Gloriette Guesthouse

Cast in fondant white with its iconic collonaded arches, rhombus-shaped outcrops and fabulous roof-top cantilevered infinity pool wrapped in bronze, the Art Nouveau-inspired boutique Guesthouse Gloriette is a charismatic rural rebel found in the South Tyrolean mountain-candy of Soprabolzano, Italy. Constructed in 2018 on the site of a former hotel, boutique hotel Gloriette is the brainchild of the Alber family, who cleverly commissioned Lukas Rungger & Stefan Rier, the founders of architecture studio noa* to create a new modern Alpine hotel. The duo was creatively inspired by the sinuous curves and rounded windows of Soprabolzano’s art nouveau buildings, which also played to the notions of a neoclassical Gloriette – small guesthouses built in the large estates of the nobility. Entrée this curvaceous cool-cat.

Inside, the vibe is hip. Smooth resin floors play host to local timbers, with roomy open-plan spaces dotted with freestanding furnishings, vintage finds, salvaged nostalgia from times past and wild-flower toned fabrics headline the comfort dialogue. Smart, bright and modern, the Gloriette’s interior design is intentionally light and perfectly contrasts to the drama of nature framed by each arched window. 

A casual boutique holiday refuge that twines raw mountainous beauty with urban design and kindles an easy-going vibe warmed by a dash of Alpine loveliness – hawking back to the good-old-days.

With the omni­present infinity views of nature pure included from all the accommodation and suites, the boutique bedrooms typify modern comfort.  Decorated in soft palettes with simple wooden accents, which root the feel back to the Alps – bedrooms are perfect for a spot of idle gazing. 

In a nod to the geometric forms mixed in with the curves and arches, some suites have cuboid bays that project from the hotel’s facade. 

Fitted with arched windows and built-in daybeds, these nooks feature walls and ceilings upholstered in a deep-blue cot­ton. 

Opt for a boutique hotel room with a free-standing bathtub for added romance.

Casual all-day dining headlines at the Gloriette from the start-of-the-day breakfast to that late night-cap from the in-house honesty bar, with cuisine and beverages being inspired by the taste fusions of South Tyrol – the combo of the Dolomites and the Mediterranean.

Comfort classics of pasta and casseroles gear to refuel those who hiked the day in the mountains, and Mediterranean favourites bring the bountiful flavours of Italy and the south to the table from fresh seafood to fruity gelato – eating at the Gloriette is not a fancy affair, but is seriously humble with authentic tastes being the focal point. It is all about being social and enjoying simple, fresh plates of deliciousness in a totally chilled atmosphere – what holidays are all about. 

Lovers of crafted beers will also relish a night in the lounge bar savouring the owners’ passion for brews made by local heroes – ask Andi, hotel co-owner, a sommelier, beer expert and beverage fountain of local knowledge, for his beer of choice,

With the cable car just metres away, heading off into Bolzano for a spot of gourmet dining is as equally easy to pop into Renon or the next mountain village for a spot of good old fashioned ‘Oma’ cooking. The owners have compiled a ‘foodie friends we love’, a list of the places they frequent.

An ‘instagrammable’ beauty – the location alone captures what feeling true wellness is all about with gorgeous horizon views across the Dolomite peaks and skyline in all directions. The aerial structure is wrapped in bronzed panels and, above the pool, a canopy of crisscrossing steel rods dance in geometry across the blue waters.

The wellness zone comes with a spa lounge with a Turkish bath and sauna, views included.  So even before you plunge into the cantilevered infinity pool, you will already be in ‘Ommmmg’mode. Grab a herbal brew or a bottle of bubbles – the Gloriette house motto is to chill, relax & enjoy.

Gloriette Guesthouse is set in the town of Oberbozen, on the high plateau of Ritten, it can be easily reached by car, which can then be forgotten, as the cable-car and train accessibility is excellent and almost on the doorstep. The cable car goes from 7 am to 10.45 pm and connects Bolzano to Soprabolzano without stopping, a journey time of just 10 minutes. the mountain station is 150 meters from the Guesthouse. 

Gloriette’s garden is a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of daily life, a haven where you can just breathe in the beauty of your surroundings. A perfect starting point to discover a fascinating plateau with plenty of exciting excursions nearby. Head down to Bolzano for a spot of shopping or to discover some of the city’s culture then come back to us and revel in the freshness of the mountain.

Despite being a new hotel, this local family are the original Renonians and possess the heart, insider tips and passion for this special part of South Tyrol. Birgitt - the mum who knows best, is the style guru with her hotelier experience and impeccable taste. Son Andi and partner Julika are the youthful hosts who manage to keep the Gloriette a modern refuge of relaxed charm, naturally friendly and just ever-so nice. The family live the life of rural-urbanites and convey this soul throughout the walls of the new Gloriette, giving the warm sense of it has always been there. It is their shared DNA that brings the hotel to life. 

Together they have realized the dream of recreating the glorious Gloriette, a special place where attention to detail is mixed with warmth and friendliness. Generations of Renonians whose expertise is available to all their guests: let them share with you their insider information and the best ways to enjoy the charm of their enchanting mountain surroundings.