Hotel Rododendro Val di Fassa

Having read reviews before we went we were concerned but it was the only accommodation left at short notice! Good points: Very clean, well presented and two extremely hard working lovely waitresses. Not good points: EVERYTHING else!! Meals clearly run on a budget! Very watered down fruit juice and biscuits making up the worst breakfast ever seen! Evening meals were actually not bad except being gluten free it meant not having things rather than being catered for and desert was the same every night (water melon, ice cream or cake!) The waitresses always seemed to be on duty without a day off and there were only two of them. They didn't seem to mind and were always lovely, but it felt like complete slave labour! There should have been at least 3 when busy (most nights) but the elusive management seemed more inclined up sit hiding on his backside in his office (when he was visible!) whilst they literally ran round all night! It's classified as family atmosphere, we have never stayed anywhere more lacking in atmosphere. The management seemed completely disinterested. When I asked for a sugar free drink mixer he tried to tell me you can't get them in Italy!! His management style; lazy, "do as I say not as I do" and disinterested! Thank goodness for the lovely waitresses who, even though totally overworked, always tried to please. The management could learn a lot from their customer facing attitude!

the room was clean but not very big, but the worse thing about the hotel was the food. They must have the worse cook in Italy. "Buffet breakfast" consisted of about 15 plates laid out, but10 contained little pots of jam (2 of apricot, for some reason). The rest was watered down orange juice, long life milk, 2 kinds of cereal, cheese and ham. I got the impression that they bought the cheapest and nastiest food possible. The dinner was often inedible, with overcooked pasta, strange sauces and tinned fruit for pudding. There was no-one serving in the bar before dinner, and we often had to hunt through the hotel to find someone.

This is my third stay at the Rododendro In Campitello. Since my last stay a few years ago it has had a bit of a facelift and it is now better than ever. This is a friendly, traditional family hotel. The location is excellent central to Campitello with the ski bus stop right outside. Mambo ski hire who we would highly recommend are also literally opposite the hotel. It is not far from the Col Rodella lift if you wanted to walk but the bus will get you there in 2 minutes. The hotel is decorated in a traditional style and has a nice big bar and separate dining area with an alpine style. Our rooms (a triple and a double) were large and nicely decorated. The beds were very comfortable and both rooms had balconies with views over the town. We were impressed by the food. Breakfasts were very comprehensive with hot and cold options and lots of it. In the afternoon there was complementary tea and biscuits in the bar which was lovely.The dinners were three courses with a choice for each course. These were mostly very good. Drinks were extra but very reasonable for a hotel. We really must complement the hotel however on the service we received. The staff were all attentive, friendly and pleasant from those waiting in the restaurant to the staff who serviced the rooms. We had a late flight on arrival and the hotel provided us with a late meal on our arrival which was very welcome after a long day travelling. A special mention for Cinzia who was so helpful, friendly and pleasant and Salah and Valentina who served us in the restaurant. They made our stay extra special. This is a lovely family hotel in a great location in a wonderful ski area. It is very pleasant, with excellent service from lovely staff who went out of their way to make our stay special. We look forward to returning to the Rododendro soon.

We had room 06. It had a four poster bed made from tree trunks, which was too short for either of us. we are 6'2" and 5'8". The trunk across the bottom is above the mattress, leaving nowhere for feet. The shower enclosure is so small that you have to get out, turn round, and get back in to do your back. Use of the fridge is an extra charge, as is use of the safe. We had no curtains on the windows, and only discovered, after a chance conversation with another guest on day 3, that there are wooden shutters outside if you go onto the balcony. Sound from the kitchen, bar, lift, corridor, and neighbouring rooms is all a bit much when attempting to get to sleep. Breakfast was a bit on the light side for a days skiing. No fresh fruit. There was a four slice, domestic toaster. Ham and cheese. Bread rolls. Cereal. The boot room was too cosy. One small bench for two people. We usually ended up outside on the concrete steps to put our boots on in the morning. Everyone wants to use it at the same time in order to catch the ski bus to the lift. A major issue was the ice on the ground. I'm sure they could've easily chipped a pathway with a spade. It was impossible to get from the boot room to the bus without walking on this extremely dangerous surface. Happy hour (30% off), included free coffee & cake, 16:30 - 17:30 was very welcome each day, and fitted perfectly with the time the bus got us back from the ski lift. Leonardo was very helpful when we arrived. He gave us all the relevant information we needed, and sold us a couple of half price ski bus tickets for the week. The bus stop is right outside the front door, and takes about 7 minutes to get to the lift. We felt it was a well spent 18 Euros for the pair of us for a week. Free WiFi throughout the hotel. Evening meals were really good, and came with red wine. The staff appeared to be run off their feet much of the time. We were given a breakfast doggie bag on the last day for our early morning airport transfer.

The positive sides of this hotel is the location (just 10 min. walk from the cable car), the style (the outdoor and indoor decor gives you the authentical mountain feel) and the place is kept very tidy and clean. The room was spacious with a balcony and a renovated bathroom. The staff is very helpful. We arrived early morning and they let us check-in when the room was ready. After check-out on the last day, they let us stay in the facilities untill our bus departed in late afternoon. The food in the restaurant is plenty with initial buffet and 3-course dinner every night. The waiter, Gianluigi, made sure that we were always satisfied. On the negative side, the shower was a very small cabin and they didn't provide shampoo. Dinner is a hit or a miss but we weren't expecting too much, since the price was low. So you basically get what you pay for and nothing more. Overall, we are pleased with our stay and will probably come back.

A great family run hotel, real value for money, free wine with supper, cakes and tea on return from the slopes and authentic tyrolean bar. Ski bus stops right outside and good rental shop opposite. 8 course meal served on New Years Eve and even complimentary Prosecco later on.