A visit to Jonas Mairhofer
Jonas Mairhofer is a third-generation hotelier with deep roots in the region. He has been running the family-owned Alpenpalace as hotel director since it opened in 2007 and gives it its very own atmosphere. We met the passionate host in the Hideaway's fireside lounge and quickly got chatting.
Dear Mr Mairhofer, we are sitting here in the fireplace lounge of the Alpenpalace. Why did you choose this place for this interview?
Because it invites you to wait for the first snow. Here in South Tyrol, it usually starts to snow at the end of November. This first snow of the year is a special event. It could come at any moment. And we sit here cosily by the fireplace, by the crackling fire, and enjoy the view.
You come from a traditional family of hoteliers. Your grandfather was already a hotelier and at home here in the Ahrntal. Was it always a matter of course for you to run one of your hotels or could you have imagined a different career path?
There was never any question, because I love hotels. That was already the case when I was a child. So I attended a hotel management school and gained experience abroad. When we opened the Alpenpalace in 2007, I became hotel manager at the age of 23, making me one of the youngest in the country. And the responsibility was huge: the Alpenpalace was the first 5-star hotel in the Pustertal Valley, which also includes the Ahrntal Valley.
Dear Mr Mairhofer, we are sitting here in the fireplace lounge of the Alpenpalace. Why did you choose this place for this interview?
Because it invites you to wait for the first snow. Here in South Tyrol, it usually starts to snow at the end of November. This first snow of the year is a special event. It could come at any moment. And we sit here cosily by the fireplace, by the crackling fire, and enjoy the view.
You come from a traditional family of hoteliers. Your grandfather was already a hotelier and at home here in the Ahrntal. Was it always a matter of course for you to run one of your hotels or could you have imagined a different career path?
There was never any question, because I love hotels. That was already the case when I was a child. So I attended a hotel management school and gained experience abroad. When we opened the Alpenpalace in 2007, I became hotel manager at the age of 23, making me one of the youngest in the country. And the responsibility was huge: the Alpenpalace was the first 5-star hotel in the Pustertal Valley, which also includes the Ahrntal Valley.
What was the intention behind opening a 5-star hotel?
The location was perfect for a luxurious hideaway. The surrounding nature is incredibly beautiful. At the same time, we had the best conditions to create something unique: The property is very large, covering more than four hectares. That is completely unusual for South Tyrol. Here, the houses - and the hotels - are mostly built on the hillside or on the mountain, there are no large gardens or even parks. Our park is absolutely unique.
How would you summarise the philosophy of the Alpenpalace? What do guests only experience with you?
Relaxation is our main focus. Our guests can switch off completely here. When they come back from their hikes or have been to the spa, there is a deep sense of contentment on their faces. I know that sounds trite, but here guests find their way back to their centre.
What was the intention behind opening a 5-star hotel?
The location was perfect for a luxurious hideaway. The surrounding nature is incredibly beautiful. At the same time, we had the best conditions to create something unique: The property is very large, covering more than four hectares. That is completely unusual for South Tyrol. Here, the houses - and the hotels - are mostly built on the hillside or on the mountain, there are no large gardens or even parks. Our park is absolutely unique.
How would you summarise the philosophy of the Alpenpalace? What do guests only experience with you?
Relaxation is our main focus. Our guests can switch off completely here. When they come back from their hikes or have been to the spa, there is a deep sense of contentment on their faces. I know that sounds trite, but here guests find their way back to their centre.
How would you describe the atmosphere at the Alpenpalace?
Our hotel offers guests a generous spatial experience - in the public areas, in the 50 rooms and suites and in our 3,000 m2 wellness area. Guests are far away from their everyday lives, indulge in culinary delights and enjoy their time here. This can be felt everywhere in the Alpenpalace, in every moment.
Unlike your guests, you have to work here. How do you start your day? Do you have any rituals?
... at least a little one (laughs). We don't have a big breakfast in South Tyrol. I start my day with a macchiato and a croissant or a brioche. Admittedly, in front of the computer. I always take a look at the world news before I start the day.
How would you describe yourself as a host?
I would describe myself as a reserved host. Of course I approach our guests. But leaving the table every day and asking the guests how they spent their day is not something I think is in keeping with the times. I rather enjoy it when specific conversations arise, for example about where the guests come from. I find that exciting and enriching. And I think the guests sense this genuine interest. Incidentally, the same applies to the entire team. We are 70 people here who look after our guests honestly and warmly - but always with a pleasant reserve.
What are your favourite moments as a host?
Oh, there are many! But the moments when something goes well and the guest is completely happy are particularly nice. We once had a wedding here. The couple spontaneously decided to get married from one day to the next. In less than 24 hours, we managed to organise a church with a priest and host the ceremony. Including a carriage ride! The couple are now regular guests at the Alpenpalace.e
Let's talk briefly about the cuisine. You offer your guests a ‘gourmet board’. What do you mean by this? How important is it for you to adapt to new trends, for example vegetarian or vegan dishes?
The menu is designed in such a way that our guests - most of whom come from the DACH region and Italy - can find familiar dishes such as pasta or risotto. There are also courses with fish or meat. And guests can choose a tasting menu if they simply want to try something new. We always clarify the culinary wishes of our guests at the time of booking to see if they prefer vegan dishes. This is then automatically incorporated into the menu and the service.
We are approaching Christmas. When does the winter season start for you? How do you celebrate the festive season with your guests?
The winter season starts at the beginning of December, a little later this year due to the Italian public holidays. We always close for a month beforehand and prepare for the season and Christmas. We celebrate in a very traditional way. There is a sparkling Christmas tree in the lounge and we also put up a tree in the suites on request. The whole house smells of cinnamon and gingerbread - wonderful. In contrast to other areas, we still have the ‘guarantee’ of a white Christmas. When there's snow, it's even quieter here than usual, you can't hear a sound. And then there's the festive atmosphere. It's unique.
YOUR HOSTS AT THE ALPENPALACE
You can contact Jonas Mairhofer at www.alpenpalace.com or by e-mail at info@alpenpalace.com.
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