Alphotel Tyrol

This hotel's proximity to Austria helps make it particular popular with German and Austrian guests. This family-run (and family-friendly) property has charming alpine character. A life-sized statue carved from a single tree greets guests in the oddly arranged lobby, which has seating along the windows and in a central area separated by a picket fence. Red carpet, antiques, potted plants, and knick-knacks fill out most of the common spaces. During the day, the hotel tends to be quieter, as guests are usually out of doors, but the common areas, restaurant, and bar are lively in mornings and evenings. Children, in particular, can easily make new friends during the organized activities and evening entertainment.

Alphotel Tyrol is located in a quiet valley, about a three-minute drive from Racines in South Tyrol. The Racines Giovo (also Ratschings Jaufen) ski area is only one kilometer away, just within walking distance, although the hotel also provides a free shuttle to it. Though Italian in nationality, South Tyrol is marked by its Austro-Bavarian heritage as much as its mountainous geography. As Italy’s northernmost province, it's known for its winter sports, wealthy economy, and German-speaking inhabitants -- the latter explains why most places have names in both languages. Dolomiti airport in Bolzano is just over an hour drive due south, and Innsbruck Airport (in Austria) is just under an hour away through the Brenner Pass to the north. The hotel will pick guests up at the Vipiteno train station for free.

All 212 rooms have natural wood furnishings, from the beds to the armoires, and even the doors and trim are unpainted blonde wood, which accentuates the rustic alpine feel of the simple decor. Most rooms have red or green carpets (which look a bit dated), although some of the more recently updated suites have polished hardwood floors. The tiled bathrooms feel a bit more luxurious, with touches of marble or ornate moldings, and many have bidets, per the European standard. The glass walk-in showers are small, but have handheld showerheads, and many rooms have additional whirlpool tubs. The best feature of any room here is the private balcony or patio, each with excellent views of the surrounding grounds and mountains. Mini-fridges come standard, but there are no coffeemakers.

The hotel's private grounds span some 10,000 square meters, with gardens, fishing ponds, and quiet places to sit and relax. A small zoo of ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, and geese is popular with children, as are the resident horses, which are free to ride. In summer, hiking trails take guests up through forests, past the treeline, to alpine meadows and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In winter, skiing at nearby Racines Giovo -- with its eight ski lifts, half-pipe, and toboggan run -- is easily accessible from the hotel, which offers a free shuttle that runs to the lifts every half hour. The extensive spa has a steam bath, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and relaxation rooms with picture windows overlooking the mountainous landscape. There's a small fitness center, too, with a tanning bed and a few machines, as well as an indoor pool with integrated hot tubs. The outdoor pool (connected by a small passage to the indoor pool) has a wooden sun deck covered with lounge chairs. A small library and business center has a couple computers and books for guests to use at their leisure. For dining, the restaurant serves a variety of Austrian and Italian cuisine, and some packages come with half- or full-board, with buffet meals included. The hotel's bar has a large outdoor patio with covered seating to take in the view and the fresh mountain air -- perfect for an après-ski warm-up drink.