We spent four unforgettable nights at the Winkler Hotel Sport and Spa in the Dolomites. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the sheer number of activities and amenities available—not just at Winkler, but also at their sister resorts nearby, which guests can freely access. The warm, attentive staff made us feel right at home and ensured our stay was both comfortable and memorable.
Amazing Swimming Pools for All Ages
One of the main reasons we chose Winkler Hotel was for its incredible swimming pools. The hotel features both heated indoor and outdoor pools, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The larger pools are equipped with water jets and bubble loungers, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated kids’ pool room complete with a slide, water jets, and a fun water wheel.
Relaxation in the Spa and Adult-Only Area
While the hotel caters wonderfully to families, it also offers a serene adult-only area for some much-needed relaxation. This section includes saunas, steam rooms, and swimsuit-free swimming pools—except for the rooftop pool, which offers panoramic views of the countryside and Dolomites and quickly became one of our favorite spots to unwind. The on-site spa offers a variety of treatments, and we both enjoyed relaxing massages (booked in advance for an extra fee).
Fun Kids Club
A major highlight for us was the kids club, available for children aged three and up. It gave us the chance to enjoy some adult time—like our spa visit—while the kids were entertained with crafts, games, and even movie nights in their own cinema. The staff were incredibly friendly, and our children had a fantastic time. The club is set up in a renovated space rather than a purpose-built facility, and while the door was always open (which made me a bit nervous about wandering), it never caused any issues.
Activities for the Whole Family
Winkler Hotel goes above and beyond with activities for older kids and teens, too. There’s billiards, foosball, air hockey, ping pong, and even a rock climbing wall. For those wanting to explore the great outdoors, the hotel offers bike rentals and easy access to scenic trails—perfect for family adventures.
Delicious Dining Experiences
Dining at Winkler Hotel was a treat. Both breakfast and dinner are included, along with a tasty afternoon snack from 3–5 pm. Drinks and wine are extra, but there’s a great selection. The breakfast buffet was a hit with our kids, and dinner featured a separate kids’ buffet and an adult menu with delicious options. We appreciated having the same friendly waitstaff each night, and the coloring activities kept the kids entertained when they weren’t dining with the kids club.
Comfortable and Thoughtful Accommodations
Our family room was perfect, with a separate space for the kids—ideal for naps or early bedtimes. There was even a fold-down changing table and a cozy patio with our own private jacuzzi. The hotel provides robes, towels, and slippers for everyone, making it easy to relax. For longer stays, there’s a shared washer and dryer available, which came in handy.
Horseback Riding and Animal Fun at Hotel Lanerhof
Just a 10-minute drive away is Hotel Lanerhof, Winkler’s sister property, home to a horse stable and small animal zoo. Our children had their first pony and horse rides here, guided by patient and friendly staff. Afterwards, we visited the small animal area, where goats, sheep, chickens, alpacas, and bunnies delighted the kids.
Exploring the Dolomites and Beyond
Despite some rainy weather in late May, we made the most of our trip by exploring the local area. We visited the charming medieval town of Bruneck/Brunico, just 10 minutes from the hotel. The town has both Italian and German names, as this area in South Tyrol is multilingual. We enjoyed walking around town and having a nice lunch at Waink’s Restaurant and Lounge Bar next to the river. On another afternoon, we took a 30-minute scenic drive to Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies), a stunning mountain lake with a beautiful, family-friendly trail circling its shores. For more information on activities in the area, you can find our recommendations here.
Convenient Parking
Parking at Winkler Hotel is straightforward. There’s a temporary parking area near the front desk for check-in and check-out, and each room has its own assigned parking spot for the duration of your stay. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available.
Our stay at the Winkler Hotel Sport and Spa was everything we hoped for and more. The combination of family-friendly amenities, attentive staff, and the breathtaking setting of the Dolomites made for a truly special holiday. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or quality family time, Winkler Hotel is a fantastic choice.