I’m dumbfounded as to why the Dolomites don’t get more hype. If it weren’t for my screensaver, I never would have known this beauty was out there.
But I’m not complaining. I don’t want this serene setting to turn into the touristy chaos that has overtaken Rome and Florence.
I thought I loved this fascinating country before discovering the majestic Italian Alps.
But now? Oh, it’s a whole new obsession.
It’s just un-freakin’-believable how peaceful and magical this place is.
To all of you outdoor lovers, consider this region for your next getaway. I dream of going back when our kids are older adventure-junkies like us. We’ll all jump on a gondola and mountain bike our way down a maze of single tracks, while glancing up at the gorgeous views. What do you dare to dream?
If you are lucky enough to make your dreams (or just mine?) come true and visit the Italian Alps, then this hotel, kids or no kids, is worthy of a few nights’ stay.
Hotel Excelsior, Dolomites Life Resort, is in the small village of San Vigilio di Marebbe, which lies in South Tyrol of the Italian Alps. (As with all my hotel reviews, I have no affiliation or relationship with this hotel. This is a completely neutral critique to help you find the best hotel for your adventure-filled vacations!)
What makes this area so unique are the jaw-dropping jagged peaks and the mixture of Italian and German culture in one region. Nearly 75% of locals speak German. My Italian is better than my German, so I often found myself switching back and forth between the two languages, even in the same sentence. And I wasn’t the only one!
Here are some of our personal favorites about the hotel:
- a great central location to so many fun activities in the Dolomites
- on-site adventure park with mini zip-line, balance rope, and more!
- hiking trailheads adjacent to the hotel
- steps from gondolas
- via ferrata without leaving the hotel – our favorite!!!
- never-ending delicious meals and afternoon snacks
- great location in a walkable village
- kids’ club
- fitness room
- balcony with views
- gorgeous setting
- quiet surrounding area
- friendly, talented chefs
- down-to-earth, welcoming management
- fridge and mini-bar in the room
- baby-friendly amenities with a clean high-chair and big crib
Here is a sneak peek of our balcony and bathroom:
You know how we love our balconies.
If you’re already intrigued, check out the best rates on Expedia.
This resort wasn’t quite perfect. There were some drawbacks, more so from a family standpoint:
- multiple course meals in a quiet restaurant (this would be fantastic without babies) – but they actually delivered ours all to our room on the last night for a measly $15 bucks. We would have done that more if we had known!
- beautiful restaurant views that we didn’t get to enjoy (nightly seats away from the windows)
- the balcony railing seemed a bit precarious, so I held our little crawler for the most part
- no outdoor pool available for the kiddos (I think it was adults only)
- a few awkward stairs to get to the kids’ club, no matter which way you went, so we had to carry the stroller, not a big deal but just a heads up
The half board service included meals practically all day. We took advantage one day and ordered sandwiches to-go for a picnic lunch. I loved the afternoon “pick-me-up” of desserts and fruits. My baby girl and I left the boys to relax in the room while we bonded on the patio, tasting the yummy spread of treats.
Most European hotels we’ve stayed at have offered this. Actually, I think all of them. It’s so helpful especially when the little garbage disposals (kiddos) are in tow. I thought I ate a lot. Well, we know who they get their big appetites from at least.
The four course dinners started to drag on. They were delicious, just not always enjoyable with a toddler and baby. We never knew when our ten-month-old would decide she’d had enough. That’s a long time to expect a baby to sit still, especially after a long day! We did do these long four-course meals eight nights in a row, including dinners at the prior hotel we stayed at, a kid-friendly luxury resort in Grossarl, Austria.
The booth was actually nice for letting her stand and crawl at mealtimes
The final night we were all tired and hangry from fun-filled days. And the dinners started later than we piggies prefer to eat. I’m glad that I finally asked if we could have dinner brought to our room. The measly ten bucks they charged was less than what we would have spent on drinks in the restaurant! On that note – don’t forget to stop at the market in town and get drinks for the room!
The friendly manager had a great dinner idea that scored us some zzz’s on the first night. He kindly had the chef whip up some mashed potatoes for our ‘still adjusting to solids’ baby girl. That was the best she slept that trip, needless to say we had her carb-loading every night thereafter. Danke!
The outdoor mini-adventure park had everything from climbing ropes to mini zip line to tight-rope walking, which we tried and unfortunately failed.
We all had a blast here. And man was it convenient! “Oh, kiddo, you’re bored and restless in the hotel room while waiting for a late dinner? Well let’s go zip liiiiiiiiiiine! And swing! And climb! And play in dirt! Who’s comin’ with me?!”
In September the resort was pretty quiet. We rarely saw any other kids as they were back in school. What are we going to do about our travels when our little guy starts kindergarten next year??? First world problems, sorry.
You have to see my IG reel of our then three-year-old zip lining for the gazillionth time, yelling “Dolomites are fun!”
The indoor kids club had a slide, treehouse, tumble blocks, a mini climbing wall, giant Legos, and so much more that kept both little ones begging for more time there.
We wandered into the dim-lit, underground teen rec room. From a quick glimpse I saw a small movie theater and a bunch of table games. While it was empty at that time, I’m sure that place is lit, or GOAT, in the summer.
Yes, this fly mum said ‘GOAT,’ but probably incorrectly. Am I going to embarrass the hell out of these kiddos when they get older, or what?
Speaking of embarrassed teenagers, yours will not be bored at this place. Aside from the plethora of day trips around the Dolomites, the hotel itself offers endless activities, from via ferrata to mountain biking to winter tobogganing.
We’ve always wanted to do scale a via ferrata. And this hotel actually made it happen! Even with the baby and toddler with us. A bit scary, but exhilarating! That’s the stuff that makes you feel alive! I can’t wait to do the real thing someday! That was a nice warm-up, I’ll say.
Watch my IG reel featuring Jameson’s ferrata experience. Nailed it!
After you indulge in this outdoor-lover’s dream, return to the hotel and relax at the spa or rooftop infinity pool. I think this pool was adults only. Bummer. The scenery is breathtaking from up there.
The kiddos did have fun splashing their noodles around in the indoor family pool. Unfortunately for them, we didn’t stay long. That pool was too cold for me! I was spoiled from the bath-water temps at the Austrian hotel from which we had just come. Needless to say, Jameson wasn’t thrilled about the short-lived pool time. He was also long overdue for a nap. They are fine, until they aren’t, right?
On that note, if you do have LO’s, read my secrets to traveling with babies and toddlers and top ten reasons to travel with your baby.
Alright. Now that my secret’s out, hopefully the Italian Alps will stay as peaceful as I remember them.
Our Dolomites stop was one of many adventures on our three-week alps trip. See my Destinations page to check out guides for the Bavarian and Swiss Alps or contact me to personally help plan your trip. I’m a certified Fora travel advisor with access to perks, discounts and upgrades at certain hotels. I also know all the insider tips for family trips through Europe!
Stay tuned for more posts about our European adventure, including fun things to do in the Dolomites!
Oh wait, I mean, “auf Wiedersehen dolomiten”
