Aquila Nera (Schwarzer Adler)

The real fascination about the gorgeous Val Gardena mountain resort area is that you can actually ski from one connecting valley to the next and finish up at the end of the day over near Cortina. Siusi is a convenient place to set up camp in any season and the Aquila Nera with its excellent restaurant and amenities of a hotel is steps up from the very economical bed and breakfast choices of the region. The very cordial Mutschlechner family, with a long tradition in the hospitality business, renovated most of the former private home whose origins date back to 1518. A second building was added on, creating additional rooms (and an elevator), which are very fresh with light-wood furnishings and cheerful fabrics. More recently, the home was renovated to include three junior suites and two larger suites as well as two self-catering apartments.  A lovely conservatory affords guests a garden setting in winter months with spectacular views of Schlern and Santner Peak. A magnificent panoramic view is afforded from the rooftop terrace! Downstairs common rooms include a luminous sitting area, a stube, a breakfast room completely paneled in wood including floor and ceiling, and a large contemporary dining room where five-course dinners are served based on a combination of Italian and southern Tyrolean recipes. A small swimming pool at the back, plus sauna, steam bath, and free shuttle to the lifts are nice added extras.