Escape to the Dolomites: Family Fun Awaits at Hotel Serena, Andalo!
Escape to the Dolomites: Hotel Serena, Andalo - Family Fun? Mostly! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL scoop on Hotel Serena in Andalo, Italy. We just got back, battered but mostly unbowed, and ready to spill the beans. This isn’t your polished, perfectly-pruned travel blog post, this is the raw, unfiltered truth… complete with the toddler tantrums and the questionable decision-making of yours truly.
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First Impressions & The Arrival Shenanigans:
Finding the place was painless - thankfully, because after a 12-hour flight with a toddler, my brain was running on fumes. But the lobby? It was… well, let’s call it “functional.” Think slightly dated, a little bit… brown. Not a big deal, really. What was a big deal? The sheer chaos of unloading the car. Luggage, the stroller, the screaming child… I swear, I almost ran over a rogue ski pole. No valet parking, which was a small bummer, but the free parking on-site was a lifesaver.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag:
Okay, important stuff first. Is it accessible? Mostly, yes. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Mostly check. The rooms we saw appeared well-adapted. However, I didn’t spend days assessing every inch, so I can't vouch for perfect accessibility. Just know they try, which is more than some places do.
The Room - Our Sanctuary (…Sometimes):
We got a family room, and it was… spacious. Like, could-play-a-small-game-of-hide-and-seek-in-the-living-area spacious. The décor leaned towards the "classic mountain chalet" vibe - lots of wood, warm colors. Definitely not minimalist, but comfortable. The blackout curtains were a GODSEND. Seriously, with a toddler, sleep is a precious commodity, and those curtains delivered.
The bathroom? Functional. Clean. The water pressure, however, was about as enthusiastic as my enthusiasm for packing suitcases. But hey, hot water, and enough towels! We had the basic amenities - hairdryer, complimentary tea and coffee. And the daily housekeeping? Top-notch. The room was always sparkling clean after they'd been in, which was impressive considering the miniature tornado that rampaged through it on a daily basis.
- The Imperfections: The carpets felt a little old, like they'd seen a few spills (probably a toddler's fault!). And sometimes, even with the soundproofing, you could hear the happy screams of other children… in the middle of the night. Also, there was NO kettle in the room! (I needed my tea!)
Internet – Wi-Fi, the Modern-Day Lifeblood:
Thank the heavens, they promised free Wi-Fi in the rooms and in public areas, and they delivered! I need the internet to survive (news and social media), the speed was decent. But don't expect lightning-fast speeds if you're trying to download massive files. It was enough for streaming Netflix to keep the little one occupied, which is a win for everyone.
Food, Glorious Food… and the Occasional Meltdown:
Okay, the food situation. Here’s where things got interesting.
Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast buffet was a highlight! So much choice! We had the Western breakfast, and Asian breakfast (for a little extra of the yummy things), and Vegetarian options. The buffet had everything. Fresh bread, pastries, eggs, bacon, cereal, fruit… and coffee, lots and lots of coffee. I was so happy with the selection. The only downside? The sheer volume of other hungry families! (I swear, someone snuck a mini-fridge into the buffet and was just loading up on croissants.)
Dinner – Formal and (Sometimes) Flustrating: The restaurant was lovely. A la carte and Buffet options. The food was generally pretty good. Italian favorites, international options. The problem? My toddler. It was like trying to eat at a Michelin-star restaurant with a tiny, adorable, but overwhelmingly destructive, food critic. There were tears (hers), spilled spaghetti (everywhere), and a whole lot of me apologizing to other diners. The staff? They were incredibly patient. They'd seen it all before, I suspect. They even had a kids' meal option, which, while not always a hit, was a lifesaver on several occasions.
The Bar - A Safe Haven: The poolside bar was a fantastic treat. They served everything - coffee, beer, all kinds of drinks. It was so great to relax at the pool with a cold beverage. Plus, the staff here made the best coffee, just saying.
Things to Do (and How We Relaxed):
- The Pool: The outdoor pool was stunning, with a breathtaking view of the mountains. I loved it! It was the perfect place to cool off after hiking (or chasing a toddler).
