Set in its own lush gardens in the centre of town, this five-star hotel has large rooms overlooking the Dolomites or the Duomo, all endowed with a weighty, old-fashioned opulence, and staff that mesh haute-professionalism with relaxed Alpine charm. There's a distinctly individual style throughout, from the beloved vintage elevator to the idiosyncratic mix of contemporary artwork and Tyrolean antiques.
The splendid ground floor is home to the on-site restaurant (meals €40 to €50) – one of Bolzano's finest – and a grandly frescoed baronial bar that bustles from early morning to late at night; beyond the window is a vast park-like green space, perfect for summer drinks, a dip in the pool, or dinner on the tree-shaded garden terrace.