Casa Alpina Beato Rosaz

Excellent hotel on a budget. Couldn't believe they had accepted my booking (mostly because they don't take credit cards), but Hotel and staff were as good as gold. This is a medium sized family run Italian hotel offering basic accommodation, 1/2 board, en-suite at an unbelievable price. May not be clear from booking.com that meals are included. Food is traditional Italian 'family' cuisine (i.e. not gourmet - but very filling). Room is good, clean, basic with en-suite and balcony. View is to die for. Ski store in lobby. It is in walking distance of the Cesana lift, which is midway on the MilkyWay lift system. There is no bus, taxis are available, but the walk is invigorating (about 1km) and will get your legs warmed up! (particularly if you head up the French side as it is open). Italian side is on enclosed gondola (excellent lift capacity). Walk is through town, so you can pick up rations on the way out, and stop for a beer on the way back. Obviously good if you have a car; but will work on public transport. Buses from Oulx (main line to Turin / TGV, Paris etc) check timetables (Sadem Buses 285 OULX-CESANA-CLAVIERE). Hotel can arrange transport (friends or taxis will drive) but they speak little English. Cesana isn't a swinging town, it's quiet at night with a few nice bars and restaurants. If you want to ski - this is an excellent location; if you want to party - try Sauze. Owners are very friendly and helpful; they are also religious (some found this too much). But they are not too concerned about making loadsamoney, they offer a good honest service, and if you don't like it - don't come. Plenty of local walking and things to see in Cesana (for a morning or two), but this is not a destination place - it offers access to Sauze, Sestrierre, Claviere and MontGenevre, all of which can be reached by bus (some free) and all of which are worth visiting on foot or on skis. Olympic centre has to be done just for the crack. Down side: No ski storage at lift station, MilkyWay pass is excellent value but only includes 1 day in Montgenevre (you can buy extensions). You will probably not be able to ski down to Cesana (close, but not right down).