Minimalist Alpine design B&B surrounded by the Dolomites in Val Gardena, Italy

Casa al Sole / Ortisei / Val Gardena / South Tyrol / Italy

I am not sure if there is a place that is closer to my heart than the Dolomites. This part of the Alps, located in northern Italy is so stunning. Stunning isn’t its even the right word but I am afraid my language is not evolved enough to do this dramatic landscape justice (that is why you can just scroll down and look at my photos. Or better yet, go there for yourself). One of the most scenic (and most visited) valleys is Val Gardena. It is here, in Ortisei, where you’ll find this B&B with the promising name, Casa al Sole.

When you come up the hill from town towards the hotel it really stands out from the neighboring buildings with its raspberry red exterior with white frames painted around the windows. This solid building dates back to the 1930s and there is a kind of practical, rational look to the design. No frills, no decorative elements but straight lines and functional design. The same aesthetic applies to the interior (although less colorful than the exterior). What stands out when entering is a kind of minimalism where the only thing that disrupts is the original terrazzo floors which becomes a welcoming contrast to the dark wood and the white washed walls. The look is an interesting mix of traditional South Tyrolean with some urban design elements thrown into the mix which makes the hotel stand out compared to most of the other hotels in this region which often lean heavy on traditions.

Our room was, just like the rest of the hotel, minimalist with white washed walls, discreet-looking furniture and nothing that would potentially upset your views.

The couple behind this 12-key Alpin refuge is Manuel and Alexandra who has had an ambition to create a calm, serene B&B where you can truly relax and recharge (when you are not out exploring the surroundings, that is). This is why there are no TV:s, no pool, no unnecessary noice. So all your focus can be directed towards the lead actor, the Dolomites.

The raspberry red facade makes the building stand out among its cream colored neighbors.

While the exterior is all about color the interior is a much more discreet affair with original terrazzo floors, dark wooden furniture and white washed walls.

The lounge on the ground floor, right next to the bar. When the bar is unmanned, it turns into a honesty bar so you can live out your bartender fantasy.

Breakfast time! We decided to have ours outside as the sun rose over the Dolomites. And yes, it is homemade Nutella you spot in the centre of the photo. And yes, it was increadibly delicious.

You can’t come to Val Gardena in Summer and not hike. There are sooo many hikes to choose from.

And after a long hike in the sun, nothing beats a mushroom pasta in the shade.

Back at the hotel just in time for cocktail hour.

Best pizza in town? At E-Quattro. The place might not look like much (which is the case with many restaurants in Italy) but the pizzas are delicious.

If you like running, there is a great trail that follows the old train tracks from Ortisei to Selva. Here is M running like he is in the Olympics through one of the old train tunnels.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are planning to go to the Dolomites and are looking for a hotel that mix traditional South Tyrolean traditions and hospitality with some urban design. If this is up your street, you will appreciate Casa al Sole.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the calmness. There are so few distractions, no pool, no TVs no unnecessary noise which makes this place a perfect place to slow down and focus all your attention to the impressive surrounding mountains.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to hike. And eat. The hiking options are endless but no matter where you go you can count on breathtaking views. And the same goes for the food. No matter where you decide to have your meal, you can bet on heartwarming comfort food made with a lot of love and cheese.

If you like this hotel you might also like…

Niedermairhof, Brunico, South Tyrol, Italy

1477 Reichhalter, Lana, South Tyrol, Italy

Zum Riesen, Tarres, South Tyrol, Italy