Gran Baita Courmayeur Mont Blanc

We really loved our stay. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, and the lobby, lounge and bar are charming, with wood paneling, fireplaces and plenty of cozy nooks. The pool is much nicer than the website makes it look, with lovely indoor and outdoor settings and very warm water. It almost made up for the one thing we already knew we’d miss, a Jacuzzi or hot tub. There’s room outside for one, and it would be a great addition. Some free weights in the gym would be welcome too. The hotel is a little farther from central Courmayeur than we’d hoped. We were glad to have the shuttle, and the drivers were friendly and kept it running at all hours. With warmer weather and less snow, we might have walked, but after skiing we were too lazy. We never waited long, whether we were heading into town for dinner or taking the five-minute ride to the gondola. I’d happily recommend the hotel to anyone visiting Courmayeur.

The breakfast was the real letdown. The omelet had no taste, the sausages were unpleasant, the bread and pastries weren’t fresh, and the juices tasted artificial. Even the smoked salmon seemed low quality. My husband and I were both surprised. Coffee and donuts were the only things we enjoyed; the rest felt barely edible. We spent two nights in January in a room facing Mont Blanc, and the view was stunning. The room, like the rest of the hotel, was beautifully decorated, with lots of attention to detail. Swimming in the outdoor pool with the mountains around us was special. It was supposed to open at 10 a.m., but when we were there it didn’t open until after lunch, which was disappointing at an otherwise wonderful hotel.

Pietro at the bar was so friendly and made us feel right at home. This is a small hotel, but the service was great. We loved our stay and will be back. Mornings began with a wonderful breakfast and mountain views, then we took the efficient shuttle to the ski slopes or town. In the evening we ate at the lovely restaurant and finished with drinks and live music in the piano bar. As Americans, we felt tucked into an Italian winter wonderland.

Gran Baita is a great place to stay, with comfortable rooms, good food, an excellent team and a nice spa. The internet was slow, though, and sometimes the shuttle took a while to come get us. I’d still recommend the hotel.