Bolzano or Castelrotto

Castlerotto is obviously more scenic, and won't be as hot, although Bolzano is definitely worth a visit, and not just for the museum. In Castlerotto I can recommend this hotel: http://www.cavallino.it/index_3.html

Thanks! Will check out that hotel.

Ron, you may want to look at staying above Castelrotto at the Alpe di Siusi just above Compatsch. The scenery is beautiful and there are hotels there. Availability may be a problem this time of year on a short notice but it would be worth a try. We stayed at the Alpen Panorama hotel located a little over 6,000 feet. You can drive up there as long as you are staying at the hotel. There was a new hotel being constructed in 2007 when we were there so it would be completed by now but I do not know the name of it. I think Rob from these forums stayed there last year. If you need the website for the Panorama hotel let me know and I will go to my files and find it for you.

Yes please, that would be very much appreciated Lane. It's apparently very busy right now ( and expensive). Tried the place you mentioned Kathy and they were booked. We've decided to wait until Sept to go to the area so gives me a little more time.

Ron, I could not find my little brochure I brought back about the hotel but here is a link to the website: http://www.alpenhotelpanorama.it/en/hotel/welcome.html From the photo of the hotel on the website they have done a major renovation since we stayed there. It does not look like the same place and in scrolling through their pages I am not sure that it has re-opened as yet. I believe I read somewhere in there that it will open in the winter of 2011. They do have contact information on the link above so you can find that out. I am not sure about the new one that was being constructed in 2007 but this one may be it. http://www.seiseralm.com/en/seiser-alm-urthaler/nature-design-hotel.html Hope this helps.

Ron, I checked my pm's where Rob and I had exchanged some messages and he had made reservations at Hotel Satner which may have been the new one under construction in 2007. Link: http://www.hotelsantner.com/

I did indeed stay at Hotel Santner in June of this year. It was a fantastic hotel with great views, good food, and all around great service. The pool/spa area were really nice. You can walk down to Compatsch and catch a bus to Castelrotto for a nice day trip. The drive up is not for the faint of heart, but great views all the way.

btw, it is the one that was being constructed Lane. Hotel Santner is about 100 yards down the hill from Hotel Panorama. Easy walk if you take the chair lift to Panorama from Compatsch.

Thanks Rob. I was wondering if that was the one. If I ever make it back there I will have to give Hotel Santner a try.

Thanks for all the info!!!

Ron, having been to both towns, I prefer to stay in Castelrotto. Bolzano was a lovely and pleasant town. While my husband and son stood in the long line for the museum, I roamed through the farmers market. Can't remember the name of the hotel we stayed at, however, there were several in town. Last year we stayed at Hotel Almhof in Castelrotto. The hotel and rooms had a Austrian/German theme and decor. The restaurant downstairs had traditional Austrian/German food and the breakfast buffet was great. It was a late night find, however, the room with a balcony was perfect. Have fun visiting this area. It's beautiful.

If you like walking/hiking, Castelrotto is the place to stay. I stayed at Haus Silbernagl in Castelrotto. It is rated #1 on Tripadvisor, and I totally agree. The Bed and Breakfast is extremely reasonable in price. You get the feeling of being in a alphine ski resort. Wood floors, walls, and ceiling with a balcony. Petra is a marvelous hostess. There's an indoor swimming pool also. We paid 50-60 euros a night, cheap for such a nice place. Within two blocks, you have a bank, restaurants, grocery store, ice cream shop and major bus stops to the hiking area. Bruce

Finally made it to Castelrotto. Definitly a beautiful area. Only had one full day so didn't get to see all I wanted but gonna try to make it back in the future. Ended up staying at the Cavallino. Thanks Kathy. Great place!