Hotel Ansitz Steinbock

We had a lovely first stop on our honeymoon, with beautiful mountain scenery on the drive and nice views on clear days. The room was thoughtfully designed to suit the building's style, and having a private sauna was a lovely extra. Finding the entrance took a few minutes, since it's a small door on the side rather than the grand double doors you'd expect at a modern hotel. There are no elevators, but the bar staff who helped us check in also carried our bags upstairs. The restaurant dishes were lovely and beautifully presented, though the choices may feel limited if you don't eat meat or dairy. The staff asked about our dietary needs when we arrived, remembered them at breakfast, and brought us suitable items. We visited Lago di Braise and the three peaks, around a 90 minute drive away, and enjoyed the picturesque route. There aren't many other restaurants nearby, so you'd probably need to drive down the mountains for more options. We were there in the off season, which may have affected what was open. A small Spar shop is a two-minute walk away for a few groceries. Elisabeth, the manager, sent us on our way with a lovely gift. Thanks to the Steinbock staff :)

The room was nice, and both the restaurant service and food were good, but the manager's rudeness really spoiled the stay. When I arrived, nobody was there to check me in. I waited 30 minutes before someone appeared, then another 10 minutes while he asked the manager to come out and handle my check-in. There's also no lift. The manager was so impolite that I told my cousins to cancel their December stay.

The food alone would bring me back. Breakfast and dinner were fresh and carefully prepared, and the rooms felt very clean. The old building still has loads of character, while the rooms and common areas seem newly renovated, with high-quality furniture and architecture. It's a great blend of historic atmosphere and modern comfort, and would suit families or couples. The owner was welcoming and gave us recommendations. My one criticism is that staffing is limited, so calls to reception or other requests can take a while. Even so, I'd highly recommend the hotel and would gladly return.

We booked three nights in August and came away disappointed for a hotel described as four stars. The large modern rooms have nice views, the building has an appealing old style, and breakfast was good. A few things fell short. There was no spa or fitness center as advertised on booking.com. When we asked about the spa, we were told it involved a random third party who comes to the room, depending on his availability. The pool is a five-minute walk away beside a construction site. There were no curtains on the windows, so in summer it wasn't possible to sleep in. Sheep were kept next to the building, and when the wind blew the wrong way the balcony smelled like poo. Villandro is also a long way from many of the places the Dolomites has to offer. When we raised some of these issues, management's response felt unfriendly, almost hostile. Looking back, I should have booked in Ortsei or cortina d’ampezzo. I'd advise my friends and family to do that if they're visiting northern Italy.