Hotel & Gasthof zum Hirschen

Hotel Hirschen enjoys a stunning location with truly breathtaking views, and the property itself is impeccably clean and well-maintained. However, beyond its scenic charm and cleanliness, the experience leaves much to be desired—especially given the price point. One of the more surprising and disappointing aspects was the charge of EUR 3.30 per liter of tap water. While South Tyrol’s local water is indeed excellent, charging guests for tap water feels unnecessary and reflects a broader approach to hospitality that values policy over guest comfort. The rooms are expensive, yet they lack basic amenities that are standard in similarly priced hotels throughout the region. There are no fridges, no water boilers, coffee machines, or even toiletries, which makes the stay feel barebones and not in line with the rate being charged. The dining experience was particularly underwhelming. The menu lacks flavor and variety, and on Wednesdays, when the staff is off, the limited self-serve buffet is poorly managed—once items run out, they are not replenished, and it’s essentially first come, first served. Unfortunately, the same attitude carries over to the breakfast buffet, where latecomers are left with scraps. Perhaps the most frustrating experience came at dinner one evening. Despite placing our order between 7:15 and 7:30 pm, we had still not been served by 9:00 pm—our child only received his meal at 9:15 pm. When we raised this with the waiter, we were told a device wasn’t functioning properly, and instead of an apology or resolution, we were given instructions on how to order differently next time. This response was not only unhelpful but unacceptable. The spa and outdoor pool are underwhelming in size. While the pool is heated, the temperature is low enough that it’s uncomfortable unless you’re swimming continuously. Unfortunately, due to its small size, a few strokes will take you from end to end, making it less of a relaxing amenity and more of a missed opportunity. In summary, Hotel Hirschen benefits from its natural surroundings and cleanliness, but the overall experience—marked by a lack of hospitality, poor value for money, and subpar amenities—fails to live up to what one should expect in South Tyrol at this price point.

We just had two excellent coffees here, enjoyed the view, while sipping our coffees

We spent 8 nights this September and enjoyed every minute of it. The rooms were spacious and decorated with great taste, the SPA with 2 Saunas, a steam sauna and an infinity pool overlooking the mountains was brand-new. The highlight for us however was the food! Breakfast was great, but the 4-course dinner plus salad buffet was out of this world. 4 courses time 8 days = 32 times perfection - we had not been disappointed once. We will come back! And last but not least: they even got me a birthday cake - homemade and made to perfection - THANK YOU SO MUCH

My wife and I spent 10 days in a very comfortable suite with a large balcony overlooking the Dolomites. The family are very friendly and very much involved in running this immaculately clean hotel. Lots of activities are planned daily, highlights being the wine tasting and the weekly guided hike. The food is very plentiful and of outstanding quality, lots of fresh local produce, certainly well above what we expected. The family members and other staff were always there to help, nothing was too much trouble, and always accompanied by a smile. This is an extremely well run hotel, great for couples and we noticed that children were very well looked after in the dining room.

We stayed privately in Jenesian and luckily found the restaurant and stunning terrace. The staff are very friendly and efficient the food was excellent. We would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area it is a real treat to sit on the terrace drink in the breathtaking view and enjoy wonderful local food

We spent almost a week at this auberge in the Italian Dolomites. The family that runs the hotel is so warm and friendly. The room we had was a family room for four with one WC and one full bath with toilet. There was a separate room with a double bed and then two twins for the kids. We had a balcony that overlooked the hillsides and mountains. ||||The hiking trails were incredible. We took a long hike one day that took us through pastures and vistas that were breathtaking. All trails are well marked. There are cable cars that you can ride down to the towns below.||||There was a daily activity if you wanted to have a tour. We took a tour of a small cheese producer. The tour was 3.50 euro per person and was very interesting and there was a wine and cheese reception after the tour. One evening there was a wine tasting in the hotel before dinner. It was very informative and the wine was excellent.||||We took breakfast and dinner with our room. There are not a lot of choices for restaurants in the area and I think after long hikes it is nice to come back to a meal The breakfast was a buffet that had a lot of varied choices with lots of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, eggs, sausages, etc. The dinners were on par with a really nice restaurant. Normally a salad bar to start with many very fresh vegetables. Then the main course which were always very interesting and delicious followed by dessert. All of the food was fresh and dishes that were just a bit extraordinary...not something that I would have cooked at home.

This is a quick review of the restaurant. I didn't stay at the inn. I took the San Genesio funicular from Bolzano, and ended up in this quaint mountainside village. I saw the deck of the restaurant and found it very inviting (see the photo). I didn't even realize it was an inn until I was leaving.||||Anyway, I wasn't too hungry and decided to eat a light lunch. I had a herbal (mint I believe) tea, a cream of tomato soup, bread and a big slice of apple strudel for afters. The soup took a little while but when it came I was amazed. The tomato soup had the colour of pumpkin soup with a dollop of cream. It wasn't too tomato-ey, or overpowered by herbs (usually basil). This soup was delicate, a nice balance of tomato and light cream with a kick at the end - a slight hint of old Italian cheese. I love tomato soup and have tried a few varieties, but this one was tomato soup heaven. The apple strudel had just the right tartness, not sweet, not doughy with lots of apple slices. What a great lunch for under EU10.||||The menu specializes in South Tyrol cuisine, with a few pasta dishes. But Bolzano is not the pasta and pizza town. I regret not having a full course meal. I remember that cream of tomato soup so well that it begged me to write this review after a few months.

We visited San Genesio on a day trip and had lunch at this hotel. The food was delicious (venison with buckwheat mash and a dumpling soup) and served by helpful staff. The wine was also very good. View from the dining room is excellent. If you are staying in Bolzano and have some time to spare, catch the San Genesio cable car and walk up toward the church tower.