Du Col Hotel, Sestriere, Italy
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Hotel Du Col is a modern, comfortable hotel in the centre of Sestriere. Located at the foot of the ski slopes the hotel enjoys some fabulous views and is perfectly placed to access the 400km of skiing of the Milky Way. The Du Col offers excellent value for money with friendly staff to help make your holiday all the more enjoyable. The bedrooms are comfortable and there is a cosy bar-lounge with panoramic mountain views. loading...
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Du Col Hotel Reviews
" Sestriere Du Col January 09 "
Submitted By: craigw8
We have just returned from Sestriere staying at the Hotel Du Col and I'm not sure we could be more impressed with the resort and the value for money received with the hotel stay.
The hotel was clean the staff were friendly to a fault.
The food choice was excellent, breakfast was cooked (eggs, bacon, beans, sausage) or cereals or meat and cheese (as they do on the continent) or any combination you could put yourself through. Evening meal was listed as 4 courses but you were able to pick from anything on offer in any combination and if something ran out they offered to cook you something to replace it.
Dangerously, the wine just kept flowing.
The skiing was great, we had 3 days of 'awful' weather when it snowed solidly all day meaning quite a few runs were closed but we found that Sansicario was great lower down in the trees allowing some visibility though getting there and back in near zero visibility really pushed my skills.
When the sun came out the resort would be hard to beat and there were ample opportunities to take your own route through the trees and/or cut corners through waist deep powder.
The only warning I would give is that there are a couple of different piste maps and neither is exactly spot on so make sure you check where you're going.
The most useful piece of information we recieved is that the marker poles to the right side of you on the piste have a different coloured top to them - mainly red with an orange luminescent band - and to the left they are solid - mainly just red.
This was passed to us by a rep in the resort and even the ski instructors didn't seem to know much about it but it saved us a lot of disappearing over the edge when the visibility was low.
The hotel was clean the staff were friendly to a fault.
The food choice was excellent, breakfast was cooked (eggs, bacon, beans, sausage) or cereals or meat and cheese (as they do on the continent) or any combination you could put yourself through. Evening meal was listed as 4 courses but you were able to pick from anything on offer in any combination and if something ran out they offered to cook you something to replace it.
Dangerously, the wine just kept flowing.
The skiing was great, we had 3 days of 'awful' weather when it snowed solidly all day meaning quite a few runs were closed but we found that Sansicario was great lower down in the trees allowing some visibility though getting there and back in near zero visibility really pushed my skills.
When the sun came out the resort would be hard to beat and there were ample opportunities to take your own route through the trees and/or cut corners through waist deep powder.
The only warning I would give is that there are a couple of different piste maps and neither is exactly spot on so make sure you check where you're going.
The most useful piece of information we recieved is that the marker poles to the right side of you on the piste have a different coloured top to them - mainly red with an orange luminescent band - and to the left they are solid - mainly just red.
This was passed to us by a rep in the resort and even the ski instructors didn't seem to know much about it but it saved us a lot of disappearing over the edge when the visibility was low.
Advice: Great skiing, from sweepers to a couple of edge-of-the-world plummets. Off piste widely availble.
Activities: Don't miss the opportunity to use the other resourts especially Sauze D'Oulx and Sansicario.
Good for: Ski
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Hotel Du Col Dec 08 "
Submitted By: AnnBushnell
We stayed at the Du Col Hotel over Christmas. I wont make comments on the star rating. In the UK the National Quality Assessment Scheme awards the stars for hotels and you cant really compare equally travel operator “symbols” with stars awarded by the Quality in Tourism. If a travel operator awards four symbols then you only know the hotel is better than one awarded 3.
Having said that, we were very pleased with our stay. The food was excellent; great choices for breakfast with plenty of “traditional English” bacon, eggs, beans or if you preferred continental, cold meats and cheese plus cereals, toast, croissants etc. The evening meals also offered a good variety with a different 4 course menu each night; starting with soup or a huge choice of antipasti (which included two or three pizzas which I’m sure the children loved), then a choice of pasta dishes, a choice of main course and some delicious desserts. The free wine and soft drinks continually flowed. The restaurant was initially self service but the poor behaviour of some children and adults left a lot to be desired with their overfilled plates. This meant some people missed out on their first choice but the manager sussed out the situation after the first night and stepped in with his staff to serve the main course and desserts to control the greedy elements for the rest of the week. However, the chef did get it wrong a couple of times by not anticipating 99% would want a particular chocolate cake or a lamb casserole. (Must also mention they provided a special dinner with champagne on Christmas Day which was a nice surprise).