- Spa/Sauna: I indulged in a massage… once. Just once. Worth every penny, though! The spa facilities were top-notch, with a sauna, steam room, and all sorts of treatments. It was a blissed, peaceful experience.
- Gym/Fitness: I tried to go to the gym, but…life. I never made it. But it looked well-equipped from the outside!
- For the Kids: They have a babysitting service and a kids' club, which seemed to be pretty popular. We didn’t use it, because let's be real, leaving my kid with strangers still felt…wrong.
Safety and Cleanliness - The New Normal:
This is where Hotel Serena truly shines. They obviously take hygiene seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and the staff was constantly cleaning common areas. Room sanitization opt-out available - which I didn’t know about until a few days in, but hey, safe is safe! They also had safe dining setups, and the rooms were sanitized between stays. They're doing everything they can. I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences - The Extras:
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and always willing to assist. They helped us with a taxi and were a goldmine of local information.
- Daily Housekeeping: As mentioned before, top-notch!
- Gift Shop/Souvenir Shop: There’s a gift shop. Perfect for that last-minute “I-forgot-a-souvenir-for-Aunt-Susan” panic.
- Cashless Payment: Easy-peasy!
Getting Around:
- Car Park: Free car park (onsite), which was a HUGE plus.
- Taxi Service: Available easily through the front desk.
The Little Things That Made a Difference:
- Bottle of Water: They give you a bottle of water when you arrive.
- View: The view from the window was beautiful!
- Coffee/Tea Maker: In the room.
Things That Could Be Better (or, My Gripes):
- The Internet Speed: It could’ve been faster.
- The soundproofing could be better.
Overall Verdict:
Hotel Serena is a solid choice for a family vacation in the Dolomites. It's not perfect, but it has a lot going for it: friendly staff, a great location, a good breakfast, and a commitment to safety. It’s definitely family-friendly, though be prepared for the usual family chaos. Would I go back? Absolutely. I'm already dreaming of the next adventure in the mountains, and maybe, just maybe, next time my toddler will actually finish a plate of pasta. Or maybe not. Either way, I'll be ready for it.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for the toddler tantrums in the dining room.)
Seoul's Hidden Gem: Samseong-dong Luxury Unlike Anything You've Seen!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-ironed-suit travel itinerary. This is real travel, the kind that leaves you with more memories than a Pinterest board and a slight stain on your favourite sweater. We're going to Family Hotel Serena in Andalo, Italy. And honestly? I'm already buzzing with anticipation (and a healthy dose of "will I remember to pack passports this time?").
Family Hotel Serena: Andalo, Italy - A Week of Mayhem (and Hopefully, Amazing Food!)
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh My God, I'm Already Lost" Syndrome
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The alarm clock screams. Actually, it whispers because my husband, bless his heart, thinks he's a ninja. I'm more of a "loud, coffee-dependent grumbler" in the mornings. The kids? They're hyper. Packing. The worst! Somehow, the suitcase ate the essential toothbrush.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The flight! Smooth (ish). The kids ask "Are we there yet?" approximately 7,000 times. I swear the air pressure changes every time they do.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Landing in Italy! Sunshine! Woohoo! Then: car rental. It’s a tiny Fiat. I feel like a giant squeezing into a clown car. The GPS? God bless that little voice. It's already trying to murder us with roundabouts.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): FINALLY at Hotel Serena! It's…charming. A bit more "rustic" than the brochure implied, but hey, Italian charm often translates to "slightly crumbling, but lovable." Check-in is a blur of smiling faces, rapid Italian (which I, of course, barely understand), and the kids immediately trying to launch themselves into the pool.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner! (Pray for us.) I'm picturing mountains of pasta. Maybe some wine (for me, definitely for me). The kids? They're already eyeing the dessert bar with the focused intensity of Olympic athletes.
Day 2: Ski Mania… or Maybe Just "Slipping and Sliding?"
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ski school! This is the big one. The kids, fueled by sugary cereal and pure adrenaline, are already geared up. I’m picturing myself gracefully gliding down the slopes. Reality? Probably more like a slow-motion tumble. This is either going to be amazing or a total disaster. (My money's on the latter.)
