Erlebnishotel Gassenhof

I left Hotel Gassenhof after a deeply disappointing stay. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet, restful break. I arrived late after a long journey and found that all guests were being taken to a nearby pub for a social evening with live music and shared tables. It wasn’t optional, and there was no alternative for guests wanting a quieter evening. The bathroom in my original room smelled unpleasant, so I asked to move. That was eventually sorted out, but it added to the discomfort. On the third night, the hotel held a live music performance directly below my room. The sound was so loud it felt as if it were happening inside. I raised the issue at 11:15 PM, but the staff on duty said nothing could be done. After the performance ended, recorded music continued, even louder. By 1:30 AM, after repeated attempts to reach staff at reception, by phone, and through WhatsApp chat, I had to pack and leave. A staff member later offered another room and said the volume would be lowered, but that came too late. The management’s lack of attentiveness was especially disappointing. The owner was at the event and showed no interest in my concerns. The hotel eventually refunded the unused nights beyond the deposit, but only sent a brief written apology that didn’t feel sincere. This place seems better suited to people who enjoy social events and a lively atmosphere. For peace and relaxation, I’d look at other options in the valley.

The rooms are spacious, with simple, pleasant decor. During the week, the hotel offers about one group hike a day, which I’d recommend joining, plus sauna infusions and, on some days, mindfulness exercises or other activities. The gym, yoga room, several saunas, and two pools are all there, though it may not be the best choice for families with kids. The food was excellent and the staff were so kind and accommodating. This was one of the best hotel stays of my life, and I just can’t agree with reviews saying the place isn’t special or the staff are unkind. Drinks cost extra, but given the care and resources that go into the food and dishes, that’s completely fair.

The spa feels like a true retreat, with a great variety of pools, saunas, and places to relax. The hotel also has its own brewery, where we tried excellent local beers and gins. Nature lovers will find some nice hiking trails nearby, and guides Sandra and Walther were fantastic. Food was a lovely surprise, delicious and beautifully presented from breakfast through dinner. Rameez and Jens in the restaurant were attentive and made each meal feel special. We also enjoyed the owners’ personal touch: Manni and Stefan hosted aperitifs where guests could meet and chat in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Check-in was quick, and receptionist Daniela gave us all the information we needed for an enjoyable stay. Our room was cleaned daily and stayed spotless and inviting. We brought our dog, and were delighted to find the hotel truly dog-friendly, with dedicated areas and services for pets. One thing that would improve the spa experience: some guests made loud phone calls and took photos in the sauna, disrupting the calm and privacy. A policy discouraging that would help everyone relax.

I enjoyed the stay in general, but I won’t be back. The price and quality don’t line up with other hotels in the province. I’ve stayed at several places in South Tyrol, and the service, especially the food, didn’t meet my expectations as an Italian customer. At check-in, the receptionist gave us little information, so we had to ask about breakfast, spa, and cake hours. The hotel’s layout also wasn’t ideal: it has an old and a new section, with the spa split between them. The newer area is quite limited, with a sauna, a Turkish bath, and an outdoor pool. Afternoon cake was first come, first served, with no fruit apart from a small plate of watermelon that wasn’t enough for everyone. Breakfast was fine, though not exceptional. Our room was okay; we’d chosen one of the renovated rooms with wood floors. Dinner came with a salad buffet that had the same limited vegetables each day, including some that seemed clearly recycled from earlier days. The menu sounded nice, but the dishes didn’t come together well and had a lot of flavors that clashed. Charging EUR4,5 for a liter of tap water was definitely excessive.