15 September 2012

about the mountains | lodging idea

Having only visited the Dolomites once and with no idea of where to go or what to do and with a last minute decision to venture to the mountains...I did what any good traveling American would do and consulted our pal Rick. I never consult Rick much anymore; it seems kind of silly when I have so many other resources to rely upon...namely, the ability to speak the language, a gaggle of traveling friends who willingly share experiences, and the wealth of info on the Internet from fellow bloggers and travelers, in two languages. In the early years, though, I relied heavily on his suggestions, and when we do travel outside of this country, I may consult him from time-to-time. Richard hates when I do!

Rick recommended making the village of Castelrotto our home base and staying at Hotel Zum Wolf al Lupo right in the pedestrian zone of the town. The hotel was convenient and clean with a nicely sized triple room ... and full of American travelers seeking out the beauty of the mountains, just like us. The best part of the hotel and the reason I would consider returning was the help and hospitality offered by the proprietors. From the offer to help carry in our bags upon first arrival to the suggested hikes, they were always warm, welcoming and willing to help. I highly recommend the hotel.

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However ....
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We have decided that next time we visit, we likely will not stay in the town of Castelrotto, rather we'd like to find a place high in the alpine meadow. Yes! There is lodging right up in the Alpe di Siusi, and with a car, we can easily reach those places (I think.) The apartment above, immersed deep within the meadow, would be lovely! Instead, we drove to a neighboring village and used the gondola to reach the meadow where we wanted to spend most of our time. It just seems smart to stay up there instead.


Granted, our time was limited and so is our experience, but take a look at this place...divine, no? We took a hike that started nearby and then ended with lunch here. Without exception, it was our best meal of the weekend. To make a good thing even better, the place has a playground connected that on this day provided supervised entertainment for children. Undoubtedly, this is for the guests of the hotel, but it was extended to restaurant patrons as well. Score! This place may be a bit out of our weekend travel budget, but I'm convinced there are places in the meadow that are within our reach.



Now...just to find the perfect time to return! This is becoming a challenge for us, especially as we continue to find places we "love so much" while having a long list of places we long to explore. Anyone up for Zagreb or Budapest or Corsica or Normandy or Split or Madrid?

4 comments:

  1. My husband dislikes Rick, too, but he found us a beautiful room in the middle town of Cinque Terre -- absolutely fantastic view.

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    1. Yep. He is, admittedly, useful. It was a bit odd to be surrounded exclusively by Americans in the breakfast room!
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  2. Although Cicerone guidebooks are designed primarily for serious hikers, they do give a great idea of what to do around the Dolomiti and where to go. Also ,when I was back there I stayed and went to these huts quite often and found that hiking for a couple of hours is really the only way to get peace and solitude. Otherwise the malghe closer to the main roads get way too crowded in the summer.

    Here's to absolute jealousy! Imagine that valley in the winter!

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    1. Thanks for the tip. I will seek out the mentioned guidebooks.
      I am imagining it in the winter and hoping to make it there. I wish I could be a professional leisure traveler :)

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