Mercure Graz Messe - Graz, Austria 

I stayed in this hotel on a business trip, working at the Stadthalle exhibition centre. My check-in was efficient and friendly and I was given a first-floor room. Once in the room I realised that it was clearly a smoking room and the smell was quite strong, so I asked to be moved which the receptionist declined, making me feel like I am being a bit of an inconvenience. The location is quiet and it's easy to get to the town centre via tram (number 6 tram is very regular and not expensive). A taxi to the airport costs between €20 and €30. If you are planning to walk to the Stadthalle, do note that the hotel is further away than the name "messe" would suggest. It's roughly a 15-20 minute walk. The actual room was pretty average, German, Austrian and BBC global television channels with no wireless internet connection (there is a phone socket for dial-up). The hotel did offer one free internet terminal in the lobby. Mercure hotels seem to have decent restaurants with good local wines on the menu, but the wine prices are so-so. Breakfast was very nice and impressive, and is definitely worth the money. All restaurant staff were lovely.

With Mercure what you see is what you get. An unremarkable hotel in an unremarkable suburb, but pleasant enough and I would probably stay there again. Plusses: very clean, friendly staff, nice breakfast selection, good internet deals. Minuses: 10 minute tram ride into town, characterless restaurant.