Hotel La Mirandola — Hotel in Comunità della Valle di Sole

Just returned from a UK based Crystal Ski holiday based in La Mirandola. Other guests appeared to be from a range of European countries - so a genuine Italian hotel not a purely package holiday location.||It started with a great welcome and a late meal kept for us (Bernardetta at reception was particularly helpful then and throughout). Our room was on top floor (the lift reached only the level below and the room while fine with a window had no view unless you climbed on a chair! However as the hotel is a converted one time Monastery/Hospice with lovely cavernous dining rooms, this was not unexpected.||The bed we found a little hard (ok for monks?) and would have liked extra, soft, pillows - maybe you could bring your own?||The meals were amazing with prodigious amounts of food. Always served very efficiently by a large and attentive staff - Eleanora (Elinor?) was especially kind to us. Dinner was a real extravaganza. Several courses of classic Italian food with a good choice of wine at a fair price. We enjoyed Happy hour (4.30 -5.30) in a large lounge bar fitted with very comfortable seating. Aurora was a charming bar person. Surprisingly the happy hour (2 for 1) was restricted to Prosecco and beer.||A highlight post skiing was the spa area provided with a steam room, sauna and a hot tub.||The ski slopes on our visit were relying on mostly artificial snow (it had not snowed for 3+ weeks) were often icy as the fine top material was frequently blown away by strong winds. Passo Tonale ski area is generally quite exposed to the wind but the Temu area (reached by either a black run or two or the bubble lift to Ponte Di Legno) provided some excellent tree lined red slopes with good snow conditions - worth the journey.||The hotel is linked to a nearby blue run (hence the possibility of ski in/out) by a 150 meter (approx) nearly horizontal track. During our visit this would have benefitted from the addition of further snow. More effort to maintain this access by artificial snow provision (moved by a small vehicle?) is suggested.||Overall we had a great stay in what might be regarded as a slightly out of the way (a shuttle is there for morning and afternoon travel to/from the slopes), quirky hotel with great staff in a delightful setting with very high...

So we booked this via Crystal Ski, the reviews aren’t totally honest. This isn’t technically a ski in ski out, you can get to the slope from the hotel, but it’s not piested at all. The room we had was very small and very basic, the bed was much akin to a prison cell bed. The view we had was pretty cool, but was less enjoyable because of the smell from the toilet, and the constant hearing of people going to the toilet above us and flushing. The social area and bar is not very inviting. There are no tea or coffee facilities in the rooms, but you do get coffee/tea with breakfast, all other drinks during the day or with meals (even water) you get charged, make sure you get an itemised bill, as we were charged for alcohol and we are tea total. ||The spa area is ok, and there is a booking system which keeps numbers to a minimum, but it does need some attention as the jacuzzi has a mind of its own, and some of the other features don’t work.||The shuttle bus only operates 08:30-10:30 and then 15:30-17:30, so if your outside those hours you can asked to be picked up, but it’s an extra charge. One day there was no collection and we walked back. The driver is very good and polite and will help if asked. The road from the hotel is steep and windy and unlit, so walking back at night has its own issues. So technically if you haven’t got a vehicle you’re hostage to the hotel.||The food isn’t the best, and as soon as you’ve finished one course, they’ve whipped your plate away and given you another, no rest between mouthfuls. If you have any dietary requirements they will do their best to assist, but crystal ski did not inform them.||The staff are friendly and helpful, which made the stay somewhat better, and the slopes were awesome. The rep was none existent because we were away from the main...

We stayed here as part of Crystal Ski package . Although just out of town, the hotel has very easy access to the Blue 24 Valbiolo run and a short easy run to the Valbiolo chair, that takes you up to the top of that lovely blue run, or a couple of choices for some nice red runs. The room we had 309 was roomy and perfect temperature, with plenty of storage. Only complaint would be that shower cubicle is small. Beds firm but comfortable, and spare duvet and pillows in wardrobe. The staff are very helpful, friendly and welcoming. And the food! Don't go here is you want pizza and chips all the time, or if you are into small portions. 4 courses every night, of excellent genuine local food, with choice on 5 nights. Lovely local and Italian specialities. Very afforable wine. Happy hour in the bar for beer and prosecco, with the lovely Aurora serving. The wellness centre is great and modern, with sauna and hot tub. Ok, the furniture is a bit old, and the decor a bit faded with a few cracks here and there, but this is an old monastery, with real character and warmth. Highly recommend. If you want to go to the town however, you will have to get use to the 20 min walk back uphill, unless the hotel...