Excelsior Planet

This was our second year staying and it has rapidly become one of my favourite weeks of the entire year. All the staff at the hotel are wonderful at making you feel welcome and ensuring you enjoy your stay but particular thanks to Michaeli, Ricardo and the all chefs for so brilliantly adapting menus to cater for my son’s dairy allergy. If you want to get in a week of skiing in the Easter holidays then I would not hesitate to recommend Cervinia and the Excelsior. The ski area is big enough to spend a week exploring and is so high that the snow is still plentiful this late. There is also the option to ski over to Zermatt. The hotel is well placed for the lifts and there is a free minivan to the main gondola as well. For after skiing there is a small wellness spa and a large sitting room with a roaring fire. In the evening the food is wonderful with fresh menu every day. Cannot wait to return next year.

Just got back from fabulous week in Cervinia at Hotel Excelsior Planet. The staff are so friendly, attentive and helpful and you really feel like you're part of a big family. Several people we spoke to had been coming year after year. We had a Junior Suite, Sunny side - huge amount of space/storage/living room/bathroom with bath/shower/TV/kettle/balcony/big fluffy bathrobes & slippers - very comfortable. It seemed that the towels were changed (unnecessarily) twice a day. Loved having the spa in the basement. We booked massages on the last day - wonderful. We went to the wine tasting afternoon - so interesting and Ricardo is such a knowledgable sommelier and made the session fun too. We tried seven different wines from all over Italy, accompanied by delicious selection of cheeses and hams. We could see why the hotel prides itself on its restaurant. The staff are just lovely and the food incredible. There was so much of it and so much choice. We often felt guilty that we couldn't finish all the courses. Maybe they could be a little smaller? There is a free minibus service to and from the main gondola, heading up to Plan Maison and a boot/ski room in the basement. We would thoroughly recommend this hotel and hope we will be able to return next year.

Short Summary Excelsior Planet is a brilliantly located hotel with great rooms, friendly staff and standout wine tasting. Food is good (though a bit fancy for some), the spa and ski room are fine but could be better, and the lounge is a real treat. Ideal for anyone wanting easy slope access and a comfortable, relaxed stay in Cervinia. If you want a hotel practically on the slopes, Excelsior Planet hits the spot. It’s only about 50m from the Cretaz lift, so you can be skiing almost as soon as you step outside. It’s also right at the top of town, handy for restaurants and shops. Rooms – 5/5 We stayed in the newly refurbished Matterhorn Master Suite, which felt more like a small apartment. Two big bedrooms, two bathrooms, a comfy living area with a sofa bed and a big TV, plus a wraparound balcony with cracking Matterhorn views. Plenty of space to spread out and relax. Food – 4/5 Breakfast runs 7.30–10am with the usual continental bits, pastries and fruit, plus hot options and omelettes for an extra charge. Turn up late and the best stuff might have gone. Dinner is more fine dining than hearty mountain fare, so if you're craving big bowls of pasta, you might be better off heading out. Meat—especially ham—features a lot, so vegetarians may feel limited. Wine Tasting – 5/5 The weekly wine session (€75pp) with the in house sommelier is genuinely great. Lots of wines, plenty of local knowledge, and generous boards of meats and cheeses to go with them. A real highlight. Spa – 3/5 The spa is small but has what you need—pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. You have to book as numbers are limited. Adults only after 4pm, although this wasn’t strictly enforced when we visited. Ski Room – 3/5 Functional but old school. Boot lockers are heated, but skis go on racks unless you’re staying in the top floor Alpine rooms, which get better storage. Getting in and out via the old service lift is quirky but does the job. Lounge & Staff – 5/5 The lounge is lovely—big fire, comfy seats and excellent pre dinner drinks with free nibbles. Staff throughout the hotel were friendly, helpful and genuinely welcoming.