Südtirol’s quietly booming hotel scene is based on a centuries-old culture of hospitality. Gasthof Grüner Baum, one of my discoveries for the Lonely Planet Italy guide back in 2013, made it into their Top 10 Best Value Stays for 2014. This enchanting, very stylish 500 year old inn sits in the centre of the walled ‘city’ of Glurns, in the Val Venosta. A stylish, contemporary fitout gives the gorgeous old bones respect, its beautiful austerity enlivened with a wonderful collection of objects, some precious, other curiosities, and cosily boiseried library and guest stüben. www.gasthofgruenerbaum.it