We didn’t take the afternoon tea and biscuits in the bar but many did and during the day the hotel also put out slices of free cake or pizza on the bar which was also popular.
All the members of staff were extremely helpful and friendly from the night doorman, cleaners, waiters and manager. The manager mingled with the guests constantly, gathering information and informing guests of his plans for improvements. He mentioned he had installed hairdryers in all the rooms following comments on websites such as this. He has plans to expand the lounge / bar area on the ground floor and that would also satisfy some negative commentators if it happens.
The room décor was not particularly modern but I prefer this to modern hotels which lack identity. There was plenty of storage space and the rooms were very warm. Plentiful hot water (a powerful shower) and plenty of radiator space for drying clothes. The mini fridge in the room is a great idea. We took our travel kettle but we did mention this on our feedback sheets so maybe next season the manager will have kettles in the rooms as well? I should also mention our water was cold when we first arrived, the manager immediately came to the room and the maintenance man was there in a few minutes solving the problem; excellent service particularly if you consider the hotel was probably at is busiest.
Our room faced the road but there was hardly any traffic so we didn’t need to use the wooden shutters. The first noise was the snow clearers at 7am when we were just getting up so this was not a problem for us.
The hotel is conveniently located near shops but still retains a small town / village atmosphere; there is a bank next door, the ski hire shop and a small supermarket a few doors away and a small pharmacy opposite. Also nearby is the town centre (qtr mile at the most) where there are plenty of designer shops although mostly clothes and sports equipment. With the heavy snow we had ski in and ski out from the ground floor of the hotel from the ski locker room. The ski school meeting point was just a few yards away.
The locker room is still cold; it is supposedly heated and there are large signs requesting the door is closed to retain the heat but this was always left open which didn’t help. We took our own boot warmers so fortunately didn’t have to leave our boots in the locker room.
The only complaints I heard during my stay were about the cold locker room apart from during one meal when we were subjected to some noisy moans from a family who thought they were being ripped off because of the poor £ / Euro exchange rate – hardly the fault of the hotel, local shops or tour operators!
I would definitely stay in the hotel again and if the manager is reading this; please place kettles in the rooms and upgrade the locker room!
Having said that, we were very pleased with our stay. The food was excellent; great choices for breakfast with plenty of “traditional English” bacon, eggs, beans or if you preferred continental, cold meats and cheese plus cereals, toast, croissants etc. The evening meals also offered a good variety with a different 4 course menu each night; starting with soup or a huge choice of antipasti (which included two or three pizzas which I’m sure the children loved), then a choice of pasta dishes, a choice of main course and some delicious desserts. The free wine and soft drinks continually flowed. The restaurant was initially self service but the poor behaviour of some children and adults left a lot to be desired with their overfilled plates. This meant some people missed out on their first choice but the manager sussed out the situation after the first night and stepped in with his staff to serve the main course and desserts to control the greedy elements for the rest of the week. However, the chef did get it wrong a couple of times by not anticipating 99% would want a particular chocolate cake or a lamb casserole. (Must also mention they provided a special dinner with champagne on Christmas Day which was a nice surprise).
We didn’t take the afternoon tea and biscuits in the bar but many did and during the day the hotel also put out slices of free cake or pizza on the bar which was also popular.
All the members of staff were extremely helpful and friendly from the night doorman, cleaners, waiters and manager. The manager mingled with the guests constantly, gathering information and informing guests of his plans for improvements. He mentioned he had installed hairdryers in all the rooms following comments on websites such as this. He has plans to expand the lounge / bar area on the ground floor and that would also satisfy some negative commentators if it happens.
The room décor was not particularly modern but I prefer this to modern hotels which lack identity. There was plenty of storage space and the rooms were very warm. Plentiful hot water (a powerful shower) and plenty of radiator space for drying clothes. The mini fridge in the room is a great idea. We took our travel kettle but we did mention this on our feedback sheets so maybe next season the manager will have kettles in the rooms as well? I should also mention our water was cold when we first arrived, the manager immediately came to the room and the maintenance man was there in a few minutes solving the problem; excellent service particularly if you consider the hotel was probably at is busiest.
