There's something about PETRUS that feels different from the moment you arrive. Yes, you'll find beautifully designed rooms, an inviting spa, and exceptional food - but what stays with you most are the people behind it all.

It doesn't take long to notice that the Aichner family isn't simply running the hotel; they're part of its everyday rhythm. Hans and Gerti, together with their daughters Brigitte, Christina, and Daniela, are a familiar presence throughout the day. You might see them over breakfast, in the restaurant, or stopping for a chat at reception. These small, unforced encounters give PETRUS its unmistakable warmth. Rather than feeling like a business, the hotel feels like a place the family genuinely cares about - and that makes all the difference.

Everyone brings their own personality to the experience. Hans devotes much of his time to Lechnerhof, the family's farm, where much of the hotel's vegetables and herbs are grown. Gerti somehow seems to be everywhere at once, always greeting guests with a warm smile and making sure everything runs effortlessly. Their three daughters each shape a different part of PETRUS, from food and wine to design and guest experiences. Even Lotte, the family's friendly dog, has become part of the welcome.

The family's connection to the hotel is even reflected in its logo. Each of the five circles was drawn by a different family member. None is perfectly round, and no two are alike. Only when they overlap do they form a complete whole - a quiet symbol of the family itself. It's a thoughtful reminder that PETRUS has never been about perfection, but about personality.

That sense of authenticity revealed itself in countless little moments throughout our stay, but one story stayed with us in particular. The hotel is named after Hans Aichner's father, Peter, who passed away just three months after PETRUS first opened its doors. Naming the hotel after him became the family's way of keeping his memory close.

The name carries another layer of meaning, too. Saint Peter is the patron saint of Reischach's village church, and his key has become the hotel's emblem. It's a fitting symbol. After all, PETRUS feels like the kind of place that quietly unlocks the door to a slower, more restorative way of travelling.

Perhaps that's why a stay here lingers long after you've left. Every detail has a story behind it, every space reflects the people who created it, and by the time it's time to leave, it no longer feels as though you've checked out of a hotel. It feels as though you've been welcomed into the home of people who truly love what they do.

Much like PETRUS itself, no two rooms or suites are exactly alike. Each has its own character, yet they all share the same design philosophy: natural materials, warm, earthy tones, abundant light, and an effortless sense of calm that makes settling in feel almost instinctive.

Some come with thoughtful extras that elevate the stay even further, from private wellness areas and infrared cabins to steam rooms, outdoor hot tubs, and peaceful terraces designed for slow mornings or quiet evenings. Different in style and layout, they all have one thing in common: they feel less like hotel rooms and more like places you'll want to linger.

During our stay, we checked into the Wellness Suite with its private outdoor hot tub. Spanning around 60 square metres, it paired natural textures with generous living space, a private steam room, and a terrace overlooking the surrounding greenery. Before long, the hot tub became our favourite spot - especially in the evening, when the mountains grew quiet and the day gently slipped away.

Just as memorable, though, were the countless thoughtful touches woven throughout the experience. Beautifully designed cards and handwritten-style notes introduce the hotel's facilities, offer practical tips, and point out details you might otherwise miss. That's how we discovered that hiking backpacks are available for guests to borrow, and picked up a few tips for making the most of our private steam room. It's the kind of quiet attention to detail that makes you realise very little has been left to chance.

Then there were the small surprises waiting in our room after dinner each evening. Nothing extravagant - just thoughtful gestures that perfectly capture the spirit of PETRUS. They're the kind of details that rarely make it into a brochure, yet they're exactly what you'll remember long after you've returned home.

At PETRUS, food is every bit as much a part of the experience as the spa or the surrounding mountains. The day begins with a breakfast that's worth lingering over. Instead of navigating an overflowing buffet, guests are served a beautifully presented breakfast board at the table, filled with regional cheeses and charcuterie, homemade specialties, and seasonal treats that change from day to day. Freshly prepared egg dishes are made to order, while a central table invites you to help yourself to artisan breads, fresh fruit, and a tempting selection of homemade delicacies.

