Hotel Greif

Hotel Greif, Bolzano: A Michelin Key Gem Blending History with Modern Design

Hotel Greif in Bolzano, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional blend of historical charm, contemporary design, prime location, and outstanding service. Guests frequently describe their stays as wonderful and memorable, highlighting the hotel's unique character and attentive hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Greif is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it highly across various platforms. It holds a "Wonderful" rating of 9.1 based on over 1,280 reviews. Specific scores include 9.8 for cleanliness, 9.6 for location, 9.5 for comfort, and a remarkable 9.6 for staff performance. Michelin Guide guests also rate it highly, giving it 19.3 out of 20. This indicates a strong guest satisfaction driven by its prime location, superb service, delightful breakfast, and comfortable, clean accommodations.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Greif for several standout features:

• Exceptional Central Location: Situated directly on Piazza Walther, Bolzano's main square, it offers unparalleled access to the city's attractions.
• Unique Design & Art: The hotel masterfully blends its historical roots (dating back to 1514) with bold modernity and creativity, featuring individually designed rooms with unique contemporary artworks complemented by antique pieces.
• Outstanding Breakfast: The breakfast consistently receives rave reviews for its quality, variety, and the panoramic terrace setting with views of the Dolomites.
• Grifoncino Lounge Bar: This spectacularly decorated rooftop cocktail bar is a popular spot for classic and contemporary drinks, sometimes hosting jazz music events.
• Attentive Service: The staff's friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond for guests are frequently mentioned.
• Wellness Facilities: Guests have access to a full-service spa, sauna, gym, and an outdoor swimming pool (often shared with its sister hotel, Parkhotel Laurin).

3. Room Quality

Hotel Greif boasts 33 individually decorated rooms and suites, each offering a distinct experience. Guests consistently describe the rooms as comfortable, clean, and spacious, with a modern and well-appointed design. Key features include:

• Individual Decor: Every room is unique, featuring a commissioned artwork by a contemporary artist, often paired with an 18th, 19th, or early 20th-century piece.
• Comfort and Amenities: Rooms are air-conditioned and include a living area, interactive TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, wooden floors, a mini-fridge bar, and tea/coffee making facilities.
• Luxurious Bathrooms: Private marble bathrooms come with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some rooms feature bathtubs or showers, while Deluxe rooms may include whirlpools, and certain suites offer private saunas.
• Thoughtful Furnishings: Interiors feature soft handwoven Iranian Gabbeh carpets, oiled and waxed dark brown Wengé wood flooring, modern furnishings made from local maple or burr walnut, and lovingly restored original furniture.
• Scenic Views: Many rooms offer fine views of the Dolomites or directly overlook Piazza Walther.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Greif is a particular highlight for many guests:

• Exceptional Breakfast: The varied buffet breakfast is consistently praised as wonderful, fabulous, and outstanding. It features locally sourced ingredients, freshly baked cakes, and homemade jams and marmalades. It is served on a panoramic terrace, offering stunning views of the Dolomites.
• Grifoncino Lounge Bar: This stylish bar is a popular spot for enjoying classic and contemporary drinks.
• Restaurant Access: While Hotel Greif itself serves breakfast, guests are invited to dine at its sister hotel, Laurin, just across the street, which features Restaurant Laurin serving Italian cuisine. Another restaurant offering local and Mediterranean cuisine is also conveniently located just 262 feet away.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Greif receive widespread acclaim. Guests frequently describe the team as "great to deal with," "super friendly," "exceptional," "very personable," and "helpful". The dedicated and friendly staff are noted for going above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of, adding a personal touch to the overall experience. Housekeeping is also praised for being very well run.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Greif's location is consistently rated as perfect and excellent, receiving a score of 9.9 for location from one review platform. It is centrally located in the historic heart of Bolzano, directly overlooking Piazza Walther, the city's main square.

• Walkability: The hotel is within easy walking distance of virtually all city attractions, including the Bolzano Christmas Market.
• Transport Links: Bolzano Train Station is just 984 feet away, making it an easy walk from both train and bus stations. The A22 motorway is also conveniently reachable in approximately 10 minutes by car.
• Nearby Attractions: Important sights such as the historic cable car and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to the famous "Ötzi" the Iceman, are easily accessible.
• Parking: On-site public parking is available for guests at a cost of €22 per day.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Greif is often described as offering "affordable luxury" and "exceptional value for money," particularly when considering its average room rate of approximately $300 compared to Bolzano's city average of $200. While one review site rated its value for money at 8.4, guests generally feel the experience justifies the cost. Prices, however, do vary depending on the date and room type.

8. Common Complaints

While overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, minimal recurring complaints were noted. One guest mentioned finding the bed "a little on the not firm side". The cost of on-site parking (€22 per day) could also be a minor consideration for some travelers. However, these appear to be isolated points rather than widespread issues, reflecting the high standards maintained by the property.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. michelin.com
4. greatsmallhotels.com
5. designhotels.com
6. greif.it
7. wanderdestination.com
8. bolzanohotelsweb.com
9. marriott.com
10. hotels.com
11. fodors.com