suits you best? ARGOS Graz Serviced Apartments is in a great location in the heart of Graz. Their stylish brand new rooms have a fully equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher, microwave, fridge, oven, and coffee machine, a dining area, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, as well as air conditioning and free WiFi. Public parking is available at a location nearby. Renting an ARGOS apartment is a good option for those who want accommodation near Ironman 70.3 Graz Expo area and want to stay in a building designed by the acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid. Click here to book your stay at ARGOS Serviced Apartment.
For my fellow Ironman athletes who prefer staying in an apartment or house, there are many options of Airbnb in Graz, check out this map!
Did you choose your hotel in Graz for Ironman? Not yet?
You can find more options of where to stay for Ironman 70.3 Graz here. There are over 300 hotels in Graz and its surroundings. Use all the info we shared in this hotel guide, and I’m sure you will find the perfect accommodation for you, your family and friends.
And don’t forget to read our guide about what to do in Graz (click here). We share tips about how to travel to Graz, things to do, attractions and restaurants. For those who want to explore the beautiful mountains nearby, read our post about hiking trails in Graz.
Are you ready for Ironman 70.3 Graz 2021? It will be my 5th Ironman competition after Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand and Italy. At the moment, I’m recovering from injuries on my shoulder and ankle but can’t wait to go back to training. I’m sure Ironman in Graz will be an incredible race.
Happy training, stay safe, and see you in Graz, Austria!
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Hi,
I heard that Hotel Gollner Graz is a quite good location to stay. I booked the room there, they seem quite flexible and extremy helpful.
Kr,
Anna
Hi Anna,
I believe it’s a good option; we didn’t visit it personally, so we don’t have much info about it.
Cheers,
Nat