Chalet Edelweiss is a self catering facility - basically a large 'chalet' divided up into small independant accommodation or 'rooms'. There is a reception but it is not always 'manned' and there appeared to be no obvious after hours staff present. Our 'room' was for 4 people and comprised 1 main room with a full kitchen, a table and 4 chairs, a pull out double sofa bed and a wardrobe and unit with a very small TV and sky box. A sliding door in 1 corner opened into a large 'cupboard' that contained bunk beds and also led to the shower room. There were windows in both the shower room and the 'cupboard' at high level but they appeared to open out into the bowels of the building - not to open air and let in no light. The main room had opening doors onto a communal balcony that appeared dilapidated with tarps over some areas.

The positives

- The location was reasonably good. A 5 brisk minute walk took you to the centre of Sestriere.
- The accommodation was modern and reasonably clean.

The negatives

- Noise was the big one. The building had no (and I mean no) sound insulation. When in your room you could hear everything from neighbours on all sides and above and also from the reception. Including but not limited to; the amorous couple above; people using then flushing the toilet; chairs scrapping across the floor (which were stone); people showering, arriving and departing (at all times of the day or night); people's conversations at reception and any conversation above low speaking voice in the rooms either side. This last was a real problem when you have italian couples having a heated argument for 3 hrs between 10pm and 1am for 2 consecutive nights followed by a birthday celebration on the 3rd night that started at midnight.... Yes we spoke to reception but they are not present at night and the accommodation is independent so they were apologetic but uninterested.

- The shower is somewhere between a conventional design and a wet room design and it is impossible to avoid soaking the floor. Large puddles formed and this is not nice in winter. The shower curtain design is also poor and wraps around your wet body like cold cling film.

- There was a strange smell in the room that did not go away. It was difficult to describe but was like a cooking odour. Not bad enough to make a real fuss about but unpleasant enough for our kids aged 8 and 10 to wrinkle their noses at.

- There was a microwave but it was not plugged in because there were no sockets near its location in the kitchen. To plug it in you had to physically lift it and carry it to a power socket ...

The only usable socket was next to the sink and not practical or safe.

- There was no kettle.

-The sofa bed was not especially comfortable. Perhaps Ok for kids or teenagers but not for 2 fully grown adults for 4 nights.

- There was a charge of 12 euros per day for Sky tv. The TV did not appear to have any free channels so effectively there was no TV unless you paid.

- In small print on my booking confirmation was the info that a obligatory cleaning charge would be charged separately. This should have been more clearly explained up front. Especially as it turned out to be 70 euros for a 3 day stay.

- Parking at the accommodation was an extra. We parked a short walk away in the swimming pool car park.

I cannot recommend this accommodation to anyone. Avoid if at all possible and factor in the 'extra' charges when comparing costs. Also remember to take soap, toilet roll, dish washing liquid, tea towels etc because nothing (other than sheets and towels) are provided.