Alloggi Il Rododendro

We had a great stay in the lovely, cozy, clean apartment, which even had a kitchen. They reserved it when we called in the morning, and it was ready an hour later. We also asked for a later afternoon checkout, and they agreed without any fuss.

It’s a basic apartment, and I wouldn’t recommend it. You have to make the beds yourself when you arrive, though the owner leaves sheets on the dresser. There’s no hairdryer, microwave, or lighter, and the TV is tiny. Even staples like salt and dish soap aren’t supplied, but you can buy what you need from the owner, who runs a grocery store in town.

Our studio apartment was clean, well heated with an adjustable thermostat, and right in the village center. We had a parking space. It’s 750 meters on foot to the cross-country ski slopes, or 1 km by car. The path to Callieri and San Bernolfo starts at the end of the ski parking lot, and the Migliorero refuge is in the upper village. The thermal baths, once the village’s main attraction, have unfortunately been closed for renovation for a few years. We rented the spacious studio for three nights before Christmas as a residence, not a B&B. For two people it was roomy, and just enough for three if you unfold the sofa bed. It came with sheets, bath towels, a set of shower soap samples per person, and use of the kitchen. If you’re staying more than a night and cooking, be aware the Teflon pans are so worn they’re unusable, though there’s a steel one you can use. I bring my own trusty pan and matching lid out of habit, to avoid surprises. You’ll also need to bring tablecloths, napkins, dishcloths, dish soap, sponges, and basic cooking supplies such as salt, pepper, oil, butter, tea, coffee, and sugar, as well as your food. The owner also runs the minimarket next door, so you can buy what you need there. In low season, though, you might have to drive down to Vinadio for fresh produce that’s missing.

The owners are friendly, and the studio has a well-equipped kitchenette. It’s a nice B&B, with a clean, new bathroom and a little terrace. The hikes are wonderful too, including the lake tour from Sant'Anna di Vinadio and Collalunga Pass in the San Bernolfo Valley. Recommended!