Holiday in the Lap of Luxury

When you’ve worked hard and deserve a break, there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a luxurious hotel to ease away those stresses and get back to normal life feeling refreshed and invigorated. But when you’re trying to choose a luxury 4 star hotel Livigno how do you know if you’re choosing the right hotel for you. First let’s take a look at what a 4 star hotel really means?

What do those hotel stars really mean?

Sometimes it can be a bit confusing as to what a hotel star rating is really all about. Here’s a short guide on what to expect.

One Star Hotel

Meets basic budget needs, economy with no frills attached and simple.

Two Star Hotel

Meets basic needs, good value, clean and basic, comfortable and affordable.

Three Star Hotel

A good level of personalised service with additional amenities, quality, style, comfort and convenience.

Four Star Hotel

Superior with a variety of amenities, upscale and high quality. Deluxe and comfort plus quality.

Five Star Hotel

Luxury setting, exceptional guest services, the finest hotels with luxury and the highest comfort standards and equipped with state of the art facilities.

So if you’re looking for a luxury 4 star hotel Livigno then this acts as a guide with regards to what you can expect.

How to choose the best hotel?

If you search for a luxury 4 star hotel Livigno you will be overwhelmed at the amount of hotels that pop up and it can be difficult to decipher what’s right for you. What we suggest you do is look at user ratings on the most popular hotels in livigno booking sites like Trip Advisor and Expedia, as well as Booking.com. Look at their overall star rating which is normally out of 10, but you also need to remember that user reviews can be very subjective, so read through them, even though it takes time. One user might for example rate a hotel lower as it was more out of town, but that’s exactly what you want. Another user may also give a lower rating for parking as an example, where you might not have a car. So read through them and look at the positives and the negatives to see what works for you. If the negative ratings don’t bother you, then you’re probably onto a good thing.

If you search on Google for top luxury 4 star hotel Livigno you will see that Charme Hotel Alexander, comes up in the Top 10 on Trip Advisor…an exceptional feat for any hotel.

What makes Charme Hotel Alexander Stand out from the Crowd?

Well actually quite a lot. It is a trusted hotel that has served millions of guests while it has been in existence and they all come back for good reason.

But it is a hotel that offers you so much more. It has been completely renovated in a unique Italian design with a sumptuous interior that consists of wood, marble, tiles and bronze brass. As you walk in, you will feel invited by the warm, relaxing atmosphere and interior that is just begging you to come in and see more.

But it doesn’t just stop when you enter the hotel, the rooms and suites have outstanding views of the surrounding Alps and the charming town of Livigno. You’ll be greeted with leather and suede furnishings, that are heaven to the touch, plus you’ll have high tech amenities.

But there’s more to tempt you…they have one of the best and most well-appointed spas and wellness centres in the region with a full range of services, from Jacuzzi’s to specialised treatments, emotional showers to Turkish baths and so much more.

Livigno in itself is a vibey and exciting town, but is a retreat in its own way as you’re not in the hustle and bustle of nearby cities like St. Moritz.

Once you’ve experienced awesome Livigno and the Charme Hotel Alexander, this will always be your first choice for amazing getaways.

Source: Click Here

Dining Out in Livigno Hotels and Restaurants

Restaurants in Livigno are often in traditional Alpine architecture which adds charm and ambience to the delicious local menu. There are over 60 restaurants in Livigno providing a good choice of menus at prices to suit every budget and taste. Many Livigno hotels have their own restaurants which are open to non-residents, such as the Charming Restaurant at Hotels Livigno. 

Charming Restaurant

The upscale Charming Restaurant is one of the best in Livigno with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere suitable for romantic dining for two or lively social gatherings of family and friends. The menu offers a choice of local and international dishes including highlights of Valteallina cuisine and the delicious Mediterranean food that Italy is famous for. There is an excellent choice of Italian wines, served at the perfect temperature by the knowledgeable sommelier and the team of waiters and staff.

More informal dining, including hot and cold snacks are available in the Alexander Bistro where you can start the evening with one of their signature cocktails. Best of all, Hotel Alexander guests don’t have to get a taxi home at the end of the night!

Bait dal Ghet

Reputedly serving the best pizza in Livigno, Bait dal Ghet is in an authentic wood-clad building (baita) on Via Plan. Along with its famous pizzas, it serves delicious pasta dishes in generous portions at family-friendly prices.

Popular with locals as well as visitors, Bait dal Ghet always ensures diners finish the evening happy as they deliver a selection of shots to the table at the end of the meal – a great way to try new local liqueurs such as limoncello. Excellent Italian food and speedy service from friendly staff make this a restaurant where you can expect to wait for a table, but it’s definitely worth it.

Berghutte

For stunning alpine scenery, dining on the terrace at Berghutte is hard to beat. Located in a substantial mountain hut at the foot of Costaccia, this alpine style restaurant has a good reputation for tasty cuisine served by friendly staff. Local Valtellina specialities include baked pork shank with taroz (mashed potatoes with pureed beans) or tasty noodles with local mushrooms. Diners overlook the valley with bird’s eye views of Livigno hotels, shops and businesses far below.

