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Gardena Grödnerhof hotel review: Laid-back luxury in the heart of the Dolomites

Simon Calder’s Travel

In a nutshell: A five-star family-run hotel in the centre of the Val Gardena with a stand-out spa and impressive mountain views.

Location

Ortisei is an almost picture-perfect Italian mountain town nestled in the Val Gardena valley, surrounded by the striking mountain landscape of the Dolomites. The most popular among tourists of Val Gardena’s three towns (the others being Santa Cristina and Selva Val Gardena), Ortisei is a bustling ski resort in the winter, with links to the Sella Ronda circuit and access to a huge ski area that’s popular among intermediate and experienced skiers.

Out of the ski season, it’s quieter, but no less beautiful. Wild flowers dot the meadows in spring, autumn turns the mountains golden, and the alpine pastures become a playground for outdoor activities through summer. Gardena Grödnerhof sits right in the centre of Ortisei, so guests can take advantage of the plentiful shops, bars and restaurants. It’s within easy reach of the slopes during winter season and well-located to reach the mountains for hiking, mountain biking and other summer activities.

Val Gardena is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise all year round

(Gardena Grödnerhof)

The vibe

Gardena Grödnerhof has a strong focus on wellness (the spa is its standout feature) and this is felt throughout the hotel. The hotel is spacious and elegantly decorated in a pared-back alpine style that is modern and luxe, yet still feels cosy. Even when booked out, it doesn’t feel crowded or ‘touristy’ – thus far it has largely attracted a dometic Italian crowd, although this seems to be changing.

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The service

Like the vast majority of hotels in the valley, Gardena Grödnerhof is family run and this comes through in the service. Staff are relaxed, welcoming and approachable, without being overbearing. You will be met with a welcome drink and the front desk will happily talk you through the amenities and activities on offer through your stay, and help arrange reservations, transfers or days out.

The rooms at Gardena Grödnerhof are spacious with a cosy, alpine feel

(Fiorenzo Calosso)

Bed and bath

Even the smallest rooms at Gardena Grödnerhof are a very decent size, which can be rarity in mountain hotels. Decor is tasteful: think classic mountain style with neutral colours and lots of wood. All rooms have been finished to a high…

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