Our room faced the road but there was hardly any traffic so we didn’t need to use the wooden shutters. The first noise was the snow clearers at 7am when we were just getting up so this was not a problem for us.
The hotel is conveniently located near shops but still retains a small town / village atmosphere; there is a bank next door, the ski hire shop and a small supermarket a few doors away and a small pharmacy opposite. Also nearby is the town centre (qtr mile at the most) where there are plenty of designer shops although mostly clothes and sports equipment. With the heavy snow we had ski in and ski out from the ground floor of the hotel from the ski locker room. The ski school meeting point was just a few yards away.
The locker room is still cold; it is supposedly heated and there are large signs requesting the door is closed to retain the heat but this was always left open which didn’t help. We took our own boot warmers so fortunately didn’t have to leave our boots in the locker room.
The only complaints I heard during my stay were about the cold locker room apart from during one meal when we were subjected to some noisy moans from a family who thought they were being ripped off because of the poor £ / Euro exchange rate – hardly the fault of the hotel, local shops or tour operators!
I would definitely stay in the hotel again and if the manager is reading this; please place kettles in the rooms and upgrade the locker room!
Advice: Very little to do in the resort if you don't ski or snowboard
Activities:
Good for: Ski
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Crystal
" After visiting Sestriere and... "
Submitted By: Mr D Taylor
After visiting Sestriere and inpaticularly the "Hotel Du Col" in March 2008 all I can say is that we had a great time.
I'll start with the Hotel. Great location, you really couldn't get closer to the slopes.
The rooms were very clean and comfortable, yes a little basic, no kettle in the room but that was about all. TV only has a few channels, Sky News I think was the only English one but hey, who wants to watch telly when your on holiday!! The staff were very polite and helpful from the manager right down to the chambermaids, we thought they were all great. The Restaurant and Bar staff made the evenigs enjoyable and entertaining. They were all very kind, polite and helpful. We had a waiter called Giovanni assigned to our table and he just kept bringing us more and more of the free wine!! The food itself was fine, although the Breakfast got a bit repetitive after a while but the evening meal certainly didn't, there was a different choice of meats each night we were there as well as choices of pastas and local foods and salads too. The packed lunch let them down slightly but it was still worth collecting even just for the free bottle of water. Afternoon Tea and Coffee again maybe could of been better but after a hard days skiing I welcomed the coffee and biscuits, it was fine. I read one report before we went that said that the bar was small and could of been better, yes, perhaps it was a bit small but I didn't think it made it a bad hotel, in fact I think it created a more friendly atmosphere. The only thing I would say is wrong with this hotel is it's "Star Rating" is to high, yes it was clean and comfortable and everything I've said in this review is true but if your used to staying in 4-Star hotels in the UK you will probably feel let down, I'd give it a 3 if I were in a generous mood.
Sestriere and The Ski Resort. If your looking for great Aprez Ski then this is NOT the resort for you, we weren't and therefore we were happy. That doesn't mean we didn't enjoy it, we liked the hotel bar and the "Cavern" which both had Sky Sports so I was happy! There is a nightclub in Sestriere but we didn't go to it so I can't comment on that. The town itself is a nice little place, plenty of tourist shops, typical of a Ski Resort.
The Ski Area. As you probably know Sestriere is in the middle of the "Milky-Way" ski area. For beginners Sestriere and Borgatta are great and enough to get you started, for the more advanced skier Sestriere and Borgatta do get a bit repetitive but you can get the Gondola to either Sauze D'oulx or Sansicario we had a great day at both of these resorts but prefered Sauze D'oulx. There were a few more challanging and scenic runs, although the Olymipic at Sansicario is very nice, not too difficult, but very scenic. If you get the chance to visit Montigenevre in France it's worth it. You can get there by Gondola but I have no idea how long this took as we took the coach. This provided the best days Skiing we had. The Black runs were "Real French Blacks", if you've skied France you'll know what I mean, the Italian resorts were ok for beginners and intermediate skiiers but if your an advanced skier then perhaps Italy isn't the best place for you, I must admit I got a little bored by the end of the week and that wasn't because of a lack of things to do or runs to try, alot of them were just very similar and not very challanging.
