Guest User
July 26, 2021
We wanted to start this review by reflecting on a recent stay at a hotel in Eraclea, Italy, labeled as a 4 star hotel. We were asked by the Manager at the reception to write a review, which we did. It has to be said it was fair but not complimentary and at check out the manager asked if we would discuss it with her which we did . We were candid but said that we thought the hotel was only really a 2 star based mainly on the level of service and quality of food, to which the management said … “that’s your opinion .“ By comparison if we were asked to define a 5 star hotel we would simply say …spend as much time as you can at the Hotel Ciampedie in Vigo Di Fassa. We usually measure our experiences at differing stages during a holiday … first impressions , room cleanliness, food quality , service, facilities etc First impressions …the hotel is beautiful from the moment you step in side, a warm welcome from the reception ladies , help with bags and a welcome drink in the lounge before being shown to your own reserved car parking space in the lower level garage with easy access to the room Room … modern mountain style suite, nice balcony with gorgeous mountain views, shower great , a separate room for our daughter with bunk beds ( lounge on top and sleeping below was her view ), pillows comfortable and super comfy bed…plus some small extra: towels for the spa, fluffy dressing gowns for the pool (even for our daughter!) and a back pack for walking. The restaurant ….. lets start with the team, led by the inimitable Francesco. Every meal was a gem with his service , smile and entertaining stories …. The restaurant whether at breakfast or dinner is flawless and under his guidance works like a Swiss watch. It’s clear that the hotel owners have built a team that pride them selves on their experience and professionalism. Breakfast is a myriad of tastes …. You name it they have it from fresh squeezed juices to prosciutto, eggs as you like them , fresh pastries its enough to stock up before a day hiking in the Dolomites or skiing in the winter. Dinner is a refined affair, with perfect cocktails from Paolo who manages the bar and Francesco who overseas a menu of either a gourmet tasting, a vegetarian or an al a carte option … and if you want to mix and match well then that’s fine as well …. To Francesco service is EVERYTHING! To the activities …. Spa is lovely , hot stone massage by Marie and Andrea and a indoor / outdoor pool with jacuzzi soothed the aching limbs after a days hiking with Nicolo, The hotel’s in house mountain guide was super… we were led up and down mountain passes over 10k each day in absolute safety with anecdotes and information on flora and fauna that made the 10k seem somewhat easy ( well on reflection the uphill was definitely more of a challenge ) but the views and breathtaking scenery matched with they amazing food in the mountain huts made the days really something to remember … more goulash soup and less Grappa helps the