Livigno Hotel Concordia Restaurant

Located in the trendy pedestrianised area of Livigno, Hotel Concordia Restaurant is a refined place to find upscale dining for a special meal. The talented chef adds a modern twist to traditional Alpine recipes using high quality ingredients. Enjoy splendid mountain views from the large picture windows or reserve a table in one of the cosy stüas (timber-clad nooks) which are perfect for romantic candlelit dining. Attentive waiter service, a broad wine list and special tasting menus make this a top restaurant in one of the hotels in Livigno’s shopping centre.

Tea da Borch

With its Tyrolean atmosphere, Ristorante Tea da Borch on Via Saroch is within easy reach of South Livigno Hotels, including the Hotel Alexander. Set in a “Hansel and Gretel” Baita overlooking the valley, the restaurant is well-located at the foot of the Carousel 3000. Run by two brothers, Albertino and Giglio, it is something of a local landmark serving fabulous dinner after dark and delicious homemade cakes and hot drinks on the sunny terrace throughout the day. Using fresh seasonal ingredients the speciality is Pizzoccheri although the Risotto Bresaola is not to be missed.

Cantina at Bivio Hotel Livigno

Bivio Hotels Livigno has a stylish Cantina restaurant serving gourmet dining elegantly arranged on the plate as creative masterpieces. Menu highlights include fresh local fish exquisitely cooked and artistically served for a memorable meal. Locally raised meats and seasonal fruit and vegetables ensure delicious flavour in every mouthful. The menu includes air-dried meats, flambéed porcini and foie gras for starters, followed by a range of mouth-watering pasta dishes such as rye pasta with olives and black truffle or lobster spaghetti. Main courses include grilled venison with chanterelle mushrooms and polenta, monkfish with olives and tomato, lamb with mountain herbs or classic chateaubriand for two with béarnaise sauce.

Whether you are looking for real Italian pizza or a taste of the mountain high life, Livigno has a wide choice of places to eat well. Livigno hotels, restaurants and lounge bars provide excellent dining with a friendly ambience and are an important part of the local nightlife.

Source : Click Here

Introduction to Livigno Ski Resort Italy

Located high in the Italian Alps, Livigno ski resort Italy’s Sondrio province lies close to the border with Switzerland in the north of the Lombardy region. At the lofty elevation of 1,816m (5,958 feet) above sea level, the charming village with its quaint baita architecture is considered the highest inhabited parish in Europe and has around 6,300 residents. It even uses its own dialect for local street names and maps.

There are just three roads exiting the town. The Via Forcola follows the Aqua Granda River south towards Switzerland through the Livigno Pass (Forcola di Livigno), and with an elevation of 2,315m (7,595 feet) it is only open in summer. The second route, also destined for Switzerland, runs north through the Munt La Schera tunnel and the third heads south-east through the Foscagno Pass towards Bormio, Livigno’s main neighbour.

Despite its remote situation, the Livigno Ski Resort Italy has some surprising cultural attractions. It is home to several music groups and bands including the Corpo Musicale, a folk group, the Monteneve Chorus and the Carcent Theatre Group. They all play a part in entertaining visitors in all seasons. There is also a lively Sporting Club which has produced a number of Olympic skiers along with world-class rally car driver, Gigi Galli.

History of Italy’s Livigno Ski Resort

Originally a self-sufficient farming community with a lucrative sideline in smuggling, Livigno was “discovered” as a ski resort in the 1950s. Set in a broad valley, the Alpine village boasts stunning mountain scenery, surrounded by snow-capped peaks against a clear blue sky.

The creation of the Lago di Livigno reservoir unfortunately destroyed part of the old village, but the iconic wooden chalets that remain are brimming with character and charm. The most significant buildings, besides the Town Hall and baita huts, are the local churches. The Caravaggio Church has a painting attributed to the famous 16th century painter Caravaggio, and the 16th century Saint Rocco Church was built in thanksgiving for sparing the village from the plague.

In the early 1950s, limited access to Livigno due to the snow meant that only a few winter sports enthusiasts, mainly Germans, enjoyed this winter playground. They would haul their toboggans up the slopes to ride the endless virgin slopes. By 1959, Livigno had two ski lifts. The opening of the Munt La Schera tunnel in 1965 improved access for both summer visitors and winter skiers and by then Livigno boasted six hotels.

The growing popularity of winter sports in Italy meant that by 2002, Livigno ski resort was in huge demand with 100 hotels and 32 ski lifts. Today, the long ridges provide a total of 110km of excellent ski runs, including 12 black, 37 red and 29 blue pistes plus around 30km of cross-country trails.

Getting Around Livigno

Livigno ski resort is Italy’s hidden gem, offering reliable snowfall and a good choice of slopes for all abilities served by a reliable lift system. A free bus service transports skiers to the outlying lifts along with an affordable taxi and minibus service. However, guests staying at the Hotel Alexander are in a prime location, right at the foot of the Teola Pianoni Bassi Ski Lift.

