In this interview, the Plank family, who run the hotel, explain why personal connections are more important than ever, how village life shapes the hotel, and why so many guests keep coming back.
The Hotel Sonnenheim is now officially one of South Tyrol’s most popular three-star hotels. What does this accolade say about your hotel, and what are you particularly proud of?
We never expected such a wonderful accolade for our hotel. The fact that we’ve managed to secure an incredible third place out of over 1,700 three-star hotels is a huge success for us and our hotel, and a testament to the daily dedication of our magnificent team. We’re very grateful to our guests and friends for their tremendous support. The award confirms what our guests have appreciated for years: genuine hospitality, personalised service and a family atmosphere. We are particularly proud that our hotel has now become a home away from home for so many guests.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the organiser, ‘First Avenue’, for the successful event. We were delighted to receive the award and are particularly pleased that smaller establishments and 3-star hotels are also recognised in this way. Many thanks also to ‘Furnirent’ for their generous sponsorship.
These days, many guests are looking for something out of the ordinary. For years, you have focused on warm hospitality and personal relationships. Why are these values timeless?
Warmth and personal relationships never go out of fashion. People remember the feeling of being welcome more than they do perfection. And it’s particularly important to us that guests aren’t just seen as numbers.
The Hotel Sonnenheim isn’t just a holiday destination, but also a meeting place for locals. How important is this close connection with the locals for the atmosphere in the hotel?
Our close ties with the locals make our hotel lively and authentic. Guests experience not just a holiday with us, but also a taste of village life in Hafling.
Birthdays, christenings, anniversaries or club celebrations: many special moments in village life are celebrated at the Hotel Sonnenheim. What responsibilities does this role as a host to the community entail?
As a meeting place for the village community, we see ourselves not only as hosts, but also as part of social life. This brings with it the responsibility to create a place where people feel at home and can celebrate important events together. The fact that our hotel is a venue for special occasions for so many people fills us with joy and pride.
Family-run hotels are regarded as the backbone of South Tyrol’s hospitality industry. What benefits does this bring for your guests, and what are the biggest challenges?
A family-run business means a great deal of passion, personal points of contact, individualised care for our guests, tradition and authenticity. The biggest challenge is to live out this personal commitment day in, day out.
Nature practically starts on your doorstep. How do you find that the landscape around Hafling shapes your guests’ stay?
Nature shapes their stay from the very first moment. Many guests enjoy the peace and quiet, the panoramic views and the chance to get out and about straight from the hotel.
Cuisine is often the most direct way to get to know a region. Which dishes or ingredients do you feel tell the story of your homeland most authentically?
Our cuisine tells the story of South Tyrol through regional ingredients and traditional dishes. Dishes such as dumplings, special meat specialities, Kaiserschmarrn and the famous South Tyrolean apple strudel feature on our daily menu.
Many regular guests have been coming to you for years, or even across generations. Why do you think people keep returning to the Hotel Sonnenheim?
We believe that many regular guests return to us because of the familiar atmosphere and the relaxed, warm welcome they find here. Our many long-standing regulars show us their appreciation and motivate us to keep innovating.
In an age of increasing digitalisation, face-to-face encounters are becoming less common. What role do genuine conversations and hospitality play in your day-to-day lives as hosts today?
Face-to-face conversations are particularly valuable these days. They build trust and often turn guests into long-standing friends of the hotel.
When a guest leaves the Hotel Sonnenheim after a few days’ stay, what memory or feeling should they ideally take home with them?
Ideally, our guests take home a sense of relaxation, warmth and genuine holiday moments – and the anticipation of returning.
Hotel Sonnenheim