Gardena Grödnerhof
Ortisei, Italy
Encompassed by the soaring peaks of the Dolomites, Gardena Grödnerhof sits 1,236 metres above sea level in Ortisei, the largest village in Val Gardena. The hotel's story began in 1923, when Antonio and Anna Demetz transformed a private home into a hotel. Their daughter Annamaria took over in 1988 before her son Hugo Bernardi and his wife Cinzia took the helm in 2000. A complete rebuild followed in 2001 and by December 2003 Gardena had become Ortisei’s first five-star hotel.
The hotel’s 60 rooms and suites are spread across a main house and two chalets. In the main house, 46 rooms and suites look out towards the village or leafy gardens. The Gardena Chalet has ten generous two-bedroom suites, while the newer Seceda Chalet houses four one-bedroom suites. Both chalets can be booked exclusively for larger groups or gatherings.
When it comes to dining, there’s something to please every palate. At Michelin-starred Anna Stuben, chef Reimund Brunner brings an imaginative touch to the region’s culinary traditions. The Gardena Restaurant casts its net from South Tyrol to the Mediterranean, while 4 Sajons serves grilled specialities and bubbling cheese fondues. An aperitif in the Lounge & Bar makes a fitting prelude. In summer, those keen to take some culinary know-how home can join a cooking class with Chef Brunner or embark on a guided hike to the hotel’s private mountain hut on Alpe di Siusi, where a local aperitif and gourmet lunch await.
Adventurers are also well catered for with summer hiking and mountain biking giving way to skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing in winter. Ski lifts, slopes and the Alpe di Siusi cable car are all within 200 metres of the hotel. Younger guests have adventures of their own at the kids’ club, complete with a climbing wall, craft corner, children’s cinema and more. After an active day, guests can retreat to the Gardena Spa. A highlight in its own right, the spa combines contemporary design and natural materials, with a newly redesigned treatment area for massages, facials and Alpine-inspired rituals.
The hotel’s 60 rooms and suites are spread across a main house and two chalets. In the main house, 46 rooms and suites look out towards the village or leafy gardens. The Gardena Chalet has ten generous two-bedroom suites, while the newer Seceda Chalet houses four one-bedroom suites. Both chalets can be booked exclusively for larger groups or gatherings.
When it comes to dining, there’s something to please every palate. At Michelin-starred Anna Stuben, chef Reimund Brunner brings an imaginative touch to the region’s culinary traditions. The Gardena Restaurant casts its net from South Tyrol to the Mediterranean, while 4 Sajons serves grilled specialities and bubbling cheese fondues. An aperitif in the Lounge & Bar makes a fitting prelude. In summer, those keen to take some culinary know-how home can join a cooking class with Chef Brunner or embark on a guided hike to the hotel’s private mountain hut on Alpe di Siusi, where a local aperitif and gourmet lunch await.
Adventurers are also well catered for with summer hiking and mountain biking giving way to skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing in winter. Ski lifts, slopes and the Alpe di Siusi cable car are all within 200 metres of the hotel. Younger guests have adventures of their own at the kids’ club, complete with a climbing wall, craft corner, children’s cinema and more. After an active day, guests can retreat to the Gardena Spa. A highlight in its own right, the spa combines contemporary design and natural materials, with a newly redesigned treatment area for massages, facials and Alpine-inspired rituals.