By afternoon, it's time for the traditional South Tyrolean Marende - a leisurely snack that's practically a ritual in this part of the Alps. Whether you've spent the morning hiking, exploring the bike trails, or unwinding in the spa, crisp salads, a warming soup, and homemade cakes provide the perfect excuse to slow down before the evening begins.

Dinner is where the kitchen truly comes into its own. Each evening brings a new five-course menu inspired by the seasons and the flavours of South Tyrol. Local ingredients take centre stage, transformed into refined dishes that balance Alpine traditions with contemporary creativity. It's thoughtful cooking that feels both rooted in place and quietly inventive.

Much of that begins at Lechnerhof, the family's own farm. Once home to stables, it's now a flourishing kitchen garden where herbs, lettuces, vegetables, and fruit are grown just a short walk from the hotel. Depending on the season, many are harvested only hours before finding their way onto the plate - a genuine farm-to-table philosophy that's less about following a trend than simply doing things the way they've always believed they should be done.

Guests looking to explore the culinary side of PETRUS even further have two special dining experiences to discover. On selected evenings, the intimate Kaminstube hosts an elegant tasting menu that has earned a devoted following among both hotel guests and locals. During harvest season, the Vegi.Table opens as a seasonal pop-up, celebrating vegetables and herbs from Lechnerhof in a menu where the garden - not meat - is the undisputed star.

At PETRUS, memorable experiences don't require careful planning - they're often waiting just beyond the front door, with some only a short walk away.

One of the highlights during the summer months is the Garden.Aperitivo at Lechnerhof. Armed with a small map, guests take a leisurely stroll to the family's farm just a few minutes from the hotel. There, tucked among vegetable beds, fragrant herbs, and blooming flowers, a beautifully prepared table awaits with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. A basket filled with seasonal bites and a refreshing aperitivo complete the experience.

It's one of those wonderfully simple moments that captures the spirit of PETRUS: slowing down, enjoying exceptional local produce at its source, and spending an unhurried evening immersed in the landscape that shapes everything the hotel does.

The hotel's weekly programme offers plenty of opportunities to experience the region beyond its well-trodden trails. Alongside yoga sessions, pottery workshops, and other activities, guided hikes are a regular feature. One of the most memorable is the sunrise hike to Strudelkopf. Setting off before dawn, guests reach the summit just as the first light begins to wash over the Dolomites - a magical moment that rewards the early start and still leaves the rest of the day free for more adventures.

Fortunately, there's no shortage of them. Hiking trails and mountain bike routes begin virtually at the hotel's doorstep, winding through the varied landscapes around Kronplatz. The Dolomites are just a short drive away, opening up endless possibilities for days spent outdoors. If you're in the mood for a change of pace, the charming old town of Bruneck is only a few minutes away. With every season, the scenery takes on a different character—from flower-filled alpine meadows in summer to golden forests and crisp mountain air in autumn.

When winter arrives, Kronplatz transforms into one of South Tyrol's premier ski destinations. Thanks to the hotel's convenient ski shuttle, you're on the slopes within minutes. Beyond skiing, the season brings snowshoe hikes, winter walking trails, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing, making it just as appealing for anyone who enjoys exploring the mountains at a slower pace.

Of course, some days are best spent not going anywhere at all. That's where the Dahoame Spa comes into its own. With its 25-metre indoor-outdoor pool, several saunas, beautifully designed relaxation spaces, and the elegant Water & Wood Gym, it offers every excuse to slow down, switch off, and simply enjoy doing nothing for a while.

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True to the Mountain Hideaways philosophy, every image in this story was captured during our personal stay.

All images © Melina Unterladstätter, 2026

Host portrait ©Anna Roschatt - courtesy of the host.

Published: 2026 | Last Updated: 02.07.2026