Almhotel Col Raiser

Almhotel Col Raiser: A Michelin Key Selected Alpine Retreat with Breathtaking Views

Almhotel Col Raiser in Santa Cristina Valgardena, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns exceptional reviews for its idyllic mountain setting, warm hospitality, and high-quality amenities. Guests frequently describe it as a "haven of comfort and luxury" and a "very high-standard hotel".

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Almhotel Col Raiser is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive overall rating of 9.9 and 9.4 on various platforms, often rated as "wonderful" or "exceptional". Guests express strong satisfaction, highlighting the serene atmosphere and cozy ambiance for those seeking to unwind amidst nature's splendor.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Almhotel Col Raiser for several standout features:

• Location & Views: The "amazing location" offers "stunning views" of the majestic Dolomites, making it "simply perfect for hiking" in summer and skiing in winter, with direct access to slopes. The hotel sits at 2,106 meters, immersed in nature and encircled by mountains and forests.
• Spa & Wellness: The "perfect spa with mountain views" is a significant draw, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and a panoramic relaxation room.
• Service & Staff: The "extremely friendly and accommodating" staff, often described as "very nice" and "helpful," contributes significantly to the positive guest experience. The management by the Schenk family is noted for its passion and dedication.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, recently renovated under the Schenk family's management, maintains a classic South Tyrolean Alpine look with "fine woods" and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

Almhotel Col Raiser offers "absolutely cosy rooms" that are "very comfortable" and "spacious". Rooms, including Junior Suites and Suites, feature traditional wood interior design, and many come with private balconies or terraces offering spectacular mountain views. Each room includes a work desk, satellite/cable TV, free WiFi, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a bidet. Junior Suites, for example, span approximately 25 square meters and are furnished with a queen bed.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, "Rita's Kitchen," is highly praised for its "excellent cuisine" and "delicious food". It serves Italian and traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, with Chef Rita cooking with passion for 20 years. Dishes are crafted from locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the Italian Alps. Breakfast options are comprehensive, including buffet, continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Dinner often consists of a 4-course meal with regional specialties. While the full board dinner choice was mentioned as "a bit limited" by one guest, the food quality was still considered "quite good".

5. Service & Staff

Hospitality at Almhotel Col Raiser is consistently highlighted as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the "impeccable service," noting that "every detail is meticulously attended to". The staff is described as "extremely friendly and accommodating", "very nice", and "very helpful". Individual staff members, like Lea, have been specifically praised for their attentiveness.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated at 2,106 meters in the Dolomites, Almhotel Col Raiser offers an extraordinary and remote location, ideal for both summer hiking and winter skiing. It provides direct ski-to-door access and is a perfect starting point for exploring the Puez-Odles Natural Reserve. The hotel is approximately 12 km from Sella Pass and Saslong, and 25 km from Pordoi Pass.

A unique aspect of its location is that the hotel is only accessible by cable car, which closes at 4:00 PM. Guests arriving after this time must inform the hotel to organize their arrival (potentially with extra cost). Parking is available at the Col Raiser valley station. For stays of at least four days, parking is free, otherwise, it is subject to a fee (e.g., €15 per day for outdoor parking, €20 for a garage spot, which cannot be reserved). In summer, cable car trips are included for stays of six nights or more, and in winter, one round trip is included for stays of at least three nights.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges are not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets beyond mentions of rates for 2026 starting around $416, the hotel receives a strong "Value for money" rating of 9.0. The overall sentiment suggests that guests find the experience, combining high-quality service, amenities, and an unparalleled location, to be well worth the cost. There are also notes on short stay fees (€40 per person per day for less than 3 days, €20 for 3-4 days) and a single person fee for double rooms (€100 per person per day).

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, one minor recurring point noted by a guest was that the "choice with the full board dinner was a bit limited". Otherwise, the provided reviews do not indicate any significant or common complaints, reinforcing the hotel's high guest satisfaction. Cancellation policies are clearly outlined, with fees applying for cancellations made less than 21 days before arrival (50% of total) or less than 3 days (90% of total).

Sources

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