Resort Prices. It has to be said that the cafes and bars on the slopes wern't too bad at all. No more expensive than any tourist resort in the UK. The beer in the Hotel Bar was about £3.50 a pint, not cheap but it probably wont ruin your holiday.
I've tried to cover a few different areas to give an overall fair report. My report is just my opinion so don't rest all your hopes on what I've said and likewise don't disregard Sestriere on the report I've give, after all I opend by saying that we had a great holiday. If you've booked up for Sestriere next year I'm sure you'll have a great time, If you're just thinking about it then I hope this all helps. Remember that there's nothing like seeing something for yourself! Enjoy, Dave
I'll start with the Hotel. Great location, you really couldn't get closer to the slopes.
The rooms were very clean and comfortable, yes a little basic, no kettle in the room but that was about all. TV only has a few channels, Sky News I think was the only English one but hey, who wants to watch telly when your on holiday!! The staff were very polite and helpful from the manager right down to the chambermaids, we thought they were all great. The Restaurant and Bar staff made the evenigs enjoyable and entertaining. They were all very kind, polite and helpful. We had a waiter called Giovanni assigned to our table and he just kept bringing us more and more of the free wine!! The food itself was fine, although the Breakfast got a bit repetitive after a while but the evening meal certainly didn't, there was a different choice of meats each night we were there as well as choices of pastas and local foods and salads too. The packed lunch let them down slightly but it was still worth collecting even just for the free bottle of water. Afternoon Tea and Coffee again maybe could of been better but after a hard days skiing I welcomed the coffee and biscuits, it was fine. I read one report before we went that said that the bar was small and could of been better, yes, perhaps it was a bit small but I didn't think it made it a bad hotel, in fact I think it created a more friendly atmosphere. The only thing I would say is wrong with this hotel is it's "Star Rating" is to high, yes it was clean and comfortable and everything I've said in this review is true but if your used to staying in 4-Star hotels in the UK you will probably feel let down, I'd give it a 3 if I were in a generous mood.
Sestriere and The Ski Resort. If your looking for great Aprez Ski then this is NOT the resort for you, we weren't and therefore we were happy. That doesn't mean we didn't enjoy it, we liked the hotel bar and the "Cavern" which both had Sky Sports so I was happy! There is a nightclub in Sestriere but we didn't go to it so I can't comment on that. The town itself is a nice little place, plenty of tourist shops, typical of a Ski Resort.
The Ski Area. As you probably know Sestriere is in the middle of the "Milky-Way" ski area. For beginners Sestriere and Borgatta are great and enough to get you started, for the more advanced skier Sestriere and Borgatta do get a bit repetitive but you can get the Gondola to either Sauze D'oulx or Sansicario we had a great day at both of these resorts but prefered Sauze D'oulx. There were a few more challanging and scenic runs, although the Olymipic at Sansicario is very nice, not too difficult, but very scenic. If you get the chance to visit Montigenevre in France it's worth it. You can get there by Gondola but I have no idea how long this took as we took the coach. This provided the best days Skiing we had. The Black runs were "Real French Blacks", if you've skied France you'll know what I mean, the Italian resorts were ok for beginners and intermediate skiiers but if your an advanced skier then perhaps Italy isn't the best place for you, I must admit I got a little bored by the end of the week and that wasn't because of a lack of things to do or runs to try, alot of them were just very similar and not very challanging.
Resort Prices. It has to be said that the cafes and bars on the slopes wern't too bad at all. No more expensive than any tourist resort in the UK. The beer in the Hotel Bar was about £3.50 a pint, not cheap but it probably wont ruin your holiday.
