Hotel Cendevaves

FANTASTIC! I think that kind of sums it all! Beyond expectations! From the first contact. 2 years ago when asking some information at the reception of the hotel (we were no guests back then, just eating some delicious "Kaiserschmarn" on the terrace in front) when I figured that this hotel has an excellent location right on the slopes and in front of a branch of the Santa Cristina ski school. Having a 4-year old at the time... I thought it could be a great location for one of our future ski holidays. The young man at the desk (one of the sons of the property owners and now co-manager as I found out this year) was super friendly, helpful and authentic, giving me a business card and hoping to see us back for a stay in future times. About a month ago, I found back that business card and when going online I realised right away that the pictures (renderings) did not match my memory of the place. Sure enough after giving them a call, my assumption was confirmed! The whole place had been completely overhauled and was now a state of the art 4* Hotel with all the amenities one can expect from such a place. I immediately booked 2 adjoining Junior suites and what a good decision that was! The great experience started with driving into the underground garage, nothing special there, but then it became special when that garage gave out into an underground drive circle where some staff and Brigitte (owner) personally met us and took over all the unloading and carrying up of the luggage! Now that was, at least for me, a first! What a difference it makes! While my wife and kids were being welcomed by Brigitte, checked in and given the keys, I quickly drove back down into the parking level of the garage. As soon as I got back to the underground reception, we were all moved up to our actual rooms. The rooms were nothing short of spectacular! Spacious at 38 sqm per room with a dividing door that when closed, you couldn't hear a sound coming out of the other room! A spacious separate toilet (incl. bidet), very large walk in shower, large sink, big mirror and well lit room overall made this an excellent bathroom! The bedroom was also very spacious and comfortable beds with choice of pillow firmness guaranteed an excellent sleep. Plenty of closet space to put all our clothes and stuff away, a large 50" I would say, TV and big balcony with 2 comfortable couch chairs completed the entire room. There was a couch/bed in the bedroom where the kids could have easily slept but in the end we figured that having 2 rooms would simply be more comfortable for all and it was! The restaurant for breakfast was gorgeous with fantastic views no matter where one was seated not to mention the great quality of the breakfast, the freshly squeezed orange juice offered every morning, fresh eggs, pancakes, waffles, cereal, yoghurts, fruits etc... I definitely would also like to mention the great staff!!! From the super friendly family that runs the place, Brigitte, husband and the 3 sons (one of them works in the kitchen!) to Giulia, Dan, Bautista, Cristian and Camilla the waiter staff, that pampered us mornings and evenings and at times also for lunch when we sometimes decided to pop by in the general restaurant open to all skiers and not just to hotel guests. No request was too small for them, always smiley, friendly, helpful and available! In the end you can have the greatest hotel in the world but it really are the people that make the difference! And at Cendevaves they sure were the key to one of our most successful ski holidays ever! Last but not least I'd also like to mention the fantastic brand-new aluminium sky pool overlooking the slopes! WOW!!! And the outdoor hot tub which is an understatement as it is more like a mini outdoor pool with all the whistles and blows one can expect from a great jacuzzi! On the lower floor there's also the great wellness area with Turkish steam bath, Finnish Sauna, relax area with heated waterbeds (HEAVEN!!) and great massage treatments which we did and are absolutely recommendable thanks to a great masseuse! All in all... a great hotel with an even greater staff, great service and... YES worth every penny!!!