Hotel Greif, a Member of Design Hotels

The hotel itself is very nice and in a great location, but we found the reception service lacking. Isabell, who was on the front desk one day, was the exception. The others seemed uninterested in helping us. At check-in, we were told to move the car and given the name of a parking garage without any directions. It had only been open for about two weeks, so GPS couldn’t help us find it. No one offered to help with our luggage either. To reach the main elevator, you first have to take another elevator up one flight of stairs, and then, when you get out, there are four stairs down to the rooms.

The staff were excellent and really helpful. The location was great too. The room layout was a little strange, with the bedroom upstairs and the bathroom below. I couldn't find a standard European two-pin socket upstairs. If you need the bathroom during the night, you'll have to wake up before taking the stairs.

We had one of the loveliest rooms of our whole Italy trip after getting a complimentary upgrade at check-in. It came with a patio and a beautiful bathroom. The pool at the sister hotel across the street was another great perk, especially during those 100° F summer days. Breakfast was delicious, with fresh fruit, excellent espresso drinks, and my favorite, salmon lox. The hotel is right by Bolzano train station, with restaurants and shops just outside. Highly recommend.

The hot tub schedule was the one strange part of our stay. They drained it from 9pm until 8am, so mine emptied while I was soaking after my daughter went to bed. It also wasn't ready early in the morning, before we headed out to explore. I asked the front desk to adjust the automation, and they did for the next couple of days, though how much it changed varied. If you're booking a room for the view hot tubs, check that the hours work for you. I found it ridiculous to pay for one and not be able to use it when I wanted. Aside from that, Hotel Greif is beautiful and the service is incredible. The greeter was lovely and helpful, Sebastian in the dining room made my daughter happy each morning (whoopsy!), and Diego was a laid-back, informative bartender. Everyone was great. It's also about a ten minute walk or less from the main cable car, handy for avoiding driving and parking.