Karen-Elias
January 18, 2023
I wrote this a month after we returned from a 6 day stay at Hotel La Perla, and we were still basking in the glow. Even now we still can’t believe what a fantastic trip we had. We’ve dreamed about hiking in the Dolomites for decades, but never imagined that we’d be able to pair it with such a lovely hotel stay. The hotel is a participant in the Val Gardena Active Programm and guests can participate in most activities without a fee. Hotel La Perla also has its own hiking guide who leads programs a few times a week. There were so many guided hiking options with these groups, and David (who might be one of the owners) and Sindy were so exceedingly pleasant as they poured over maps with us and shared their own experiences. They always greeted us with a smile when we returned and genuinely were interested in how we liked it. David even crafted a private route for our last since he was able to assess our hiking level and he didn’t want us to waste our time driving to another valley. It was great! We’re giving a special callout to the bartender, who was always so nice even though we weren’t heavy-users :o) Once we returned from our hikes, we’d shower and immediately head to the whirlpool tub and outdoor infinity pool. The pool’s views include the town and the mountains that we climbed in. The hotel also has a spa area with Turkish and aromatic steam baths, a cold water “grotto”, showers and places to lounge. We only had time to dabble in these before dinner, but we would have enjoyed one more day just to hang out. We agree with the other reviewers – the meals were great. It was nice to have the light repast around 4:30 or so, and then head down later for dinner. There were four served courses plus an extensive salad bar, and you could enjoy as much or as little as you wanted. We enjoyed the South Tyrolean and Aperitivo nights. Our junior suite with balcony was also a treat. More hiking information about the area: You can take a two minute ride with the hotel van to Piazza S. Antonio, and from there take two chair lifts up to amazing hiking/ski areas, or take a local bus (a free transit card is provided by the hotel) up the valley for a few minutes to other chair lifts. You can hike along the trails and pop out in other places, and catch a bus back. As for the trails?? Meadows go right up to the rugged rock faces, the views are extensive, and rifugios along the way offer lunch and even play areas for children. We’ve hiked in many locales, but this area is special :o)