Lienz, Austria
In southern Austria, tucked into a valley surrounded by the Dolomites beside a glacial river, the newly built Grand Hotel Lienz offers gourmet dining, swimming pool and spa
Our review
Lienz is a little-known resort in the eastern Tirol. We were lucky to be shown round the hotel by Professor Heinz Simonitsch, one of the main shareholders and brains behind this luxury hotel concept, the only one of its kind in the area. He has a long association with the Half Moon in Jamaica, a famous hotel that he turned to profit soon after he took over. He stressed how he was involved in the design features, for example – large rooms, each one with balcony, wide corridors and full-length mirrors. The hotel opened in 2009.
In this all suite hotel, we had a junior suite overlooking the river. All rooms have an espresso machine and fast, free Wi-Fi is easy to connect. Bathrooms have a separate toilet stall and refillable toiletries. Everything about the room was comfortable.
The large spa has nine treatment rooms. There is an indoor and outdoor pool and sauna and steam room facility. There is also a medical centre serving both guests and locals with a spinal specialist, homeopath, acupuncturist and chiropractor.
The dining area is cleverly divided into different rooms but the same menu is served in each. Our evening meal was very enjoyable, featuring typical Austrian hearty food, but there is a low calorie option for dieters. A pianist plays in the large salon every evening, where we sipped a well-mixed cocktail. Staff are particularly friendly and helpful.
This is a lovely hotel that we were thrilled to discover.
Rooms
Grand Hotel Lienz features around 70 rooms and suites, all spacious and luxuriously appointed. Accommodation includes balconies, generous seating areas and views of the Isel River or surrounding mountains. Rooms combine contemporary comfort with classic elegance, offering large bathrooms with separate bath and shower and refined furnishings suited to longer stays.
Food and Drink
The Orangerie restaurant serves refined international cuisine with a strong focus on regional Tyrolean ingredients, presented in a light‑filled dining space overlooking the river. The hotel’s wine cellar houses an extensive international collection, supporting a carefully curated wine list.
The terrace and bar provide relaxed settings for aperitifs, cocktails and afternoon refreshments with scenic river and mountain views.
Wellness
The hotel’s wellness area covers approximately 1,400 square metres and includes indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths and relaxation areas. A dedicated Private Spa and Medical Wellness Centre offer personalised programmes and treatments focused on vitality and wellbeing, alongside a fully equipped fitness centre.
Facilities
- Large luxury spa and wellness centre
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Medical wellness and private spa facilities
- Gourmet restaurant and wine cellar
- Terrace and bar overlooking the river
- Fitness centre
- Meeting and event spaces
- Concierge services
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Grand Hotel Lienz is located in the centre of Lienz, directly beside the Isel River and surrounded by the Lienz Dolomites. Nearby attractions include Lienz Old Town, alpine hiking and cycling routes, ski areas, and scenic drives such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Getting there
Address: Fanny Wibmer Pedit Straße 2, 9900 Lienz, Austria
Arriving by air: Salzburg Airport – 130 miles (200km) – 2 hours driveInnsbruck Airport – 110 miles (178km) – 2.5 hours drive
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.