Hotel Fernblick

Serpentine road approaches give a distinctly secluded feel to the Hotel Fernblick, where "distant view" translation is true to the property's namesake. Panoramas here encompass picturesque Bressanone (Brixen) and valleys amid Plose mountain backdrops, and flower-filled meadows in summers turn snow-blanketed in winters. A largely Italian and German guest presence come for the idyllic views, nature settings, and nearby winter or summer sports. They generally give this family-run establishment the thumbs up, especially at the restaurant. Chalet exteriors and lodge interiors include wood paneling, traditional earthy tones, and distressed wood dressers topped with fun owl ornaments. Newer areas have hardwood floors, stylish fabrics, artwork, and/or glossy pendant lamps. Expect similar disparages in rooms, some of which are awaiting renovation, but most offer the magnificent valley vistas afforded by large restaurant windows and their terraces. 

Many find the hotel's secluded location adds to its charm. Nature settings amid mountains are beautiful, but being isolated isn't for everyone, and San Leonardo's immediate surrounds offer no shops or restaurants. Winter months see a free ski bus stop outside twice a day, but a vehicle is largely recommended for the area. Drives to picturesque Bressanone take 20 minutes, where there are a medieval cathedral, train station, shopping, and dining. Free Brixen Cards offer unlimited transport around the town, plus attraction discounts/freebies. It's 12 minutes by car for ski lifts at the Plose Mountain range, and nearby valleys are great for hiking. The biker-popular Wurzjoch Pass to the Dolomites traverses the hotel. Innsbruck International Airport is a 90-minute drive.

All with balconies and mostly glorious valley views, bright rooms in warm tones have dated and non-renovated or stylish, 2015-renovated looks. Our 2017 visit saw all top-floor rooms renovated, and refurbishment in others will begin in fall 2017.Renovated rooms have a minimalist, chalet look consisting of pine-wood furniture, crisp-white linens, gray carpeting, and brown-suede headboards and matching couches, plus flat-screen TVs. Meanwhile, non-renovated rooms have dated wood furniture, floral-print drapes, red-pleather seating, and tube-style TVs. Furnished balconies in upgraded units guarantee the most comprehensive views. Bathrooms similarly vary, and have showers with handheld showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. Phones, desks, and safes come standard, alongside free Wi-Fi (but this can be slow). No air-conditioning or kettles are provided. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

Features aren't the most extensive, but they're reasonable for the three-pearl rating, plus views here are a feature in themselves. White umbrellas shelter valley-facing terraces at the restaurant, and al fresco seating near sofas with glass-topped tables is modern. Restaurant interiors sport wood paneling, carvings, and red drapes in a cutesy area with brick floors, although an adjacent space is more sophisticated. Brown leathers and suedes here contrast whites in walls, pink orchid decor, and wood-beamed ceilings. Served buffet-style, free breakfasts consist of cooked eggs and bacon, homemade continental and local fare, and tea, coffee, and juice. The Italian restaurant's five-course dinner menus are popular and include regional cuisine. The cozy bar is wood-paneled, but bright, and it serves beer, wine, soda, and ice cream. The garden sports a small outdoor pool with built-in whirlpool, but they're only open in the summer. A few loungers around the pool take in the magnificent view, and an adjacent wooden hut houses a sauna, relaxation area, and bathrobes. On-site parking and motorcycle tools are free, as is property-wide Wi-Fi (which can be slow).