Hotel Guide 2026: The Special Awards in South Tyrol
From the Gourmet Hotel of the Year to the Best Spa Hotel, the Hoteliers of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award - Falstaff honors the most important hotels and personalities in the hotel industry in South Tyrol.
Best New Opening
Aman Rosa Alpina, Abbey
After extensive renovation, this luxurious hideaway in the Dolomites is now at its best. Architecturally, guests can expect a modern interpretation of classic Alpine elegance, characterized by clean lines typical of the Amant, lots of light and rooms and suites designed by Jean-Michel Gathy. They open up wide views of mountains and forests and convey a feeling of inimitable lightness. The hotel also pays homage to its surroundings in culinary terms: from breakfast to dinner, local products are used, enhanced by global influences. The spa offers signature treatments, a special adults-only area with pools and a modern fitness center for relaxation. One of the highlights is the heated outdoor infinity pool.
Best Ski Hotel
Granvara Relais & SPA Hotel, Selva di Val Gardena
The private retreat in the Dolomites combines alpine elegance with special moments of pleasure - from gourmet cuisine with international creations and weekly wine tastings to the spa. The latter boasts a renovated indoor and outdoor pool, new outdoor area and whirlpool as well as a diverse sauna oasis. Winter sports fans can easily reach the Dolomiti SuperSki slopes, just 100 meters away, from the rooms and suites, with 1,200 kilometers of slopes. Individual ski service, in-house ski rental, private guiding, ski pass service, in-house ski school and a ski depot with direct access to the slopes make the hotel the ideal address for a fantastic ski vacation.
Best Gourmet Hotel
Heufler residence, Rasen-Antholz
The Ansitz Heufler is more than just a hotel. It is the place where 3-star chef Norbert Niederkofler himself comes to rest and reconnects with nature. However, his guests appreciate the hideaway behind the historic walls of the estate at least as much. In fast-moving times, it acts as a kind of fortress of stability. Built in 1580, the estate today harmoniously combines tradition and modernity, art and hospitality.
Niederkofler's "Cook the Mountain" philosophy reinterprets Alpine heritage, for example as a sharing-style menu of dishes that are deeply rooted in the region. From breakfast to dinner, seasonality is the top priority.
Best Spa Hotel
Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus, Olang
If you are looking for exceptional wellness moments in South Tyrol, there is no way around the Hotel Hubertus. Surrounded by imposing Dolomite peaks, your stay is all about peace and relaxation - from waking up to an impressive panorama to dinner in the evening. In between there is top-class spa enjoyment in one of the six heated indoor and outdoor pools, in the extensive sauna world or with a treatment in the "Alpenreych". The offer ranges from Ayurveda and beauty treatments to alpine herbal treatments. Architectural highlights include the free-floating sky pool and the spectacular Heaven & Hell Spa. From summer 2026, a new sauna area with soft, steam and event saunas for celebrated infusions will complement the offer.
Hoteliers of the Year
Moritz and Klaus Dissertori, Hotel Schwarzschmied / Villa Arnica
Hospitality is not new territory for the two brothers Klaus and Moritz Dissertori, as they were born into a family of hoteliers in South Tyrol. Nevertheless, they found their very own way, as they specialize in transforming historic houses into stylish retreats with a feel-good character. They see the careful renovation with the reuse of existing structures as sustainability in action. Under the umbrella of the Alto Group, they unite the Hotel Schwarzschmied, which was opened by their parents in 1980, the Boutique Hotel 1477 Reichhalter, the Villa Arnica and the Parkhotel Mondschein.
The latest project is the self-catering hideaway Grubern Gut in Ultental Valley, a renovated mountain farm dating back to 1423 for up to 14 guests.
Best Family Hotel
AKI Family Resort PLOSE, Bressanone/Brixen
The South Tyrolean family hotel knows how to offer families generous space for lasting memories and at the same time be present with warm hospitality. No aspect is random, the concept has been thought through down to the last detail. In this way, childcare provides a fun and meaningful activity close to nature. The AKI Kids World also features a petting zoo and an extensive indoor and outdoor play area. In the water world, you can let off steam and laugh, while adults can enjoy moments of peace and quiet in the adults-only spa or during yoga. Cozy family suites serve as retreats where baby and children's necessities are available.
Best Chalet
Chalet Zuegg, Merano 2000
In 1923, engineer Luis Zuegg built the first cable car from Obermais to Hafling and later built a hut with ten guest beds. Over time, it developed into a well-frequented restaurant, which the Reiterer family acquired at the beginning of the 2020s. In addition to the main house with two lofts, there are three chalets for up to four people, which combine tradition and modernity with contemporary architecture - right on the ski slope!
Each of the chalets has a private spa area with sauna and open-air jacuzzi, terrace and fully equipped kitchen. Charming extras such as a daily breakfast basket and free-standing bathtubs round off the feel-good ambience. Dinner is served in the restaurant or as take-away for your own chalet.
