Gasthof Tschötscherhof

It's true that, of all the wide variety of places we've stayed in - budget, luxury, all kinds - this ranks among the very best experiences. I've never left a review before, even when I've intended to do so, and even this has taken me a good few months to get round to doing, but I felt in this particular instance I really had to make the effort. We stayed towards the end of the summer, myself, my wife and our five-year-old daughter, part of a tour of Italy which had many memorable times, but our stay in Tschotscherhof stands out - and I really can't give higher praise than that. This was to do with the location and magnificent surroundings, but even more to do with the simple peace and beauty of the farm hotel, together with the unflagging hospitality of the family that runs it. As we all know, you can have the best days out - and we did! - but if the place you're coming back to at the end of the day is anything less than ideal it can take the edge off things. Well, this place was ideal, and more. We'll certainly be talking of our time in South Tyrol for many years to come, of taking cable cars high into the mountains and of driving and walking through the unparalleled landscape right close to Tschotscherhof - but still it was the little things when we returned each day which really help keep those memories as special as they are. The meal every night was great - simple (but far from uninteresting) home-cooked food - and the rooms were comfortable and welcoming, and to wake up each morning and step out onto our balcony overlooking mountains, farms, churches... it really couldn't have been better. But what made things more special was the time all the staff had to help and look after us. Mr. and Mrs. Jaider themselves spoke little English (in fact one of the things we liked was how the place seemed to be used predominantly by German and Italian families in the know, returning to their favourite place for winding down), but communicated through the warmth of their actions and smiles, and there were always others around more than happy to help with our own lack of language. Always advising, always listening, always doing anything they could to enhance our stay. And it was the small things, especially in how they were with our daughter, which counted as much as anything... the special child-friendly place settings at the table in the evening, the colouring books, and even things like the way the cleaner always arranged her toys so beautifully for her return to the room (the rooms, by the way, were immaculate). Also, her playing on the trampoline with the local children and being given a ride on the tractor... all memorable moments. I could go on. I am going on!! But it's really hard to express how warm and special this place was for us... I'm also aware of the danger of raising expectations, seeing as it was the simple things done well that counted, rather than anything particularly fancy or extravagant. I won't say much more in general terms, then. There is, though, one other thing well worth mentioning. Every Wednesday night (do check beforehand, but from what I can understand this is a long-running tradition), the Jaiders shuttle all the guests up to their mountain hut, where we ended up having the most wonderful night. In the most spectacular and panoramic location imaginable, we spent a long, leisurely time enjoying the canapes and drinks provided while taking in the mountain scenery. All so relaxed... then, eventually, after dark, we went in to the hut for a fine three-course meal (well worth opting overall for the half board option, by the way, when it includes such things, and - as others have noted - limited public transport at night and the precipitous roads make it the preferable option in this particular place, much as I normally like to explore a range of local eating places), after which the Jaiders entertained us with music - accordion, as well as Mr. Jaider's 'devil's stick'. We certainly have never had an evening anything like that laid on for us anywhere we've been paying guests, and it really gave an already memorable stay a fitting high point. We're not really ones to return places - always so much new to see - but in the case of Tschotscherhof, we would be sorely tempted! Thanks once again, the Jaider family.