As a travelling salesman for jam jars, he dreamed of owning a hotel – and at just 25 years old dared to ask the bank for a loan. The loan was granted, unimaginable today, but in those times of economic boom the rules were more lenient. Out of nothing, a 3-star hotel with tavern was built – a huge risk, since he had no collateral.

Yet disaster struck in the very first year: due to a construction error, the licence for the winter season was denied, which would have meant financial ruin. Fate, however, had an ace up its sleeve: on one of the last summer days he met the then Italian President Sandro Pertini in the Café des Alpes, where Helmut was also working as a waiter. Pertini was holidaying in Selva and just wanted a drink and some sun – but for Helmut it was a last chance. The young waiter explained his situation, Pertini listened attentively and then said he would take care of it. Three days later, Helmut held the licence in his hands – and could finally breathe again.

The tavern with 400 seats soon became famous far beyond the valley. Even Austrian pop star Falco performed in the Savoy disco. Until 2003, the venue shaped nightlife in Selva and the entire region. But times changed – and with them tourism in Val Gardena. When Nadia Stuffer and her husband Christoph Vinatzer took over, a new chapter began. The Stuffer-Vinatzer family focused on the hotel business and developed the Savoy into a luxurious 4-star superior hotel where alpine hospitality, fine cuisine and Italian lifestyle go hand in hand. Today, alongside the second, the third generation is also active in the business, striving to further modernise the Savoy and share their passion for the Dolomites with guests.