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Hotel Guide 2025: Special awards in Northern Italy

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From Gourmet Hotel of the Year to Best Spa Hotel, Hotelier of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award – Falstaff honors the most outstanding hotels and personalities in the North Italian hospitality industry.

Best design hotel

Gloriette Guesthouse, Soprabolzano

This boutique hotel in Oberbozen, originally built as a retreat for nobility to host lavish celebrations, now features 25 unique rooms and suites that charm with their casual elegance and cozy ambiance. Minimalist and modern, yet inspired by the surrounding landscape and rooted in local tradition, each space serves as a peaceful retreat—some with freestanding bathtubs, private gardens, or even whirlpools on the terrace. A laid-back, welcoming atmosphere envelops the entire property, making guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. Alpine-Mediterranean fine dining and a refined rooftop spa—with panoramic pool—round out the experience, ensuring a truly relaxing stay.

Tiberio Sorvillo

Best ski hotel

COMO Alpina Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi

Set on the sunny Seiser Alm and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, COMO Alpina Dolomites is the perfect home base for guests seeking both endless outdoor adventures and deep relaxation. In summer, thrilling mountain bike trails and scenic hiking routes await, while in winter, the hotel shines with its ski-in/ski-out access—guests can step straight from the front door onto the slopes. The prime location also makes it easy to swing by for a nourishing COMO Shambhala Cuisine meal or a well-earned après-ski drink. And what better way to end a day on the mountain than with a few laps in the warm waters of the indoor or outdoor pool, a professional massage, or a deeply soothing wellness ritual?

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Best chalet

Chalet Purmontes - Private Luxury Chalet, St. Lorenzen

Guests seeking the ultimate in privacy, a unique location, freedom, and a deep connection with nature will find their sanctuary at Chalet Purmontes. Blending timeless design with the surrounding landscape, the chalet impresses with open spaces, regional materials, and a cozy yet refined atmosphere. The luxurious living experience is rounded out by a private pool that’s pleasantly heated year-round. Culinary delights await in the Living Lounge, where top-level cuisine indulges your senses. And for those looking to leave everyday life even further behind, the Loft Spa offers a Sky Relax Pool, rejuvenating treatments, and a natural bathing pond.

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Hotelier of the year

Michil Costa

In addition to the hotels La Perla and Ladinia in Corvara and Posta Marcucci in Tuscany, the small mountain hotel Gran Fodà on Plan de Corones/Kronplatz has recently become part of Michil Costa's small but beautiful empire. Like all members of Casa Costa 1956 hotel group, the new addition is also committed to Costa's philosophy: Everything that is done here takes nature and the local population into consideration. Great importance is attached to the origin of the products used, sustainability, traceable supply chains and much more. Costa is also one of the voices advocating a move away from mass tourism; his work "Raus aus dem Rummel" is a passionate plea for a sensible form of tourism.


Best New Opening

AKI Family Resort Plose, Bressanone/Brixen

Though it only recently opened, the AKI Family Resort PLOSE has already become a favorite for guests of all ages. And it’s no surprise—this resort offers everything families dream of on vacation. From cuddling animals on the farm and engaging in creative activities to splashing around in the water world and enjoying delicious food, there's always something to discover—so much so that phones are quickly forgotten in favor of real-life adventures! After action-packed quality time indoors and out, appetites are big—and here, they’re satisfied with cuisine that’s not only healthy but also loved by both kids and parents. The spa features special treatments for little ones, dedicated childcare, and even an adults-only spa for some well-earned relaxation.

Alex Filz

Best gourmet hotel

Hotel Castel, Dorf Tirol

This stunning hotel is a full celebration of the good life. That means not only refined rooms and suites, an elegant atmosphere, and expansive wellness areas, but also exceptional culinary experiences. This hideaway is dedicated to top-tier cuisine crafted from the freshest and finest ingredients. Executive Chef Gerhard Wieser brings an unconventional approach to the table, creating unforgettable moments of indulgence inspired by the best of regional and Italian cooking. Many of the hotel’s suppliers are personally known to the team, and some even produce specialties exclusively for Hotel Castel. An evening at Castel fine dining is a true experience—complete with a visit to the kitchen and expertly curated wines.


Lifework

Heinrich Dorfer, Quellenhof Resorts

What Heinrich Dorfer has done with the 50-bed hotel, which he took over from his mother Luise in 1990, is sensational: the former hostel has now become a luxurious resort that is known and appreciated far beyond the borders of Northern Italy for its cuisine, feel-good offerings and warm hospitality. Investments are constantly being made: in addition to the Quellenhof Luxury Resorts Passeier and Lazise, the family business now also owns the beautiful See Lodge with its breathtaking pool and Hotel Alpenschlössel. Heinrich Dorfer proved his qualities as a visionary time and again, for example when he had a bypass tunnel built to divert traffic away from Quellenhof.


Best spa hotel

Preidlhof Luxury Dolcevita Resort, Naturns

This luxurious hideaway near Merano promises total peace and relaxation, thanks to its adults-only concept. Mediterranean charm meets Alpine energy—from the lush garden filled with lemon and olive trees to the award-winning spa. The spa impresses with thermal pools, a multi-level sauna tower, and a wide range of treatments and massages from around the world, including special options for couples. All treatments feature products from the hotel’s own award-winning skincare line. The wellness experience is rounded out by Ayurveda, sleep-focused retreats, and a medical spa concept tailored to each guest’s individual needs. Active travelers can enjoy yoga, fitness programs, and golf.

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Best family hotel

Sonnwies Dolomites, Lüsen

At the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, Sonnwies Family Hotel is a true paradise for parents and children alike. Little guests are in for a treat with the hotel’s very own organic farm, full of exciting discoveries. From pony rides and petting zoo fun to adventures in the hay barn, even the youngest explorers can connect with nature up close. There’s also a massive playground designed for endless fun and energetic play. The water park—with its long slide—and the in-house climbing hall are big hits too. When adults want a bit of alone time, the professional childcare and baby care team is ready to step in. For moments of relaxation, the expansive spa awaits. And the food? It's absolutely exquisite!

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Sustainability & innovation

Eco Hotel Saltus, San Genesio

The first view of the day stretches through floor-to-ceiling windows to the breathtaking Dolomites. These panoramic vistas are a constant presence throughout the hotel, creating awe-inspiring moments again and again. But here, nature is more than just a backdrop—it’s a source of energy and renewal on every level. That’s why sustainability and environmental responsibility are deeply woven into the hotel’s philosophy. Natural building materials, renewable energy, rainwater usage, and waste management all play a part. So whether you're swimming toward the mountains in the sky pool, unwinding in the hay sauna, or sitting down to an exceptional meal, you can do so with peace of mind. The cuisine impresses with a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, complemented by a stellar wine list—including a fine array of natural wines.

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