SILENA, your soulful hotel

SILENA, your soulful hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the breathtaking Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy, consistently receives high praise for its harmonious blend of Far Eastern mindfulness and Alpine clarity. It stands out as a luxurious and serene retreat designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for SILENA is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "fantastic," "exceptional," and "amazing". It is lauded as a serene hideaway that offers a unique and memorable experience, embodying a "soulful" approach to hospitality. The hotel’s commitment to thoughtful design, impeccable service, and a holistic wellness philosophy contributes to its stellar reputation.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore several aspects of SILENA:

• Service & Staff: The staff receives widespread acclaim for being exceptionally kind, smiling, attentive, and providing impeccable, personalized service.
• Design: The hotel's architecture and interiors are a significant draw, characterized by sophisticated, tasteful, and modern design. Created by Bolzano-based firm noa*, it skillfully combines minimalist inspiration with bold ornaments, using natural materials like concrete and Alpine wood to create a chic yet cozy atmosphere.
• Amenities: SILENA boasts an indulgent, Southeast Asian-inspired spa with a Feng Shui philosophy, featuring an Onsen rooftop pool, panoramic sauna, indoor and outdoor pools, and various relaxation areas. Other beloved amenities include a Literature Lounge, a Tea Library, and mindful activities such as daily yoga, Qi-Gong, and guided meditation. A well-equipped gym and bicycles are also available.
• Dining: The culinary experience is a major highlight, with guests raving about the incredible slow food restaurant that offers an almost gastronomic 5-course or 6-course menu nightly. The use of meticulously sourced local ingredients, creative chefs, and an in-house sommelier enhance the dining experience.
• Location: The secluded setting amidst the breathtaking Dolomites provides stunning views and direct access to outdoor activities. Its "ski-in/ski-out" convenience and proximity to the Gitschberg-Jochtal hiking area are highly valued by active guests.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at SILENA are consistently praised for their quality, comfort, and design. They are described as beautifully furnished, modern, and spacious, with excellent attention to detail. Many rooms, such as the 32m² "Soulful Room," feature a generous layout, a canopy bed, and an open-plan bathroom with a huge walk-in shower. Guests particularly appreciate the large terraces that offer scenic mountain views and abundant sunlight throughout the day. The interior design often incorporates a dark wood structure paired with wallpaper depicting tree and dragonfly silhouettes in dark green, creating a cozy and immersive "forest" atmosphere. Some rooms also include private sauna areas for an elevated relaxation experience.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at SILENA is a significant highlight, centered around a unique slow food concept that emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients. Guests can expect an incredible culinary journey with a daily changing, almost gastronomic 5-course or 6-course dinner menu, offering a wide array of options. Breakfast is also highly regarded for its delicious offerings. The creativity of the chefs is frequently commended, and a large buffet with fresh salads is a popular feature. The restaurant also boasts an impressive glass-encased wine refrigerator and a dedicated cheese refrigerator, with an in-house sommelier available to provide recommendations.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at SILENA consistently receive exceptional feedback. Guests describe the team as "extremely kind and smiling," "impeccable," and highly attentive. Many reviews highlight the personalized service that enhances the overall guest experience, with staff going above and beyond to make visitors feel "good and relaxed". The hotel is owner-managed by Simon, a personal trainer, and Magdalena, a literary enthusiast, whose distinct personalities contribute to the hotel's focus on both physical well-being and intellectual enrichment.

6. Location & Accessibility

SILENA is located in Vals (Valles), a secluded and picturesque area in South Tyrol, nestled within the Italian Dolomites. This outstanding location offers a peaceful ambiance and breathtaking natural surroundings, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventures. The hotel is directly situated in the Gitschberg-Jochtal hiking area and provides convenient "ski-in/ski-out" access, being close to ski lifts and slopes. For hikers and mountain enthusiasts, the hotel offers free lift rides and provides maps of the numerous Alpine hiking trails. The nearby town of Brixen is mentioned as a romantic village worth visiting.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges can vary, SILENA is recognized as a luxury and designer hotel, fitting its Michelin Key Selected status. Guest reviews indicate a strong perception of "value for money," with a high rating of 9.0 on Booking.com. The comprehensive amenities, exceptional service, and high-quality experiences across dining, wellness, and accommodation contribute to guests feeling that the cost is justified for the unique and enriching stay it provides.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted in past reviews:

• Some guests in 2018 mentioned the outdoor pool not being sufficiently warm for extended stays, and the absence of classic sauna infusions on weekends was noted as a drawback.
• A few reviews indicated that certain areas, like the main pool, were perceived as less inspiring compared to the hotel's otherwise impressive wellness facilities.
• One guest suggested that the hotel's policy regarding swimwear in designated wellness areas could be more explicitly communicated publicly.

Sources

1. wheree.com
2. greenline-hotels.com
3. selection-magazin.de
4. booking.com
5. tablethotels.com
6. thehotelguru.com
7. fulltimelifeloverblog.com
8. michelin.com
9. luxury-executive.com