We found Hotel Posta on the internet and couldn't find any reviews. So, we were nervous about staying somewhere sight unseen for 4 nights. But what did we do before the internet, right? Obviously you need a car to get to Livigno as it is not accessible by train, airport, bus (well, maybe you can get there by a bus, but I am not sure). We did have a bit of trouble locating Hotel Posta as it sits off the main street behind the pedestrian street. So...we had to drive down the pedestrain section to get to the hotel and the pedestrians kept giving us dirty looks...but heck...how else do you get there? I guess it's not illegal to drive in to the hotel and out of the hotel on the pedestrain lane. Anyway, the hotel has a 4 star rating...maybe it should be a 3 1/2. But it is nice. We had 2 rooms on the 2nd floor and shared a bath for our 2 rooms. The beds were comfortable, but rather small. The whole hotel has an alpine feel to it and it's quite cozy. We had a charming balcony that our 2 rooms shared with tons of flowers. Each room is also equipped with a small t.v. with CNN. Good or bad?? We couldn't get away from US news!
The breakfast which was included in the price was very good and there was an assortment of pastries, cereal and eggs to choose from. They also served cappuchino's and fresh juice. The lobby had free internet as well. The only hotel that we stayed at that offered free internet.
Overall, this family run hotel was very charming and cozy but there are a few things they could do to make it really nice. For one the sauna is only open from 4-7 pm. Those hours simply never worked for us because we were usually out running around. We would have loved to have used the sauna either first thing in the morning before taking a shower or right before bed. Also, their website states there is a fitness center. Apparently, they decided to get rid of the fitness center recently so don't count on being able to use that. And if you decide you want a massage: DON'T!!!! It was the WORST massage EVER. The guy giving the massage didn't show up for the first appt, so we rescheduled. When he did show up, he gave a massage like he was afraid of touching your body. He gives the massage in whatever you are wearing...does not have you disrobe. Does not use any type of lotion or oils and he apparently does not know what deep tissue is. He just rubbed here and there.... Save your money...it was a waste of 50 euros. The front desk that made the reservation for the massage was unapologetic about him not showing up either.
The staff, friendly for the most part, could be a bit brisk. We had a member of our group celebrating her birthday there. Cathy, who is the wife of the owner, did find us a birthday cake. We explained we wanted to surprise our friend with a cake and Cathy was kind to find us one (we did pay her for it). However, on the morning of our friends birthday, our friend got up rather early and went downstairs for coffee. Instead of waiting for the rest of us, the staff just brought her the cake at 6:00 am. Oh well...maybe it was a cultural difference.
All in all, our stay was nice and comfortable. They even have free laundry facilities that we took advantage of! The hotel is in a great location...right in the heart of the pedestrain shopping area and tons of good restaurants are within walking distance. I would definitely recommend the Touring Restaurant and get Carlo as your waiter. We ate there several times and Carlo was the best waiter ever!! He even took us to a different restaurant on his night off. I would love to come back during the ski season. It looks like a fabulous place to ski.
- Posta Hotel Livigno
