Hotel Ginepro

We woke up to white-capped mountains right outside the windows at our feet. That view was phenomenal. We spent a fantastic week here and the staff went out of their way to help with every request. The building and rooms are a bit old and could use renovation, but everything was cleaned daily and they always checked if we needed anything. We chose it for the best price we could find for skiing in Bormio, so we didn't expect much. The breakfasts were the same each morning, delicious and filling enough to last until a late lunch or dinner, though there weren't any vegetables. Dinner was different every day, very tasty, and had several choices, including options for vegetarians. There was pasta each day, prepared differently, so we got a good taste of traditional Italian meals. The slopes are accessible from the hotel only by a black piste, so we drove down to the gondola or to a nearby ski area instead. We'd happily come back.

Manuel, Antonio, and the lovely woman whose name I can't remember made our stay. They were always smiling, attentive, and ready to help. We came in mid-February as a group of five families and were satisfied, especially for the price. The rooms were clean and perfectly sufficient, though not luxurious, and the hotel's due for some updating, particularly the rooms. During the day, the Stelvio slope makes it easy to reach the slopes, but it may be too steep for beginner kids. Breakfast was fine and enough. Dinner was the weak point: three courses, but small portions and food that was average at best. I assume the owner is keeping costs as low as possible, though in Italy I'd hoped for something tastier. Better food sourcing and preparation would help, and it needn't cost a fortune. When the bar and restaurant close, there's nowhere to sit and keep the evening going. The rooms are too small, so we ended up having quiet corridor parties. ;)

Kind, friendly staff, and for the price it's the best deal in town. Only the girl at reception speaks English, which was great for me. I'd tried communicating with my horrible Spanish, Google Translate, and an Italian accent, and it led to some fun, lovely conversations. The rooms have a nice wood interior, as does the restaurant, and having just a few rooms gives the place a family feel. Breakfast was very good, and dinner was a good three-course meal too. The only downsides were a small shower and a somewhat outdated bathroom, but everything was properly cleaned and looked after.

The photos don't match what you get. The rooms are old, the bathroom was disgusting, no one came to clean daily, and there was nowhere to throw out the garbage. The manager would meet your eyes and come across as arrogant and unwilling to help. The food was the same each day and seemed to include leftovers from the day before. The bed felt like one in a military barracks. I don't recommend this hotel, and warn others not to trust what they're told about what they pay for and what they'll receive.