This is my second visit to Cervinia, so I was looking forward to ski-ing in such e great ski area again. And was delighted with this hotel which added to a great week. A few minutes walk from the coach park where we were dropped off, and a few minutes walk to the Cretaz chair lift every morning. Although it is located by the pistes it is not ski in or out, as there is a ditch between the hotel and the pistes. There is a outdoor skating rink besides the hotel also.
It is a 4 storey hotel, modern and purpose built slightly hidden amongst some more traditional chalets. Inside it is very pleasant to the eye and well thought out for the purpose of a ski holiday hotel. The receptionist/owner was very welcoming, and immediately worked out we are a group of 4, even though our bookings were all made separately. And arranged for us to sit together straight away for our first meal; we arrived at dinner time. The waiter welcomed us and advised us that we will be given a better table the next day, and it happened as promised, a table with a view of the pistes for the rest of the week.
Two of us were on single rooms on the first and third floor with no neighbours and ensuite showers. Our couple friends were on the second floor with a balcony, ensuite with shower but no bath. Rooms were well decorated with TV and Sky, and hairdryer. If anything too warm so we all turned down our radiators. The rooms were very well cleaned each day.
The only noise experienced was a little music from the ice rink next door one evening. Otherwise very good.
The hotel bar is small and low key with a variety of seating from sofas to small tables for playing card games.etc. The lounge area is reasonably large with a enclosed TV room which is used more as an additional more intimate lounge. Free WiFi connection is offered primarily in the reception area (seatings available), and to some extent in the lounge also although reception is intermittent.
The whole hotel is warm, and although full, never felt crowded anywhere. Breakfasts is buffet and continental style. Real Coffee is served although not of great quality. Apricot croissants area served with bread rolls and selection of charcuterie, and breakfast cereals, yoghurts and various types of fruits.
Dinner is three courses with choices of starters and main courses with plated desserts buffet style so you can help yourself. Dinner is of good standard and good decent portions and we came away happy each evening. (If you are skipping lunch and expecting a big feed in the evening, you may be disappointed). You will be offered bottled water but jugs of tap water will be served upon requests. Afternoon Teas is not served.
The waiting staff were attentive and remembered our likes and looked after us very well.
The Boot room is amongst the best I have come across with heated boot rack for almost everyone. And the Ski rests organised like the shops with sliding racks and poles holders, as well. And a couple of snowboard racks.
There do offer massages and various spa facilities but very low key and no selling. we did not make use of these so unable to comment.
SKI TIPS.
When you ski over to Zermatt, take note of the last cabin car back and time yourself. Zermatt is over 3 mountains so quite a lot of getting around. But rewarded with great long runs. Expect to experience strong winds as you are very high up, and the times of your connection back will change hour by hour. Carry your passport with you just in case you can't get back due to very bad weather, as you will need it to check into a hotel. This would be a cheaper option as to get back by taxi or helicopter will costs you +£500. At the end of the Cable car, there is a long walk through a tunnel to arrive at the peak at 3840m; snow is usually the best here; the run is short though. But it is a great starting point to ski all the way down to Valtournenche (via the No 1 Red run), reportedly over 28 km in distance.
There are also 2 T Bars option to get back to Cervinia from Zermatt; the first take 20 minutes, and if you know where you can drop off after a few minutes on the 2nd T bar, to get back to Cervinia. It will be cool to cold on this T Bar drag lift so zipped up first. This may remain open when the cable car is closed. We actually prefer this option.
Cervinia is a great ski area to match Zermatt and do not overlook Valtournenche (enough for a day's ski-ing and better protected from the winds). We have developed a tradition of stopping for a coffee break at restaurant "Bontadini" (Not sure of spelling) at the end of the day for a leisurely very long descend down to the bottom, with no lifts to catch. If you ski down No: 7, you will arrive at the Telecabin/ Cable Car station in Cervinia above the square by the church and Hotel Breuil. It is a few minutes walk down but we did not try to walk up; we preferred to walk to the Cretaz Chair lift. Run No: 13 will take you down very near this Cable Car station so do not panic when you arrive here. It is literally a few minutes "U" walk.
This is a great area with lots of long Reds and Blues, but only a few short Blacks.