- Lunch(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Quick lunch to refuel. I'm craving a pizza, so I'll search for a local restaurant.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The "learning" continues. It is difficult to keep track of everyone. They do their best and I think everyone is enjoying themselves.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): After a long day of skiing, a relaxing time is what's needed. And then another dinner. Pray for me.
Day 3: Aquatic Adventures (and Maybe a Nap)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The hotel has a pool! Which the kids are incredibly excited to try. The pool area is loud, wet, and full of splashing children. I decide to join them.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Eat. Hopefully, there is a relaxing time.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More pool time, and then I'm seriously considering a secret nap. The amount of energy these kids have is frankly terrifying.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Dinner and possibly a walk around town. Maybe get some gelato. The gelato expectation is very high.
Day 4: Hiking and Heavenly Views or "Did Someone Say 'Altitude Sickness'?"
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Hiking! We've planned a gentle(ish) hike in the mountains. I'm envisioning myself looking all rugged and windswept on a mountaintop. I'm more worried about the kids whinging about their feet. Maybe a snack bribe might help.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnics! Packed sandwiches, fresh fruit, and hopefully, some of that delicious Italian bread. I'm already dreaming of the view.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the hotel! And maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to take a nap.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner, hopefully some music at the hotel.
Day 5: The Day We Almost Lost It (and Found Awesome Pizza!)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): This morning… was a disaster. I won't go into details, but let's just say it involved lost shoes, spilled juice, and a near-meltdown.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pizza! A tiny pizzeria hidden down a cobbled street. The pizza? The best I've ever tasted. The utter simplicity of it was a revelation. No fancy toppings, just perfect crust, fresh tomato sauce, and mountains of mozzarella. The kids ate it all (miracle!). It almost, almost, wiped away the morning's mess.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Another pool time.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Dinner - more pizza! And gelatos!
Day 6: Last Day of Fun… and Shopping!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Shopping for souvenirs. I need to buy something for the family and friends back home.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Try another local restaurant.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): One more pool time.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): The farewell dinner. Make sure to enjoy it.
Day 7: Ciao, Italy! (And a Deep Sigh of Relief)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The dreaded packing. This time, no missing toothbrushes.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check out. This time, I'm sure that everything is in order.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Travel back.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): I'm home!
And that, my friends, is the (mostly) unvarnished truth of our Italian adventure. It won't be perfect. It might be chaotic. But I guarantee it will be an experience. And I will be sure to document every single delicious moment of it. Wish us luck (and safe travels!)!!
Escape to Paradise: Riu Palace Riviera Maya Luxury All-Inclusive
Escape to the Dolomites: Hotel Serena with Kids – The REAL Deal! (FAQ's from a Slightly Unhinged Parent)
Okay, so Hotel Serena in Andalo… is it *really* family-friendly, or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be honest. “Family-friendly” can be a euphemism for "a glorified playpen with questionable coffee." But Hotel Serena... it's *good*. Like, actually good. The kids club? Surprisingly effective. My youngest, bless his heart, is usually attached to my leg like a velcro parasite. But he actually *wanted* to go. Granted, he also wanted to eat the entire buffet breakfast (more on that later), but baby steps, people! They had a swimming pool too, and a slide the little ones were obsessed with. Honestly? I might have spent a little too much time in the sauna, pretending to be a zen master while actually just hiding from the chaos.
Anecdote Alert: One day, I swear, the kids club staff managed to orchestrate a complete and utter silence. I peeked in, expecting some kind of mass hypnotism. Turns out, they were all drawing. A whole room full of tiny artists. And then, the peace shattered when someone accidentally spilled juice. But still... a moment of glory.
The food. Let's talk about the food. Is it, you know, edible? And will my kids just live on pasta and chicken nuggets?
