Perched above the South Tyrolian town of Scena, the Hotel Hohenwart has postcard-perfect views of the town below and surrounding mountains. As the hotel is geared toward German-speaking guests in northern Italy, English is a third language here, which may dissuade the average anglophone traveler, but the friendly staff bend over backward to make sure it's not much of an issue and the myriad amenities transcend language. The rooms run the gamut from stylishly renovated to somewhat dated, but all have private balconies from which to enjoy the view. Free breakfasts and daily buffets include locally grown ingredients, and the restaurant and bar's wine list is extensive. For children, there are playgrounds and specially designated activities, making the hotel popular with families as well as couples. Other than the mountains, into which the hotel has guided hiking tours, there isn't much within walking distance, although the spa town of Merano is a short drive away. The hotel's own spa is expansive, and its three pools include an outdoor, all-glass saline infinity pool with gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.