Romantik Hotel Stafler

The land on which the Romantik Hotel Stafler sits was first developed as a farmhouse inn in 1270 A.D., and has been home to a hotel of sorts throughout the centuries; the Stafler family that runs the hotel today has operated a hotel there for over 200 years. Now part of the European Romantik Hotels & Restaurants International group (which are all run by individual owners), the hotel no longer feels like a backwater farmhouse inn, but rather a welcoming, intimate mountain lodge with all the amenities required for an outdoor adventure in the Dolomites. But the hotel stays true to its roots, with interiors that are a museum of antiques, ancient furniture, and artwork; in some places, original structures have been incorporated into the modern renovations. Like many hotels in the area, the Romantik Hotel Stafler is most popular with German-speaking and Italian guests, predominantly families and couples.

The hotel is set on sprawling grounds just off the Brenner Autobahn, which connects Innsbruck, Austria, to Modena, Italy. It's convenient for touring the area's mountains, including the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage site). The nearby ski slopes of Monte Cavallo and Racines are 10 and 20 minutes away by car, respectively. South Tyrol is unique for its Austro-Bavarian heritage as much as its Alpine geography. Italy’s northernmost province, it's known for its winter sports, wealthy economy, and German-speaking inhabitants. The town of Bolzano and Dolomiti airport is a 50-minute drive to south, and Innsbruck Airport (in Austria) is just over 50-minutes to the north, through the Brenner Pass.

The decor is simple but elegant, and most rooms fall in to one of two categories: Romantik, with pastel tones, wallpapered bathrooms, and stylized furniture; or Unicorn (the old symbol of the hotel), with more neutral colors, traditional Italian-style furnishings, and bright chandeliers. All are carpeted and starting to show wear. Expect wood furniture and fabrics in traditional patterns. The bathrooms are dated, but well-kept, some with ornate tile-work and bidets. Most have shower/tub combinations with handheld showerheads. Many rooms have scenic balconies, though not all are completely private, but rather separated by a low railing. There are no coffeemakers and some rooms have old tube TVs, while others have modern flat-screens; all have a mini-fridge.

The hotel's farm has herds of cows, sheep, and pigs, as well as a verdant herb and vegetable garden, complete with a small greenhouse. The two restaurants make ample use of all of these products; the intimate Gourmetstube Einhorn restaurant, serving South Tyrolean cuisine, has earned a Michelin star for the effort. The larger Romantik restaurant shares the extensive wine cellar and has a breezy outdoor seating on a covered patio. The full spa has a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, and relaxation rooms with heated beds. While the hotel lacks an outdoor pool and a fitness center, it does have an indoor pool and plenty of outdoor activities. The expansive grounds include an outdoor patio with seating, a natural pond, children's playground, hiking trails, and tennis courts. The Valle Isarco bike path can also be accessed from the hotel, which also rents bikes to guests.