I've tried to cover a few different areas to give an overall fair report. My report is just my opinion so don't rest all your hopes on what I've said and likewise don't disregard Sestriere on the report I've give, after all I opend by saying that we had a great holiday. If you've booked up for Sestriere next year I'm sure you'll have a great time, If you're just thinking about it then I hope this all helps. Remember that there's nothing like seeing something for yourself! Enjoy, Dave
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We had a great time in Sestriere... "
Submitted By: Mr S Babey
We had a great time in Sestriere staying at the Du Col, I was a little worried after reading other reviews but I was happy with the standard. I put we were half board as the 'free lunch' was really a snack and we only ever took the roll as carrying fruit & water wasn't easy unless you want to wear a rucksack. Yes dinner is a bit of a bun fight but thats down to us Brits queueing in an orderly manner and putting everything on their plates in one course..it settled down later in the week. My only minor complaint was the ski locker room was freezing, it needs the heater turning on and some boot warmers. Couldn't fault the staff all very friendly. Nice having a fridge in the room to store any extra beer you may need after a hard day on the piste. In my opinion Sestriere isn't the best resort in the Milky Way for skiing, head to SanScario (sp?) and Claviere for a great day out, much quieter although I thought Sestriere was reall quiet apart from Sat. when being so close to Turin is not such a good thing.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Crystal
" This was an excellent hotel with very... "
Submitted By: Mr M Greene
This was an excellent hotel with very friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast and dinner were of a buffet style with an excellent selection. The packed lunch was very simple and not exactly filling, although i was not expecting any lunch at all. Some other reviews this year seem to have been quite poor, i have to disagree, i found the experience to be fantastic. The lack of a log fire is hardly a deal breaker! The resort itself did have a few runs closed for training purposes and the women's world cup events, but there was still plenty to keep me (an experienced skier) busy. Most runs were red which was accurate in my opinion, but the black runs were more like reds in most cases.
I had a superb time and the hotel was excellent, I do not have a bad word to say other than perhaps the bar needs to be bigger. Apparently this will be done in time for next year.
I had a superb time and the hotel was excellent, I do not have a bad word to say other than perhaps the bar needs to be bigger. Apparently this will be done in time for next year.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Crystal
" Du Col is not a bad Hotel, a bit... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Weeks
Du Col is not a bad Hotel, a bit soulless, no log fires or even a fireplace. Food is fine; buffet style at dinner is a bit like being in the school dinner queue.
The problem with Sestriere is the piste/lifts/pass operator, the passes work intermittently (controlling computer overloaded I suspect) the lifts get closed at will for no particular reason. Piste maps are wrong, red runs are nearly black and the marking of runs is poor, you find yourself with no idea of run numbers or classification.
Pistes are often closed for private use, not very fair when you consider what you pay for list passes. In 10 years of skiing in Italy this is the worst resort I have visited.
The problem with Sestriere is the piste/lifts/pass operator, the passes work intermittently (controlling computer overloaded I suspect) the lifts get closed at will for no particular reason. Piste maps are wrong, red runs are nearly black and the marking of runs is poor, you find yourself with no idea of run numbers or classification.
Pistes are often closed for private use, not very fair when you consider what you pay for list passes. In 10 years of skiing in Italy this is the worst resort I have visited.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Crystal
" We visited the hotel over the New... "
Submitted By: Mr Michael Thornton
We visited the hotel over the New Year of 2008. I went with two teenage boys who like to ski from morning to night and then crash out exhausted. My wife did not ski but there was plenty to do in the resort to keep her amused. I think the Hotel is a three star rating rather that a four. The rooms had seen better days. They were basic, compact but were well cleaned. The buffet breakfast/dinners had a great choice and the food was excellent. There was free wine and soft drinks too. The staff were very friendly.
The skiing and the hotel's location were wonderful. You can ski to the lifts and the ski school from the back door of the hotel. The hotel's ski room also has ski lockers located at the back of the hotel. You can be first on the slopes and last off them, if you wish.
We paid extra for a room with a balcony and a view at the back of the hotel. We wished we didn't. The room overlooked an ice rink. Their PA system played Italian Rock music and novelty songs at great volume. This happened during the day but also at night from 9 till 11 pm. Thus it was impossible to get to sleep before 11 pm. The noise was so loud that it made conversation in the room difficult and drowned out the TV. It was not just the music that was bad though. The DJ shrieked with all the confidence of one who knows he has thousands of watts of power behind him; a dictator with a megaphone. I complained to the hotel who said that they could do nothing about it.
Get a room at the front of the hotel and save yourself money and sleep.