The food is… largely edible. Look, I’m not going to lie. This is a hotel, not a Michelin-starred establishment. BUT, and this is a big but, the breakfast buffet is legendary. I'm talking a pastry mountain you could climb, bacon crispy enough to shatter teeth, and the kind of juice that somehow manages to taste both sugary and vaguely nutritious. My kids went absolutely bonkers. My sanity? Started to waver around Day 3, from the endless requests for "more, more, MORE!"
The Pasta Predicament: Okay, the pasta situation… it's real. My kids? They lived for pasta. And the nuggets. It's a holiday, I thought. Indulge! Then I remembered I had to actually *make* them eat vegetables. So, yes, there was pasta. There were also… well, a very persistent attempt to sneak vegetables in. Don’t expect miracles, though. It’s kids. They're professional food refusers.
Rambling Aside: It did make me think, though. Why is it that a tiny, perfectly formed carrot elicits such a dramatic response? Is it a textural thing? A color aversion? The mystery of childhood eating habits remains unsolved. And probably always will.
What's the deal with the kids' club at Hotel Serena? Is it worth it, both for the kids and for *me*?
Oh, the kids' club. This is where Hotel Serena REALLY shines (and where my sanity gets a small breather). As I said before, it's surprisingly effective. They have all sorts of activities, from arts and crafts to outdoor games. My kids actually looked forward to going, which is a HUGE win. And, let’s be honest, a HUGE selling point for the adults.
Confessions of a Weary Parent: Let's just say the kids club provided me with a blissful hour or two each day to, you know, read a book, sip a (slightly overpriced) espresso, and pretend I was on a *real* vacation. I even managed to get a massage. Don't judge me. We all deserve a little relaxation, especially after navigating the minefield of family holidays.
Andalo itself – is there anything to *do* besides eat and build sandcastles?
Andalo is surprisingly lovely. There are some great playgrounds. The lake is beautiful and there are walking trails. (We attempted a hiking trail. Emphasis on *attempted*. My youngest decided the "uphill" part was a personal affront.) There are also a ton of activities available nearby. It’s all about finding the right pace. The Dolomites are just stunning. I may or may not have spent a good hour just staring at the mountains, feeling small and insignificant (in a good way!).
The Epic Hike Debacle: Okay, so we planned this epic hike. Gorgeous views, fresh air, the whole shebang. My partner even packed snacks! We got about 10 minutes in. The five-year-old declared he was "tired" and refused to move. The three-year-old started screaming about a lack of gummy bears. We retreated. Back to the pool. Back to the buffet. But hey, at least we tried, right?
Is it REALLY worth it to go to Hotel Serena and Andalo with kids? Or am I setting myself up for disaster?
Look, let's be real. Any holiday with kids is a gamble. There will be meltdowns. There will be tantrums. There will be moments where you question all your life choices. And yes, it's probably going to be messier than you anticipate. BUT… Hotel Serena is a good bet. It’s fun, it’s relatively stress-free, and the kids club is a total lifesaver (and you know, maybe a little bit for *me*). And Andalo is gorgeous. The Dolomites are amazing. You’ll make memories. (Even if some of them involve a screaming child and a half-eaten croissant.)
My Verdict (brace yourself): Go. Absolutely go. Just pack extra patience, a sense of humor, and maybe a bottle of wine for the evenings. And remember, even the bad days make good stories.
Is the staff at the Hotel Serena helpful and friendly?
Honestly, the staff were great. They struck the perfect balance of being helpful without being intrusive. They dealt with screaming children and spilled juice with impressive aplomb. They seemed genuinely happy to help. Even the lady at the front desk, who had to listen to my terrible Italian, smiled and nodded politely. This is a big deal when you are sleep-deprived and wandering around in a food induced daze
A Moment of Appreciation: There was this one waitress who was constantly refilling the kids' juice glasses with a smile, even when my kids requested another one every thirty seconds. She deserves a medal. Because, let's face it, some days just trying to get everyone fed feels like a military operation.
What about the rooms? Are they comfortable for families, or are we going to be crammed in like sardines?
The rooms were surprisingly spacious. We had a family suite, and even with two kids, luggage, and the general detritus of childhood, it never felt cramped. They had kid-friendly amenities, like a small playNomad Hotel Search
