Hotel Angelo Engel

A trip to the Dolomites was one of the highlights of my recent visit to Italy, and I owe part of that to our hotel, Angelo Engel. This charming Tyrolean inn is nestled in the Val Gardena region of the northern Alps.

Dating back to 1547, Hotel Angelo Engel began as a farm that also served as a humble inn for early pioneers. By the mid-1800s, it had evolved into a proper hotel, catering to guests who came to enjoy the scenery. Today, the hotel retains the same breathtaking surroundings, but with the added luxury of modern upgrades that turn the stay from pleasant to pampering.

Perfect Surroundings

We arrive at the hotel in late spring, greeted by postcard-perfect weather and hotel grounds filled with guests basking in the sun. In addition to a heated pool, the property boasts a garden with cozy alcoves for chatting or reading, sauna, solarium and courtyard. As dusk settles, the alcoves and courtyard teem with couples sipping cocktails and relaxing after a busy day’s end.

Booking and Browsing

We had booked a double room with balcony offering views of the pool and mountains. The room is an upgrade over the standard room, but worth the extra cost. We have copious closet space, and the bathroom offers ample counters for toiletries as well as a luxurious deep tub

We opt for half board, which means both breakfast and dinner daily. This was another good investment, considering Ortisei, where the hotel is located, is a small village with a limited selection of restaurants.

The breakfast buffet is lovely, featuring a mix of European and American options, including cheese trays, smoked salmon, eggs, yogurt, and assorted cereals. The dinner menu changes nightly, with variety of entrees, ranging from fish to steak.  We love the salad bar and the selection of European breads and this sometimes becomes our go-to since entrees were hit or miss. After dinner, we would stroll through the old town, with its charming Tyrolean architecture and cobbled streets.

One of the benefits of staying in Ortisei is its proximity to hiking trails. Two favorite hikes are Seceda and Alpe di Siusi (the largest plateau in Europe), both easily accessible by cable car from the village.

Park and Stay

Once you’ve arrived at Hotel Angelo Engel, park your car and spend your visit exploring by foot. A free bus pass is included with your stay, and we spent one day exploring Selva, an alpine village just a short bus ride down the road.

In sum, Hotel Angelo Engel is a perfect blend of history and comfort in a stunning alpine setting. Whether you’re here for the outdoor adventures or simply to relax and take in the scenery, this is a fantastic base for your Dolomite getaway.

To learn more, visit https://www.hotelangelo.net/it/

–Rose