I'm endeavoring to make a reservation for three nights in July, in Cogne (Val D'Aosta.) It seems like most of the hotels there require half-board during that period. I presume that half-board means breakfast and dinner? I'm wondering if this is a good option. It seems limiting to have to dine at the same place three nights in a row, especially in Italy where we like to try different places. I'm also wondering if the food will be more or less "menu touristica" or if there are usually options on this kind of plan (we're not picky eaters, or have any special dietary requirements, but I would like some choice.)
On the other hand, perhaps there aren't many restaurants in or around Cogne. Can't find much info.
Finally, a question for Robert Rainey if he sees this (sent you an email too): your recommended hotel, Hotel Belvedere, is actually in Gullain and I was wondering about the road up. Looks curvey on the map. Is it doable at night (if we went to dinner in Cogne, say?)and what's the distance? I'm not even sure if Belvedere offers a non-meal plan; I'm awaiting their response.
I replied by e-mail to your question,also sending some photos.The half board is breakfast and dinner.At the Belvedere there is no menu but there were so many courses that I am sure that you will have plenty to eat.One meal in particular was about 7 courses,the proprieter actually brought a whole platter of food and kept pileing it on.If you don't want to eat dinner there every day ask if you can just get a room. Say you have a special diet and have to eat only certain things.See photo for a view from the Belvedere hotel
Posts: 6378 | Location: Culver City, CA, USA | Registered: 08 November 2002
Thanks Robert, I responded to your email. What a magnificent view! I have emailed the Belvedere and await their reponse. Did you deal with them via email?
Janet, My understanding of "half board" is that it's typically breakfast and dinner, but that you can request a boxed lunch as an alternative to one of those meals. Just give the hotel kitchen a little notice by asking the night before ...
Posts: 13719 | Location: The Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: 06 August 2001
Robert, Believe it or not, Hotel Belvedere was booked already for July! So now I've written to two more in Gimillian..Hotel Grauson, and Hotel Petit Giles. Just wondering if you noticed either of those while you were there. I also have written to a place in Valnontey...Hotel Herbetet.
Finally got a reservation near Cogne! So many places in this area never responded to emails or faxes, I've never had this issue before. Neither hotel in Gimillian ever responded. I wonder if its because this is a more remote area? Perhaps some of these are closed for the season?
Anyway, I finally heard from Hotel Herbeteta 2-star in Valnontey and was able to book three nights at 104 Euro per night, with half-board. This is so reasonable...if the food isn't great we can still go have dinner in Cogne. It looks like a simple place but the location looks great.
Now I'm all booked except for Orta. I wish we were there now!(Well, maybe not in Cogne...unless I brought my skis!)
Robert, I had considered Hotel Orta but their web site says they require a minimum 3-night stay. Also, I have read that its a bit run-down and musty (in your review as well as others.) Since its our last night, and the previous three nights we'll be in a rather small room, I think I'd like something a bit more cheerful and renovated (not necessarily modern.) We usually use that last night to unpack everything and repack it to fit the wine etc ;-)So I'm looking at Hotel Santa Caterina which also seems to have a water view and is newly renovated. Also considering Hotel Contrada dei Monti, which was well-reviewed someplace.
Janet have you tried the Olina? They have some very nice cheap rooms,also their restaurant down the street is one of the best in town.I wouldn't stay outside of town the town is way too charming! RR
Posts: 6378 | Location: Culver City, CA, USA | Registered: 08 November 2002
Robert, both the hotels I mentioned are right in the historic distric of town. They both seem reasonable...about 85 euros a night. I just hope that they will take a single night reservation. Maybe I'll try the Olina too.
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