We stayed here for 2 nights on our recent visit to the Sudtirol. The desk and restaurant staff were very friendly and could also speak English. Our room (double deluxe) was spacious and clean. We took advantage of the June promotion which also included a 5 course gourmet dinner in their restaurant (Michelin 1 star). Wonderful stay! Be sure to hike to to beautiful waterfall nearby.

We've reviewed Fragsburg once before and noted that it is wonderful for its view, restaurant, its location among fruit orchards and proximity to Meran, excellent local wineries and mountain hiking trails. This was still true during our last visit in October, but the policy towards accepting pets has become almost ridiculous. Dogs as of 2010 are not allowed in the room alone and also no longer allowed in the dining room and hence must wait in the car for the duration of the meal. They must be on a leash no more than 1,5 meters long. Owners must have a muzzle with them at all times etc. Not all rooms are available to guests travelling with dogs--usually meaning less modern/up to date, less of a view etc. The question is, why don't they just not allow dogs at all? We travel throughout Europe and have found that especially in better hotels (4 Stars and above) dogs are most welcome and ever catered to. There is a market here: people travelling with dogs (not children) who enjoy active vacations, fine food and wine and an elevated level of service and who are willing to pay for it. It almost goes without saying that people who seek out better hotels and fine restaurants are usually considerate regarding their pet during their stay at hotels not allowing an unruly animal to bark or chew or drool or cause chaos in general. (This can not always be said for people travelling with small children...) During our last visit we paid a hefty price for our short stay (room, half-board at their fine restaurant, extra charge for the dog! etc.) and were made to feel like we had to walk on egg shells. We go on vacation to unwind and be catered to not to have to feel apologetic about having our dog along. We will regret losing this gem of a hotel, but have decided not to return to Hotel Schloss Fragsburg and will instead seek out hotels offering an atmosphere which is welcoming to both well-behaved dogs and their companions.

That South Tirol has the Dolomite mountains is well known. But how many know about the apples? The area around Merano produces more apples than almost anywhere else in Europe. It was therefore a huge pleasure to drive to Castel Fragsburg through hectare after hectare of apple orchards. In Spring the blossom must be overwhelming. In August the apples were ripe for picking.
Castel Fragsburg is perched high overlooking Merano a well established spa town. The hotel, owned and managed by Alexander Ortner, traces its history back several centuries as a baronial hall. Now a splendid member of Relais & Chateau it not only combines the view with a very comfortable hotel it also offers superb fine dining with highly creative dishes using the very best of local seasonal produce.
The grounds, the pool and the spa reinforce the tranquility and splendour of the hotel's great location. The friendly and attentive staff make your stay memorable without being fussy. Alexander Ortner is very much a hands on owner ensuring that his guests have the opportunity of chilling out with all their needs met.
It takes a little time to reach Castel Fragsburg but like most such hotels it is well worth the effort. All in all another gem for the discerning independent travellerers.

Stayed at Fragsburg for three nights in mid-August. We had one of the tower suites, consisting of three rooms: large bathroom, bedroom, sitting room, and a huge balcony overlooking the apple orchard and valley below. The pictures from their web site are accurate. The pool served as a cool refresh after hiking and wine touring. Food in the restaurant was excellent even when the chef was not on site. Wine prices are moderate considering the quality, and the sommelier is superb – take his advice for wine as well as for recommendations on visits to wineries. You can eat on the porch overlooking the valley. When a thunderstorm came across the valley from the Alps, we all watched it approach and then as diners came in, the windows lifted to protect the interior dining area. We did not take advantage of the spa. It is about a 10-15 minute drive up the mountainside from Meran; eat at the hotel not in town. The road above the vineyards and orchards is windy and an easy drive. We signed-up for their email specials and run some very enticing specials like 4/3 and 5/4. Staff is helpful with directions, recommendations and all are multi-lingual. The 5-C R&C standards are definitely tall here. Highly recommended.