The skiing and the hotel's location were wonderful. You can ski to the lifts and the ski school from the back door of the hotel. The hotel's ski room also has ski lockers located at the back of the hotel. You can be first on the slopes and last off them, if you wish.
We paid extra for a room with a balcony and a view at the back of the hotel. We wished we didn't. The room overlooked an ice rink. Their PA system played Italian Rock music and novelty songs at great volume. This happened during the day but also at night from 9 till 11 pm. Thus it was impossible to get to sleep before 11 pm. The noise was so loud that it made conversation in the room difficult and drowned out the TV. It was not just the music that was bad though. The DJ shrieked with all the confidence of one who knows he has thousands of watts of power behind him; a dictator with a megaphone. I complained to the hotel who said that they could do nothing about it.
Get a room at the front of the hotel and save yourself money and sleep.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" This was our second visit to... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Croker
This was our second visit to Sestriere and to the Hotel du Col. The hotel, I would agree, is not a 4 star hotel, more a 3.
The first time we went, the bar area had sofas in it which created a more comfortable lounge atmosphere.
This year, it was just normal chairs and high stools so we didn't spend any time in the bar area, we went to the lovely Santa Cruz/Kandahar bar next door.
The staff at the Hotel du Col are lovely and are very attentive and speak good English.
I think the food offered is OK, but not excellent, especially if you are a veggie - they put a pig's head right next to the veggie option.
The rooms are OK, clean, but not fantastic. Huge balcony, but no furniture to use.
I agree with the review that says about the two slopes always being closed - this was how it was the last time we went too, it’s very annoying. The snow wasn't too bad when we went, although was rapidly disappearing at the end of the week.
I think they could do a lot to improve their mountain restaurants too. The ski school was mixed Italian and British which didn't work at all, the British didn't get much attention at all, this wasn't how it was the first time we went.
We really liked Sestriere the first time we went, and we thought everything about it would have improved with the Olympics, but it appears it has been quite the opposite, I don't think we'll be going back for a third visit in a hurry.
Saying that, we made the most of it and it’s by far not the worst place I've ever been.
The first time we went, the bar area had sofas in it which created a more comfortable lounge atmosphere.
This year, it was just normal chairs and high stools so we didn't spend any time in the bar area, we went to the lovely Santa Cruz/Kandahar bar next door.
The staff at the Hotel du Col are lovely and are very attentive and speak good English.
I think the food offered is OK, but not excellent, especially if you are a veggie - they put a pig's head right next to the veggie option.
The rooms are OK, clean, but not fantastic. Huge balcony, but no furniture to use.
I agree with the review that says about the two slopes always being closed - this was how it was the last time we went too, it’s very annoying. The snow wasn't too bad when we went, although was rapidly disappearing at the end of the week.
I think they could do a lot to improve their mountain restaurants too. The ski school was mixed Italian and British which didn't work at all, the British didn't get much attention at all, this wasn't how it was the first time we went.
We really liked Sestriere the first time we went, and we thought everything about it would have improved with the Olympics, but it appears it has been quite the opposite, I don't think we'll be going back for a third visit in a hurry.
Saying that, we made the most of it and it’s by far not the worst place I've ever been.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I can not give this hotel enough... "
Submitted By: Mr Luke Muscat
I can not give this hotel enough praise! Me and seven other members of my family have returned from the holiday of our lives in the Du Col.
The hotel was perfectly situated at the foot of the slopes, allowing you to ski all the way to the locker room.
The food at this hotel is excellent and there is something available to suit everyone.
The maids do an excellent job cleaning the rooms, even neatly folding up any piles of clothes that are left lying around.
The staff at this hotel are all very friendly and speak perfect English.
The only downside is that Sestriere as a resort is a little bit quiet,however this didn’t affect our holiday.
I would recommend the Du Col to anyone!
The hotel was perfectly situated at the foot of the slopes, allowing you to ski all the way to the locker room.
The food at this hotel is excellent and there is something available to suit everyone.
The maids do an excellent job cleaning the rooms, even neatly folding up any piles of clothes that are left lying around.
The staff at this hotel are all very friendly and speak perfect English.
The only downside is that Sestriere as a resort is a little bit quiet,however this didn’t affect our holiday.
I would recommend the Du Col to anyone!
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Overall, a dammed good holiday.
Overall, a dammed good holiday.
