Exceptional friendly Swedish & Spanish staff. Cosy, homely, festive decorated hotel with Xmas spirit. Modern fitted clean bathroom. It's 5* for being a hotel with a heart. It tries v hard to provide 5* service. Don't compare it with The Penisula & alike 'cos that's not the goal. Compare it with the family or friend's holiday home where the hotel ski shuttle (to Valtournenche, Cervinia) frequency and timetable is flexible, transfer to Milan is negotiable, kitchen staff will lend you her own mob to call the pharmacist, and late lunch with homemade pasta being made impromtu at 4.30pm when the kitchen is closed. If reception is unattended, look for staff in the kitchen. Like all hotels, there're cons such as sounds of guests enjoying themselves on the ground floor till 11pm (v noticeable on 1st floor but not on 3rd floor. Note need to drag luggages up the stairs but staff can help). One would have the odd minor maintainence issues at your own holiday home, & this was no exception but it's not a deal breaker 'cos staff are attentive & make every effort to make your stay enjoyable. Have a chilled, flexible, accomodating mindset like one would at your own holiday home, and you'll not be disappointed! Great breakfast as it had fresh produce, daily fresh pastries, hot cooked food straight from the kitchen & kept warm on stovetops. It even had limoncello shots on some mornings. This hotel offers affordable comfortable ski accomodation for those wanting to ski in Cervinia-Zermatt.