Hidden Champion
Alpin Garden - Luxury Maison & Spa Dolomites, Ortisei
Even from the outside, the adults-only hideaway in the Dolomites is a small work of art that will amaze you; part of the façade glows golden in the sun, creating an exciting contrast to the otherwise black wooden façade. Inside, the color gold is the common thread that runs through the 30 rooms, suites, the bar and even into the Finnish sauna. Design generally plays a central role here - you will encounter it right through to the luxurious ART Spa. There, guests can enjoy relaxing moments with mountain views, for example while swimming in the panoramic outdoor pool, with exclusive treatments or in the 24-hour infinity pool. Everything here is stylish, even the delicious dishes prepared by young chef Andrea Altinelli are small works of art.
Sustainability & Innovation
OLM Nature Escape, Sand in Taufers
The energy self-sufficient Eco Aparthotel near Sand in Taufers guarantees a CO2-neutral, sustainable and resource-saving vacation. This is made possible by the company's own solar system and geothermal heating plant, as well as numerous measures in all areas - from the zero-waste principle in the kitchen to the use of sustainable textiles. Even the cuisine gives you a good feeling, as the hotel also focuses on regionality and small circuits. Guests enjoy a stay close to nature without sacrificing anything. You can enjoy beautiful rooms and suites as well as a natural bathing pond, private saunas in the ApartSuites, indoor and outdoor pools and skillful massages, individually tailored to your needs.
Best Design Hotel
Boutique Hotel Badhaus ****, Brixen
The boutique hotel in Bressanone's old town has just 21 rooms, but is big on design. Behind its copper and brick façade, the renowned architect duo Michaela Wolf and Gerd Bergmeister created spacious, light-flooded rooms. As modern as the ensemble appears, it consciously takes up the history of the location: a work of art in the form of a bathrobe by Michael Fliri and copper pipes that are reminiscent of the bathhouse that once stood here. With great attention to detail, rooms were created as places of retreat, characterized by clear lines, green quartzite, ash and ribbed glass, which exude a warm atmosphere. At the Viertel Bar, travelers mingle with locals over a Viertel beer - the craft beer of the company that runs the bar.
Lifework
Wachtler family, Post Hotel - tradition and lifestyle
The Wachtler family has been closely associated with South Tyrol, the Dolomites and the region around San Candido connected. In 1926, the former "Fuchsn-Bäck" became the Post Hotel, which still stands in the center of San Candido today. The hotel is now run as an adults-only hotel with a fantastic spa, where travelers can relax in the midst of the mountains. In the seventies, the Post Residence was opened next door and in 2006 the family hotel Post Alpina - Family Mountain Chalets followed. The Wachtlers are passionate hosts with heart and soul and have created retreats for adults and families alike with their houses. The South Tyrolean town of San Candido has also been significantly influenced by them in recent years.
Best Wine Hotel
Pacherhof Hotel & Winery, Vahrn/Neustift
The Pacherhof has been rooted in the middle of the vineyards since 1142 at the latest. Following tradition, winegrower Andreas Huber cultivates fine grape varieties that mature to perfection in the historic and new cellars. Just as time, passion and experience merge into a harmonious whole in the wine cellar, the rooms and suites also combine timeless design, closeness to nature and modern comfort.
Guests enjoy healthy evening menus with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables from their own garden - accompanied by wine in all its facets. Wine lovers can discover the full variety of wines on a visit to the wine cellar or on the hotel's own wine trail. The spa with outdoor pool, indoor pool and Brixen panorama offers relaxation.
Best Business Hotel
Falkensteiner Hotel Bolzano WaltherPark, Bolzano
Opened in 2025, this city hotel in Bolzano combines elegant city flair with alpine charm. Guests can look forward to stylish rooms and suites in a central location, just a few minutes from the city center, the new food market and the stores of the district. At the same time, the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site is practically on the doorstep. The views from the rooftop spa with gym, panorama sauna, steam bath and treatments offer a foretaste. Japanese-European fusion cuisine, robata dishes, donburi, sushi creations and sashimi are served for lunch and dinner on the roof terrace. Thanks to its location and facilities, the hotel is ideal for meetings, events and incentives.
Hotel Icon
Parkhotel Laurin, Bolzano
Even when it opened in 1910, the hotel welcomed its guests as a grand hotel. To this day, nothing has changed in terms of the high level of service, luxurious furnishings and relaxed elegance. In terms of technology, comfort and range, the Laurin naturally keeps up with the times. It is still one of the best addresses in Bolzano.
Surrounded by original Art Nouveau style, guests enjoy a cuisine of regional quality, internationally inspired and with a Mediterranean interpretation. The high standards are evident in all areas - from the manicured park with roses, redwoods, pines and pool to the rooms and suites, whose walls are adorned with original works by renowned artists.