First off the hotel. It was advertised as being a 4 star, but to be honest a 3 would have been more accurate. Having said that, for what we paid, we certainly aren't complaining as we felt we got good value for money.
The service from the staff was first rate, nothing was too much trouble, their English was very good and the food was excellent. It was buffet style breakfast and dinner, but as much as you could want of both traditional Italian food so you can get a flavour of the country you are in, along with some more basic "English" requirements such as chips.
A simple, but free, packed lunch was also provided along with afternoon tea / coffee and biscuits in the bar when the pistes closed. Full board in all but name. And the view from our window, the slopes, not 50 feet away. Given a supply of snow, you really can ski to the door.
The snow was the only disappointment though. Whilst we can not be held responsible for Mother Nature, they could have done more to help themselves.
We went in mid January and the only real snow they had had was on the 2nd. The Piste bashers did what they could with it, but for some unknown reason they made very limited use of there snow making facilities. They seemed to concentrate on two areas.
One was effectively their training slope, not nursery as this was a combination of ice, stone and grass, which you didn't discover until you had been dragged to the top of it on a button lift! Not what you would call the best way to start your holiday and try to get your legs in.
The other was one of the Olympic Slalom areas that were more often than not closed for private training days. We asked why this was, but couldn't get any sensible answers.
The story was that there was new company managing the Piste. They either didn't know how to use the cannons, or didn't want the expense of running them. I suspect the later.
By the end of the week, there was little left for any Blue runs skiers, which was a shame as it left the Training slope (Baby 1 & 2) very crowded.
It just left me with the feeling that I had paid for my skiing, but they weren’t willing to make an effort and give back something in return. If they could keep the private areas in good condition, why not Joe Public's.
If it wasn't for the snow, they would have got a 9/10. Other than that, we made the most of it.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" After reading the recent reviews on... "
Submitted By: Miss Cb Burrill
After reading the recent reviews on this hotel, I find myself thinking they have made their judgements on another hotel!
The only thing I have to be negative about was the lighting in the bedrooms; I though this was very dim.
The food was excellent, not to mention the wine that was flowing at every evening meal time, with a choice of fruit drinks for the children. The staff in the restaurant were extremely pleasant and very professional at their jobs.
The cleaners in the bedrooms were excellent, considering we made an early start in the morning skiing, we left the room in a mess most mornings, but always came back to a clean tidy room.
The location of the hotel is excellent, with the locker room to put all the ski equipment right at the end of the slope! Below the hotel.
So all in all this hotel was a good choice for us, and would go again.
The only thing I have to be negative about was the lighting in the bedrooms; I though this was very dim.
The food was excellent, not to mention the wine that was flowing at every evening meal time, with a choice of fruit drinks for the children. The staff in the restaurant were extremely pleasant and very professional at their jobs.
The cleaners in the bedrooms were excellent, considering we made an early start in the morning skiing, we left the room in a mess most mornings, but always came back to a clean tidy room.
The location of the hotel is excellent, with the locker room to put all the ski equipment right at the end of the slope! Below the hotel.
So all in all this hotel was a good choice for us, and would go again.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Excellent hotel, fantastically close... "
Submitted By: Miss G Rattle
Excellent hotel, fantastically close to the Piste. Lovely buffet breakfast, packed lunch very tasty - what a great idea, just borrow a knife from the breakfast table to spread butter on the roll! Give it back at tea time.
Afternoon tea a wonderful idea, hot tea and coffee (with a biscuit or two) just when you need it after coming off the slopes.
Buffet tea again, and as much wine as you can drink. Bar open every time I needed to use it, reasonably priced too.
Rooms warm and comfortable, clean, fresh bedding every day, lovely shutters on the outside of the window to keep the noise out and plenty of radiator space to dry those wet clothes on.
Good, clean, spacious bathroom, deep bath, good for a long relaxing soak (had no trouble finding a plug...).
Ski room a little cold but it was a nice wake up after an early rise. Hire room right next to ski room, staff very friendly and helpful, as in the rest of the hotel.
Afternoon tea a wonderful idea, hot tea and coffee (with a biscuit or two) just when you need it after coming off the slopes.
Buffet tea again, and as much wine as you can drink. Bar open every time I needed to use it, reasonably priced too.
