Alpenroyal Grand Hotel Gourmet & Spa

The Alpenroyal Grand Hotel Gourmet & Spa in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, presents a luxurious stay amidst the breathtaking Dolomites, though guest experiences offer a mixed perspective on its current standing.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Alpenroyal Grand Hotel Gourmet & Spa is varied. Many guests describe their stays as "outstanding," "perfect," and "stunning," hailing it as one of the best ski hotels and hotels in the Alps. However, a significant number of recent reviews suggest a decline in quality, with some guests feeling it has fallen from a 5-star to a "two to three star hotel" since the original owners retired. Positive feedback often highlights the exceptional spa, pools, stunning views, and gourmet dining, while negative comments frequently point to issues with staff service and room comfort.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several key aspects of the Alpenroyal:

• Spa & Wellness: The hotel boasts an "unparalleled" and "world-famous" spa experience, covering 5000m² with three pools (indoor, outdoor, and a seasonal outdoor alpine lake), two steam tubs, three saunas, a Kneipp bath, and multiple relaxation areas.
• Dining: The Alpenroyal Gourmet Restaurant holds a Michelin star, offering a "top-class gourmet experience" with a menu that blends Alpine herbs, Mediterranean, and Indian flavors, along with fine meats.
• Location & Views: Nestled within a 15,000 m² park in Selva di Val Gardena, the hotel provides fantastic 360-degree panoramic views of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Its ski-in/ski-out location offers easy access to the Sella Range ski area.
• Amenities: The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast buffet, an adjacent golf course, free ski shuttle, ski passes, ski equipment rentals, free in-room WiFi, a fitness center, billiard table, game room, and daily hiking and ski excursions. Suites may also feature Jacuzzis and private steam-bath showers.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Alpenroyal Grand Hotel are generally described as spacious, well-cared for, and comfortable, combining modern comforts with traditional details. They typically include large seating areas, flat-screen TVs with satellite, cable, and pay-per-view channels, and mini-bars. Guests can expect either carpeted or wooden floors. Suites often come with private terraces or balconies that offer breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the surrounding park. Beds are equipped with premium bedding, and a pillow menu is available. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and bidets.

However, some guests have reported issues such as rooms being hot due to a lack of air conditioning, even during warmer months, and showers lacking proper doors, leading to wet floors.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is a significant highlight, particularly at the Michelin-starred Alpenroyal Gourmet Restaurant, where Chef Mario Porcelli creates "sublime cuisine". The menu is celebrated for its diverse culinary journey, incorporating Alpine, Mediterranean, and Indian influences. In addition to the gourmet restaurant, the hotel offers the Hotel Restaurant and Alpengrill.

Breakfast is often praised as "amazing" and "lavish," featuring a wide array of fresh choices including hot drinks, various teas, cold cuts, freshly baked croissants, juices, salmon, eggs, waffles, and Prosecco wine. The restaurant also specializes in international and South Tyrol cuisine, with à la carte options available for lunch. Despite the general praise, some guests have raised concerns about stale breakfast items being left uncovered.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is notably polarized. Many guests have experienced "excellent service" and found the staff to be "professional and courteous," describing the hotel as having "the best service in the Alps". The hotel also offers multilingual staff proficient in Italian, French, Spanish, English, German, and Arabic, and a 24/7 reception.

Conversely, other reviews indicate "very weak" service levels and a perception that the staff is "not training well". Some have noted that while staff members are friendly, the presence of many trainees means service is not always consistently professional. A few guests have reported negative interactions, including an "intrusive owner".

6. Location & Accessibility

The Alpenroyal Grand Hotel is advantageously situated in a 15,000 m² park in Selva di Val Gardena, offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It is particularly well-suited for ski enthusiasts, boasting ski-in/ski-out facilities and direct access to the extensive Sella Range ski area.

For convenience, the hotel provides free transfers to central Selva and the slopes daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged upon request, with direct landing on the hotel's helipad. While the location is often considered "almost perfect," some guests note it is not directly adjacent to ski lifts or pistes without the shuttle service.

7. Value & Pricing

Alpenroyal Grand Hotel is positioned as a luxury property, with prices reflecting its 5-star status and amenities. As of January 29, 2026, a 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $872.26. Standard rooms range from $469 - $495 (USD), while suites can cost between $470 - $1,728 (USD).

Pricing fluctuates significantly with seasonality; February, being high season, sees an average 76% price increase, while September, a low season, experiences an average 27% decrease. Guests often have mixed feelings about the value, with some finding the initial booking price high but feeling it's justified or even low for the overall experience upon departure. A 30% non-refundable deposit is typically required for reservations.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms from guests include:

• Decline in Service: A prominent complaint is the perceived drop in service quality and staff training compared to previous years, particularly since the original owners' departure.
• Lack of Air Conditioning: Despite its luxury status, the absence of air conditioning in rooms, leading to uncomfortable temperatures even in mild seasons, is a significant point of contention.
• Breakfast Quality Issues: Some guests have reported instances of stale breakfast food and uncovered items at the buffet.
• Spa Access Limitations: The new sauna having limited operating hours (4-8 PM), coinciding with dinner times, has been a source of frustration for some guests.
• Room Maintenance: Minor issues like shower doors not properly containing water and small, plastic vanities have been noted.
• Intrusive Owner: At least one guest reported a negative personal experience with the owner being intrusive.
• Increased Activity Costs: Activities such as guided hikes, which were once complimentary, are now reported to incur substantial costs.

Sources

1. trip.com
2. booking.com
3. expedia.com
4. planetofhotels.com
5. theluxevoyager.com
6. skisolutions.com
7. fivestaralliance.com
8. alpenroyal.com
9. travelweekly.com
10. kayak.com