Bergidyll Hotel Tratterhof

Perched high in the Dolomites, the hotel is surrounded by hills and meadows where cows graze freely in the shadow of the towering mountains. The small, family-run property has just 31 rooms and is part of the Wanderhotel association of hotels, which is known for its high level of expertise in its guided tours in the Alps and Dolomites. True to its simple guiding principle, the Tratterhof has traditional decor, where natural pine is held in the highest regard. The lobby has a pine-paneled front desk, columns, and partial ceiling, and is filled with classic alpine furniture covered in latticed red-and-white patterns. Some guests choose to lounge in the gardens or by the pool, and indulge in the spa. The restaurant is a cozy spot for après-ski or post-hike rejuvenation.

The hotel is located in Maranza, not far from the Brenner Autobahn, which connects Innsbruck, Austria, to Modena in northern Italy. It's convenient for touring the area's mountains, including the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Alps. The nearby Gitschberg Jochtal ski slopes are 14 minutes by car or free hotel shuttle, and the town of Rio di Pusteria (also 14 minutes) has the closest train station, where the hotel staff can pick you up. South Tyrol is unique for its Austro-Bavarian heritage as much as for its mountainous landscape. Italy’s northernmost province, it's known also for its winter sports, a wealthy economy, and German-speaking inhabitants. The larger town of Bolzano, home to the Dolomiti airport, is about a 55-minute drive to south.

Even the smallest barebones, Cuddly Rooms here have private balconies to take in the high altitude mountain views. Modern in design, with traditional pine-wood furniture and hardwood floors, the rooms have an elegant simplicity, with just a few ornate lamps. All have couches, and most have desks with wooden chairs and comfortable sitting areas. Natural light plays a key role, from large and small wood-framed windows, and many of the rooms have vaulted wooden ceilings, adding to the alpine lodge feel. The tiled bathrooms have small walk-in showers, and many have separate tubs and bidets. There are no coffeemakers, but all rooms have flat-screen TVs, digital safes, and mini-fridges.

The experienced staff leads guided hiking tours daily from Monday to Friday, each aimed at different skill levels, with some for kids, too. They have easy walks to Gitschberg, up to the most grueling tour into the Dolomite heights. To recover from outdoor exertions, the full-service spa has multiple saunas, steam baths, relaxation rooms, hot tubs, and an outdoor Kneipp bath. There's an indoor pool with a lounge that has floor-to-ceiling windows, and the sophisticated outdoor pool (with connecting indoor entry for disabled persons) has postcard-worthy views across the valley. The children's play room has games, including a Foosball table and a climbing wall. There's also an outdoor playground to keep kids busy, and it's wisely on the other side of the hotel from the South Tyrolian/Mediterranean restaurant's herb garden. Breakfast and other board options are available in rate packages, and wine tastings in the cellar are always free. In winter, a free shuttle takes guests to the ski lifts.