Mr. Gamper, why did you become a hotel manager?

I grew up in my parents' hotel, always had fun with the guests and got lots of tips as a young boy. After secondary school, hotel management school was the logical next step.

Wonderful Dolomites. (Image: zVg)

What are five features that set your hotel apart from others?

• First and foremost, it's our long-standing team members – people who genuinely enjoy their work and help create the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere our guests love!
• Then there is excellent cuisine: our kitchen team is a blend of local South Tyroleans and chefs from other parts of Italy. You can taste the harmony of these influences in every dish we serve.
• Ours is a house of generations. Our youngest guest, Antonio, is just 3 months old, while our oldest guest - Vito from Sicily - is a proud 98 years old. In the hotel we have separate areas in the restaurant as well as in the wellness area and in the large garden where everyone can feel comfortable without being disturbed. We still have families where several generations spend their vacation together. That's great to experience.
• The top location on the sunniest high plateau in the Puster Valley, at 980 meters above sea level between the Zillertal Alps and the Dolomites. In summer, guests can enjoy a weekly highlight tour to the world-famous «Drei Zinnen», along with a full activity program that includes daily guided hiking and biking tours, complimentary green fees at the nearby 9-hole golf course (400 meters away), and free tennis at the same distance.
• Our 5000 square meter garden with outdoor pool and plenty of space to laze around.

What's the craziest thing you've experienced in your job?

A «Grande Dame», who booked an extra suite with 50 pairs of shoes and 20 suitcases just for her.

New culinary experience from this summer season: Hotel Rudolf. (Image: zVg)

How do you define hospitality and excellent guest service?

For me, hospitality is the honest, cordial way in which we treat our guests: they can feel the joy wich which our staff and I treat every guest. Guest service is all about the little things with which we can surprise and delight our guests. We are also there in person to helf when the unexpected happens.

Which celebrity guests have you had the pleasure of welcoming to your hotel?

We are extremely discreet! I'll only mention those who have already been mentioned in the media: Francesco Cossiga, Prime Minister Mario Monti, opera diva Montserrat Caballé, stock market guru André Kostolany, singer Andreas Gabalier, Italian actors and TV moderators… just to name a few.

What does your hotel offer for a «perfect weekend» for two?

Romantic rooms, room service, SPA with pools & saunas, indoor and outdoor cuddle corners, individual activity program with our guides or an individual pleasure tour.

What plans do you have for the hotel?

The owner, Dr. J. Rubner is an architect and, alongside his son Daniel, will be overseeing a series of development projects over the coming years: The new bar is set to open in just two weeks. In 2026, a new staff residence will be built, the hotel restaurant will be expanded, and the rooms above it will be enlarged. Then, in 2027, the spa area will be extended with a spacious new bathhouse. Throughout these improvements, the hotel's current capacity of 63 rooms and suites will remain unchanged.

Surprise and Delight the Guests. (Image: zVg)

How is the gastronomy in your hotel developing?

With the renovation of the bar and the hotel restaurant, our main aim is to redefine the culinary experience. In addition to the traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, which will always play an important role, the kitchen team will also try out new culinary creations.

What is your personal motto when managing a hotel?

To treat employees and guests with joy, cordiality and professionalism. Our employees should enjoy working with us and pamper our guests «to the letter».

What is your insider tip in the area?

I take the cable car up the Lagazuoi once a year in the fall! From there you have a breathtaking view of the unique mountain world. I usually combine this with a short tour of the Dolomites on my motorcycle or in my vintage car.

What is the best piece of advice you received from your mother or father?

My father: «Do what is right and fear no one!» 

Kurt J. Gamper is an «Original South Tyrolean» who started his career in the hospitality industry in the luxury hotel industry in St. Moritz, Klosters and Davos after graduating from the Kaiserhof hotel management school in Merano. The then well-known hotelier Hans C. Leu was his role model and mentor. He greatly influenced his management style and the way he dealt with people. After working in England and several years in France, he has now been back in South Tyrol for over 20 years and runs the Rubner family's Hotel Rudolf.