A design hotel on Bolzano's central Piazza Walther, the Hotel Greif occupies a historic building where every room is individually decorated by a contemporary artist. It pairs centuries of innkeeping history with a bold, art-led approach and an unbeatable city-square location.
The Hotel Greif occupies a prime position directly on Piazza Walther, the grand central square of Bolzano (Bozen), beneath the spire of the city's Gothic cathedral. The site has hosted an inn for centuries — the Greif, meaning griffin, is one of the oldest hospitality names in the city — and the present hotel reinterprets that long history as a contemporary design property, run by the same family behind the nearby Parkhotel Laurin.
The hotel's defining concept is that every room is individually designed, each conceived by a contemporary artist and furnished with original works, antiques, and bespoke pieces, so that no two rooms are alike. The result is a hotel that functions almost as a living gallery, where the character of the accommodation is part of the experience. Square-facing rooms look directly onto Piazza Walther and the cathedral, placing guests at the centre of Bolzano's daily life and seasonal markets.
Public spaces continue the art-led approach, blending historic architecture with modern design, and the hotel's café and bar spill onto the square in fine weather, ideal for watching the city pass by over a coffee or an aperitivo. The central location could hardly be bettered: the medieval arcades, the produce market on Piazza delle Erbe, the cathedral, and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology housing Ötzi the Iceman are all within a short walk.
For travellers, the Greif offers an urban base with strong character and an easy springboard for excursions — Bolzano's cable cars climb to the Renon plateau and other viewpoints, and the train station connects to Merano, Bressanone, and the wider region. The combination of a landmark square-side location, individually crafted design rooms, and centuries of innkeeping heritage gives the Greif a distinctive identity among Bolzano's hotels.
Room types
- Individually designed double rooms
- Superior rooms
- Junior suites
Amenities
- Design hotel with individual art-themed rooms
- Café and bar
- Central Piazza Walther location
- Free Wi-Fi
- Concierge
- Parking nearby
Location
Piazza Walther, 39100 Bolzano (Bozen)
46.4983, 11.3547 View on map
Highlights
- Directly on Piazza Walther in Bolzano
- Every room individually designed by an artist
- Historic inn reimagined as a design hotel
- Steps from the cathedral and old town
- Sister property to the Parkhotel Laurin
Tips for visiting
- Each room is unique — review the options on the hotel website and request a specific design that appeals.
- Square-facing rooms overlook Piazza Walther and the cathedral and are especially atmospheric during the Christmas market.
- The café terrace on the square is a fine spot for an aperitivo and people-watching in good weather.
- The hotel is within a short walk of the Ötzi museum, the arcades, and the Piazza delle Erbe produce market.
- Use Bolzano's train station, a few minutes away, for easy day trips to Merano and Bressanone.
Accessibility
The hotel has lift access to guest floors and a level, central position on Piazza Walther convenient for walking. As a historic building with individually configured rooms, some accommodations vary in layout; guests with mobility needs should contact the hotel to confirm suitable, accessible rooms before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What is special about the rooms at the Greif?
Every room is individually designed by a contemporary artist and furnished with original works and bespoke pieces, so no two rooms are alike. The hotel functions almost as a living art gallery.
How central is the hotel?
It sits directly on Piazza Walther, Bolzano's main square, beside the cathedral and within a short walk of the medieval arcades, the produce market, and the Ötzi museum.
Is the Greif related to the Parkhotel Laurin?
Yes, both hotels are run by the same Bolzano family, with the Greif offering an art-led design concept on the central square and the Laurin offering an Art Nouveau setting with a private garden nearby.
Is the hotel a good base for exploring the region?
Yes, its central position near the train station and Bolzano's cable cars makes it convenient for day trips to Merano, Bressanone, the Renon plateau, and the surrounding Dolomite valleys.