After traveling internationally for over 25 years, I encountered a unique response today when I asked the hotel cashier to 'cash' one of my 100 Euro American Express travelers checks -- the answer was "NO." Never before has a hotel where I was a registered desk told me "no" when I wanted to either cash a local currency travelers check, or pay with them. It was explained that it is "hotel policy." My argument was that if a hotel accepts American Express credit cards for payment from its guests, it should in turn accept Amex's travelers checks, as well. I was told, after a protracted discussion, that they would accept the Amex checks for payment, but would tack on a 10% surcharge -- that's more than triple the customary 3% charged to consumers by credit cards when converting charges from a foreign currency.

While the hotel is well located, with exquisite decor in the public and guest rooms, I would opt not to stay here on future trips to Vienna for the sole reason of the lack of convenience of being able to cash and or pay with the American Express travelers checks that I customarily travel with.

In this case, I will simply pay with the Amex credit card and get the points!

However, the Sacher and the Imperial and the Intercontinental all will gladly accept the Amex travelers checks.

We found the Grand Wien to have incredible old world elegance with modern service. Beautiful hotel -- we were upgraded to a room above Superior -- large and elegant. The location was perfect to mostly walk wherever we wanted. Breakfast was not included -- but the adjoining mall has a grocery store in the basement -- we bought fresh fruit salad, rolls, etc. and ate a lovely breakfast in the room. Fabulous place to stay -- less expensive than other elegant hotels across the street . Highly recommend it.

my wife & I spent four days in Vienna recently staying at the Grand. ok not the cheapest hotel in Vienna, but we like to indulge ourselves whilst City breaking. The Hotel met all our expectations from a Hotel of this class. no complaints whatsover. We had one pre theatre meal in the Hotels Cafe, which was really nice and reasonably priced.

The Hotel is in a perfect location where you can walk to just about all the sites of Vienna.
We only reqd a taxi to take us to the Prata.

As a Paraplegic, we stayed in the Hotels Disabled room which met my requirements just fine. This room was an upgrade from there standard rooms so can once again work out quite expensive. That said it was a front facing very large room and well equipped.
I have uploaded photo's for disabled travellers to view.

If you want to stay in a really Grand Hotel not just another five-star modern hotel you could find anywhere else, do not hesitate. Perfect location and an exclusive service will make you feel in heaven!