Rooms warm and comfortable, clean, fresh bedding every day, lovely shutters on the outside of the window to keep the noise out and plenty of radiator space to dry those wet clothes on.
Good, clean, spacious bathroom, deep bath, good for a long relaxing soak (had no trouble finding a plug...).
Ski room a little cold but it was a nice wake up after an early rise. Hire room right next to ski room, staff very friendly and helpful, as in the rest of the hotel.
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We've just returned from a great... "
Submitted By: Mr M Tielemans
We've just returned from a great skiing holiday in Sestriere with our two daughters, aged 11 and 16, and stayed in the Hotel Du Col.
I don't really understand some of the negative comments made to be honest. This is a really nice hotel with good food, large comfortable rooms, extremely friendly staff and less than 100m from the ski lift.
You get free packed lunches and afternoon tea/coffee and there is a very large hot buffet with lots of choice and FREE wine and soft drinks. In the morning you get cooked breakfast, cereals, fresh bread rolls and lots more.
You step out of the back door straight onto the piste, right next to the ski school meeting place and the ski lifts. The ski hire place is actually in the basement of the hotel which is great too. But most importantly of all, the staff are simply superb and cannot do enough for you.
Just a word of warning if you need Internet access in Italy. There is a new law in Italy which means everyone providing Internet access to the public MUST have sight of your passport before allowing you access. Internet is not available in the hotel but there are several places in the village (ask at reception).
I don't really understand some of the negative comments made to be honest. This is a really nice hotel with good food, large comfortable rooms, extremely friendly staff and less than 100m from the ski lift.
You get free packed lunches and afternoon tea/coffee and there is a very large hot buffet with lots of choice and FREE wine and soft drinks. In the morning you get cooked breakfast, cereals, fresh bread rolls and lots more.
You step out of the back door straight onto the piste, right next to the ski school meeting place and the ski lifts. The ski hire place is actually in the basement of the hotel which is great too. But most importantly of all, the staff are simply superb and cannot do enough for you.
Just a word of warning if you need Internet access in Italy. There is a new law in Italy which means everyone providing Internet access to the public MUST have sight of your passport before allowing you access. Internet is not available in the hotel but there are several places in the village (ask at reception).
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The hotel is quite comfortable and... "
Submitted By: Mr S Robinson
The hotel is quite comfortable and clean with necessary facilities. Ski-from-door via the underground car park.
Ski room was not quite as secure or warm as you would ideally like.
TV channels were not always reliable and so UK channels were not always available.
You have to ask at reception for a plug for the bath (I think it's a local game with the English). The staff were very friendly, helpful and courteous.
The evening meal was always very good with a wide choice. The wine served with the meal was also enjoyable and free-flowing.
Any complaints I have mentioned, were a minor inconvenience rather than a major detriment to the holiday.
Not a 4* but everyone I spoke to had got "a deal" and so for us it was value for money.
Ski room was not quite as secure or warm as you would ideally like.
TV channels were not always reliable and so UK channels were not always available.
You have to ask at reception for a plug for the bath (I think it's a local game with the English). The staff were very friendly, helpful and courteous.
The evening meal was always very good with a wide choice. The wine served with the meal was also enjoyable and free-flowing.
Any complaints I have mentioned, were a minor inconvenience rather than a major detriment to the holiday.
Not a 4* but everyone I spoke to had got "a deal" and so for us it was value for money.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
loading...
The hotel is right at the bottom of some great slops and you can ski out but if you want to ski in you have to go up a small drag lift and ski down the back but they don't like it (Thats the drag lift opperators). It never bothered us its just what I was told...
The food in the hotel is v. good at times but if your not happy or you have a fussy eater like my son they will try and cook them something they will like. The hotel its self is clean but not the cleanest I've ever stayed at but great veiws if you get a room at the back. The staff are great and there's always a smile and will always try and help. There is a TV in the rm but only as Sky News on, there is no kettle in the rooms. I did read in other reveiws that they say its not a 4* hotel well I have to agree with that comment only because it needs up dating and only in the rooms could be cleaner. If anyone is reading this reveiw and looking for someone to ask if they would recommend it YES I WOULD......
Advice: Great Skiing
Activities:
Good for: Ski