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A tale of courage, passion, and vision
Strong roots that reach far back into the 20th century. Our father Walter laid the foundations for the Winklerhotels when he took over his parents’ guesthouse, “Laner”, and purchased Hotel Winkler and Hotel Sonnenhof. A courageous family that is pursuing its dreams and vision with passion and foresight. The next generation centred around brother and sister Kurt and Miriam is investing in making what they offer even more professional and constantly increasing quality. Luxurious variety you’ll find nowhere else in Val Pusteria/Pustertal. The Winklerhotels are taking great strides towards the future and their next pioneering advancements. These are the ingredients for an extraordinary success story – the success story of the Winklerhotels.
It all began with a courageous decision: Our great-grandfather Hermann Winkler was one of the few people in Montal to refuse to leave South Tyrol during the Second World War, when all German and Ladin speakers were forced to either leave Italy or remain and give up their language and culture. Out of necessity, he and his wife decided to rent out six rooms in their farmhouse, “Lanerhof”. What initially began as a temporary measure soon developed into a passion.
Hermann’s third-born son Walter, our father, discovered his love for hospitality early in life. He eventually took over the farm and the “Laner” guesthouse from his parents and worked tirelessly to develop the “Winkler Hotels Kronplatz”.
A big day in Walter’s life: He married Maria Eisendle, and they had four children together over the years: Kurt, Miriam, Sylvia, and Sandra.
The purchase of Messner guesthouse in Stefansdorf (Hotel Winkler today) saw Walter and Maria expand the Winklerhotels for the first time.
Hospitality is in the Winkler family’s genes: Son Kurt graduated from the Kaiserhof hotel management school in Meran and joined the family business. He had already been a great help to his parents during his school days.
The Winkler family embarked on the first big expansion: Hotel Lanerhof was upgraded with an indoor pool, whirlpool, new dining room, and new suites.
Daughter Miriam is also passionate about hospitality. After graduating from the Kaiserhof hotel management school in Meran, she took over the Messner guesthouse when she was 20 years old.
Kurt found the love of his life in Monika Oberarzbacher. They married and had two children, Julian and Anna Lisa.
The Messner guesthouse was transformed into a 4-star hotel and renamed “Sporthotel Winkler”. Its new spa area, the family suites, and the top location at Mt Plan de Corones/Kronplatz attracted numerous sports fans from day one.
The place where it all started, Lanerhof, was also given a fresh new look. The extension created new room categories, a new kitchen, and an additional dining room.
The Winkler family purchased Hotel Sonnenhof in Pfalzen – an unassuming jewel in which the family saw great potential.
Renovation and extension work transformed Hotel Sonnenhof into a radiant 4-star hotel. It was the first of the Winkler family’s hotels to have a beauty farm – a real novelty in Val Pusteria/Pustertal at the time.
Miriam found her perfect partner in Christof Schuster. After their wedding, twins Laura and Lukas and son Marian made their happy family complete.
The big renovation of Hotel Lanerhof began. The result was a luxurious 4-star-S hotel that proved hugely popular with guests.
Sporthotel Winkler was also extended with a beauty farm and an additional floor.
A historic moment: Walter officially handed over his life’s work to his children Kurt and Miriam, who still run the Winklerhotels together today.
Residence Lanerhof with two luxurious apartments was built just 200 metres away from the original hotel. What makes it special: The full hotel service is inclusive.
The extension of the lobby and new family suites made Hotel Sonnenhof shine more radiantly than ever.
"Winki’s Tierwelt” petting zoo was created at Hotel Lanerhof and proved an instant hit with children.
Most of the rooms and suites at Hotel Lanerhof were given a new look.
The Winkler family embarked on their biggest building project to date: Sporthotel Winkler was completely rebuilt and underwent major extension work in the space of just six months. The new 5-star Hotel Winkler delighted guests with even more highlights.
The next unique project followed the very next year: Private Luxury Chalet Purmontes, which sits above Hotel Lanerhof and boasts five exclusive suites, takes luxury to a whole new level. Right next door: the Winklerhotels’ own riding stable with riding school.
The rooms and suites at Hotel Lanerhof and Hotel Sonnenhof were renovated, and Hotel Lanerhof also received a new fitness room and youth sports hall.
Hotel Winkler was taken to the next level with new suites, a new bar area, and the new adults-only rooftop pool.
Walter Winkler died at the age of 78. His love for hospitality can still be felt at the Winklerhotels today.
Guests could look forward to new, stylish suites at Hotel Lanerhof.
The success story continues with exciting new developments – stay tuned!
