Review of Penz Hotel Innsbruck Austria and Restaurant Recommendations Nearby

Review of Penz Hotel Innsbruck Austria and Restaurant Recommendations Nearby

The main reasons LTD chose the Hotel Penz in Innsbruck, Austria was the centralized location near the Old Town, but also because it had Air Conditioning!  It is rare to find a hotel in Europe with air conditioning, but beware of European regulation on power allotments for a/c. Whereas many Americans would probably never consider living or working in buildings without air conditioning, many Europeans think that life without climate control is far superior.  In general, European air conditioning just doesn't chill to the deep-freeze level of most US air conditioners.  This may be due to the functioning of the air conditioner, local or country regulations on electricity usage, seasonal operation of a/c (some hotels don't even have the a/c unit activated until July 1 for example!), just to name a few.  There is no real solution to this problem.  LTD has stayed a many 5-star hotels in Europe and if there is a heat wave, be prepared to have the temperature in the room 75-80 degrees no matter where you set the room temperature.

RxTip: 

If you prefer a cold room to sleep, which LTD highly recommends for jet lag, ask for a fan immediately upon arrival to your hotel.

Needless to say, we arrived in Innsbruck during an early June heat wave, and the a/c did not work to our standards, despite many requests at the front desk.

However, the Hotel Penz has many other features that make it an excellent option for you trip to Innsbruck.  

1. Excellent location which is central in Innsbruck and near everything

This hotel is located near the Old Town of Innsbruck which is a must-see vibrant area of town including many locals and tourists alike.  Most sites in Innsbruck are in walking distance.  Innsbruck is an easy city to navigate walking and for avid walkers, it will not disappoint.  For example you can walk or hike up to beautiful vistas of this city in the valley, or walk to the Olympic ski jump for great exercise.  

To check other reviews of the Penz Hotel, rates and book at TripAdvisor click here!

2.  Breakfast Buffet is Excellent

Look over the roofs of Old Town and take in the view of the Alps while enjoying a fabulous breakfast.

Outstanding breakfast with exotic fruits, multiple types of local honey, Kombucha tea, soy and lactose free options. Champagne is available as well which is typical of most upscale hotel European breakfasts.  One of the best things about breakfast at the Hotel Penz is the view!  Look over the roofs of Old Town and take in the view of the Alps while enjoying a fabulous breakfast.  Unfortunately at most European restaurants, smoking is allowed, so plan your seat wisely by observing who is already sitting there.  Do they smoke?  It is amazing how used to non-smoking restaurants we are, as Americans.  Overall, the breakfast is worth including with your room reservation.

Breakfast with juices, local honey, Kombucha tea, soy and lactose free options.

Breakfast with exotic fruits, multiple types of local honey, Kombucha tea, soy and lactose free options.

Breakfast with multiple types of local honey, Kombucha tea, soy and lactose free options.

Breakfast with multiple types of grains, local honey, Kombucha tea, soy and lactose free options.

Breakfast with many exotic fruits

3.  A Nespresso maker is always welcome in a hotel room and not typical in Europe.  

Don't you love a coffee for that mid afternoon lull in your energy level?  Be careful not to drink caffeine after 4 PM if you plan to get a good night's sleep!

A Nespresso Maker is in your room 

4.  Large bathroom for a European hotel!

The bathroom was large with Etienne Aigner amenities that have a pleasant rose scent. 

Etienne Aigner amenities

Hotel Penz Bathrooms are large by European standards

The tub is large tub with bath salts provided if you prefer a bath after a long day of touring.

A large tub is a welcome sight for many travelers

5.  A Large Room and Beds that were comfortable with the typical double twin arrangement.  

Closet space was adequate and a safe is in the room.  Floors are made of wood, if you prefer this in your hotel rooms for allergies.  Robes and slippers are available.

To check other reviews of the Penz Hotel, rates and book at TripAdvisor click here!

RxTip: 

 At a 5 star hotel, ask the bed to be made into a king configuration if you want.  Housekeeping can come to your room and change the bedding for you.  See LTD post on Hotel Principe Di Savoia.

A typical double twin is the Hotel Penz King room.

A typical double twin is the Hotel Penz King room.

6.  A few restaurant recommendations for Innsbruck nearby the Penz Hotel

Stiftskeller Innsbruck near the Hofburg is a place for locals and tourists alike.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available, but LTD recommends outdoor seating to enjoy people watching and lovely weather.  The prices are good for both food and beverages.  LTD enjoyed pretzel and sausages and mustard or cheese spread and a lovely rose.

Enjoy a pretzel and cheese spread for a snack at the Stiftskeller Innsbruck nearby Hotel Penz

Gasthof Weisses Rossl (White horse) Innsbruck was a fantastic restaurant.  LTD enjoyed rooftop dining having beef with onion strings in a red wine sauce with boiled potatoes and string beans wrapped in bacon.  The pork chop with caraway seeds garlic and cream and a side spaetzle was equally delicious.

Penz did not have power converters in the rooms, but fortunately we had our power adapter and could charge everything!