Ski Resort Amenities in Livigno Italy

The unpretentious village has its own Alpine charm with a main pedestrianised street lined with traditional bars, restaurants, supermarkets and specialist shops. Livigno has enjoyed tax advantages dating back to the 16th century, and currently enjoys a duty-free status first granted by the Austrian Empire in 1840. Although the sovereignty of Livigno has changed over the years, it has retained its coveted VAT exemption, making it a great destination for those looking for extra value, particularly when shopping for some of Italy’s luxury goods.

Due to the high altitude, Italy’s Livigno ski resort has a long season from late November through to the end of April.  It offers good quality skiing at affordable prices and is the ideal choice for families and those who enjoy après-ski socialising but do not hanker for a rowdy nightlife.

As a winter ski resort, Livigno continues to thrill snowboarders, downhill and Alpine skiers. In summer it welcomes a host of hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers who enjoy this breathtaking destination in the Italian Alps.

Summer Activities from Hotels in Livigno

While the winter months from November to April see Hotels in Livigno packed for the winter ski season, this scenic destination is prime for summer vacations too. Quieter and more serene, the “off-season” at Hotel Alexander has lower prices. Like many hotels in Livigno, it offers special summer activities at attractive rates.

Hiking and Biking in Livigno

Hotels in Livigno provide easy access to some of the 1500km of biking and hiking trails in the High Valtellina. These ancient footpaths were originally old cart trails and paths used for agriculture, access and management of the high pastures. They are now repurposed to provide scenic trails for walkers, climbers and mountain bikers.

Several nature walks explore meadows awash with Alpine flowers from June onwards amid stunning scenery with snow still highlighting the mountain peaks and valleys. Some hikes include refreshment stations, providing welcome snacks in scenic surroundings at ski lift stations and other points within easy reach of hotels in Livigno. Explore the valley, follow the River Spol down the valley or hike to some of the still Alpine lakes in the area.

Two local guidebooks are available from the Tourism Office at Via Sarock 1098/A Plaza Pacheda. The Livigno-Valdidentro Guidebook includes 62 routes with maps, length, time and level of difficulty. Guided walks are also available and more details can be found at the Tourist Office.

All the trails are clearly mapped and include informative waymarkers. The information on signs not only helps users to find their way, but also has location codes on the back that can be read back to rescue stations in the event of an emergency. 


Fishing


Fly fishing is a popular summer sport for guests staying at luxury hotels in Livigno. The River Spol feeds into the reservoir/lake in Livigno which feeds the River Inn. It eventually flows into the Danube before reaching the Black Sea.

Equipment and information about sport fishing trips can be found at Unione Pesca Sportiva on Plaza dall Schola, 425. Pick up some bait and a few tips from local fishing enthusiasts for a day of peaceful river or lake fishing near Livigno. 

Water Slides and Fitness at Aquagranda


Aquagranda is open year-round and provides an excellent open-air space for watersports and relaxation as well as a gym, pool and spa. Located on Via Rasia in south Livigno, this fun centre covers 10,000 square metres and is the second highest fitness facility in the world after Mexico City. It is divided into different zones such as:

•     Slide & Fun (pool with water slides, castle, whirlpool and jets)
•     Wellness&Relax (spa facilities, tanning beds and massages)
•     Fitness & Pool (fully equippedgym and pool with yoga and swimming classes)
•     Health and Beauty (doctors and health professionals)

Whether you want to improve fitness with high-altitude training or enjoy a family fun day out, Aquagranda has everything you need to complement the beautiful pool, Turkish bath, spa and gym at Hotel Alexander. 


Kayaking and Boating on Livigno Lake


Livigno Lake is within walking distance of most hotels in Livigno including the Charme Hotel Alexander. Stroll through the woods to reach this scenic lake which is partly in Stelvio National Park. Swim out to the floating raft, explore the surrounding in a pedalo, man the oars in a rowing boat or rent kayaks by the hour, half-day or day and enjoy a gentle paddle at one with nature. Stand-up paddleboards are also available for those wanting to build upper body strength with this fun activity. 


Mushroom Picking


Mushroom picking is a fun pastime and is currently free and unrestricted outside the Stelvio National Park and the Paluaccio di Oga Nature Reserve. You need sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for hiking. A pocket knife, cleaning cloth and a wicker basket or ventilated container is required to transport your precious mushrooms home. Avoid plastic bags and other material that may cause the mushrooms to sweat as this triggers fermentation and can make even edible mushrooms toxic and unsafe to eat. 

Once you have identified an edible mushroom, pull it from the soil including its full root and wipe clean immediately. If in doubt, do not touch any species that may be toxic, and do not put any doubtful specimen next to edible mushrooms. 

Booking a summer break at hotels in Livigno is a great way to experience a different side to this popular ski resort destination.

Source : Click Here