Going back to Briol - a Bauhaus-inspired, rustic Alpine hotel with affable service in Italy’s South Tyrol

Briol / Barbiano / Trentino-Alto Adige / Italy

I pride myself with that I can find something great in (almost) all hotels. With that said, I must admit that there are some hotels that really manages to leave a solid, lasting impression without me even having to look for it. Briol is one of those hotels and that is why I am so happy to get to return to here for another stay, at this truly unique place.

First time I stayed here was back in 2007. I was doing a Summer roadtrip with four friends while M the husband was working in LA. I had read about this rustic hotel that had been in the same family for generations that all of a sudden started to pop up on the radar of trendy lifestyle magazines. I fell, hook line and sinker when I looked into this remote hotel. We booked a stay here on our way to Tuscany and we had an amazing stay where Johanna, the owner made us feel right at home. You can read about that stay here.

I actually returned again already the following year with the husband and our dear friend Fanny and again in 2010, but this time with only the husband in tow, for an early Autumn stay. Our days were filled with rainy, cozy days where we spent hours inside in the flickering light from candles, reading books and listening to the rain against the windows.

Now I finally had a chance to come back for a fourth stay, almost 20 years after the first one. And what made my heart sing with joy was that more or less nothing had changed. Ok, some things had but none of the important things had. It still feels as authentic, as warm as when I last stayed here. Johanna was still running the place. The beds and the duvets were just as comfy and the food just as comforting. The views were just as amazing and the vibe just as relaxed.

What had changed since last time was that you could now drive almost all the way up to the hotel with your own car. You just had to walk the last 15 min from the parking. There was a new annex with some additional rooms and a sauna that had been built next to the original building. But that was about it. Everything else was frozen in time in the best possible way. I love these kind of hotels that are built and run with love. Where the design is timeless and us guests are treated in the best possible way. Trust me when I say that II will be back again, and it will not take another 20 years until next time.

Driving on winding (and narrow) Alpine roads to get to the parking lot.

After having left my car and walked for 15 minutes, this is what you arrive to.

I love this rustic, authentic design where nothing has been changed for years.

There are several hiking paths that start right next to the hotel.

Dinner at Briol is a hearty affair. Remember to arrive with an empty stomach!

I love waking up early, especially when staying at hotels with views as this one. This photo is taken from my balcony as the sun rises.

I have always preferred dawn to dusk. The light is just so much more magical.

Entering the restaurant after my morning photo shoot to get prepped for breakfast.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…like me love South Tyrolean hospitality, design and food. If you want to disconnect and spend a couple of days in an Alpine bubble while enjoying some fine Alpine cooking, you are going to love it here.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is how timeless it is. It still looks and feels just as good as it did last time I was here. The Bauhaus-inspired design feels like it will never go out of style.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to come to dinner hungry. You will want to finish every single bite.

If you like this hotel you might also like:

Tierseralpl / Alpe di Siusi, Italy

Hotel Hirschen / Schwarzenberg, Austria

Icaro / Alpe di Siusi, Italy

Zum Riesen / Tarres, Italy

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