We have a challenging set of requirements for a skiing holiday - 4 skiers and 1 non-skier. The skiers want a hotel close to the slopes to avoid a long walk in ski boots or a bus ride. The non-skier wants facilities on site and proximity to other facilities in the village. On top of that we would wish for comfortable beds, discrete and friendly service, good food and a relaxing ambiance.

Hotel Acadia in Selva do Val Gardena has all of these qualities. The hotel adjoins the nursery slopes and our balcony overlooked the first button lift. Strictly speaking it was not ski-in/out, but it might have been if the snow hadn't been cleared from the car parking area. We had three rooms - a double, a twin and a single - all close by, furnished in a pleasant Tyrolean style, fresh and clean. They were large enough. but we might have enjoyed one larger room so that we could sit together at times, rather than going down to the lounge. There was no swimming pool, and the sauna was never hot enough, but the beauty/wellness packages on offer were excellent for male/female and adult/teenager. Massages helped soothed ski-bound muscles. There is a small bar and several places to sit with a drink, a cup of tea or to play cards. There is a glass covered veranda with comfy sofas and rugs.

The food and table service was the outstanding aspect of the hotel. Our half-board accommodation met varied breakfast whims and the evening meal was like going to a very fine restaurant on a special occasion. There were 5 courses, each of the highest standard of preparation and presentation, and with considerable thought put into each day, and successive days. There was an excellent wine list, but to make matters easier, we often chose the recommended white and red, which complemented the menu very well. Our picky teenagers initially reached for the bread basket, but rapidly became accustomed to the delights unfolding each evening. Any wine or water left over was carefully stored and returned to the table the next evening.

The hotel is situated at a quieter end of town. It is possible to ski into the centre and the Apres ski bars, or it is a 10 minute walk.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Hotel Acadia. We have paid more elsewhere and not had such a good all round experience.