Seasonal work – Collett’s Mountain Holidays
Many thanks for your interest in working with us!
This site aims to bring to life the day to day experience of working a season with Collett’s in the beautiful Italian Dolomites. It is essential you study this site in detail (and our main site at colletts.co.uk) before making an application. Working in one of the world’s most spectacular alpine environments might turn out to be one of the most cherished experiences of your life, but only if you fully understand what we expect of you on a day to day basis.
For 2019, we are still looking for people to fill the following roles from mid-April onwards.
Spring
Dates: Starting 17th April until 18th May
- Andalucía: One Walk Organiser. This role is a mixture of hosting guests in a hotel and accompanying them on organised walks in the mountains.
Summer
Dates: Starting on different dates in May and running until the end of September
Locations: the Italian Dolomites, Austrian Alps, the Spanish Pyrenees & Picos de Europa
- Walk Organisers / Linguists (Spanish or German speakers needed): This role is a mixture of hosting guests in a chalet or hotel, accompanying guests on organised walks in the mountains, and domestic work. Must also be able to drive, with at least one years’ experience on your licence.
- Chalet Host (Dolomites only)) – working alongside a chalet Chef, and a bigger chalet team to help prepare, serve and host breakfast and a three course evening meal, with daily room and communal area cleans, 6 days a week.
- Staff Host / Walk Organiser (Dolomites only)– the perfect role for someone who loves cooking and hiking. Cooking for staff 6 nights a week, helping with room cleans, taking guests on walks a couple of times each week as a Walk Organiser.
- Walk Organisers : This role is a mixture of hosting guests in a chalet or hotel, accompanying guests on organised walks in the mountains, and domestic work. Ideally also be able to drive, with at least one years’ experience on your licence.
Autumn
- Tuscany: We need four Walk Organisers from 28th September until 5th November.
- Andalucía: We need two Walk Organisers from 9th October until 9th November.
What do Collett’s Mountain Holidays do?
Collett’s is a small, independent holiday specialist, offering half-board, bed &breakfast and self-catering accommodation in five of Europe’s most stunning mountain ranges: The Italian Dolomites, the Austrian Alps, and in Spain, the Pyrenees, Picos de Europa and the Sierra Tejeda. People come with us to walk at high and medium level altitude, for the alpine flora, to try other more adventurous alpine activities or just to relax in alpine splendour. For more information about our product go to www.colletts.co.uk
What are our guests like?
On the whole our guests are easygoing and united by a passion of the mountains. In the main, they are British, from all walks of life and across a wide age range. They come mainly as couples, but also as groups of friends or families (sometimes with children), walking clubs or individuals. In recent years, we have built up a much valued ‘Repeat &Recommended’ clientele, which represents more than 60% of the 3000 visitors we welcome each summer.
Who and what are we looking for?
Each year we recruit people to join our resort teams on a seasonal basis. Ideally, you will be available from early/mid-May to the beginning of October for the summer season, and from late November until mid April for the winter season. You must have a love of the outdoors, a genuine interest in (and enthusiasm for) new areas and the ability to contribute positively to a team environment. More importantly, you must enjoy people, as these are all hospitality jobs which we offer. A polite, sociable and obliging character is essential. Collett’s is justly proud of the outstanding quality of its past resort teams and we owe much of our success to their hard work, attention to detail and, most of all, their friendly and engaging characters. If you are the type of person who naturally enjoys the company of others and enjoys looking after people, whether as a cook or walking companion, then read on. See what we offer our guests here.
Jobs available with Collett’s
Each of the following jobs has a page on this site to explain in more detail what it is all about. Please look at these in detail before contacting us again. Each season we need the following:
- Walk Organisers – Summer
- Resort Artists – Summer
- Chalet Hosts (Cooks & Chefs) – Summer & Winter
- Linguist/Walker
(Italian,Spanish or German Speaking, absolute fluency not essential) Summer &Winter - Resort Managers
(Italian, Spanish or German Speaking a bonus but not essential) Summer & Winter - Ski Host/Walk Organiser – Winter
How to apply for a seasonal job with Collett’s
We hope very much that we are still of interest to you and if so, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As we receive such a high volume of interest in these jobs we would ask you in the first instance to apply online, after reading this site, by answering a number of quick questions and attaching a few bits and pieces of information.
Click here for our Seasonal Work Application Form
In pictures – Seasonal work with Collett’s Mountain Holidays
Customer Reviews
This was the 2nd trip with Colletts to Corvara this year, the first for via ferratta and this one for cycling. Again it is difficult to fault the service provided. The accommodation in Chalet Tino was outstanding, all the reps were exceptional helpful and friendly and as ever, the dolomites did not disappoint. For cyclists, this area is a paradise on a par with any other alpine region. The 4 x passes of the Sella Ronda plus the Falzarego, Gaia, Valparola, Fedaia were all ridden. The scenery is jaw dropping. We had a couple of days riding with Ben, one of Colletts cycling guides who was great company and he and George provided lots of recommendations for the other days. Office hour each evening was again a great chance to share stories with fellow guests and the Colletts reps. I look forward to another Colletts trip in the near future
I just want to thank you and your Team in Corvara for assisting my wife and I in having a fantastic holiday in the Dolomites and a great way to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary. Since our first visit in 1990, this was our 4th and probably the best! Apart from a bit of poor weather (to be expected in any mountain environment) at the start of the Hut to Hut tour, this part all went very well walking in wonderful mountain locations. Our hosts in each hut were very welcoming along with great food served. The second week of our trip was in Chalet Alpi, an excellent location (super market, bus stop, Boe Lift, etc) and just the sort of base we needed for day trips in the mountains to tick off some classic Via Ferrata all within easy reach. The "Office Hour" in Chalet Roch was very useful for gaining information from the very helpful, friendly and informative staff in attendance.
Seamless efficient knowledgeable service from whole team from start to finish!
Professional, caring, attentive delivering a first class break, by a first class team. Thank you.
This was an outstanding holiday overall, The overall holiday style offered perfectly for me and I think the flexibility works really well for people with different abilities and objectives for their stay.
The Haus Valentin was delightful and very well located. I particularly want to commend the staff who were always friendly, informative, willing and generally good company. They all did a great job in leading the various walks I did (Walk II each time)
We did the Grand Tour of the Alta Badia. All the organisation from Collett's was perfect - From the initial conversation a few months ago, to the info pack sent out a couple of weeks before the trip, to the actual bookings and rifugios themselves. It couldn't have gone more smoothly. The dolomites are such a special area. You sure do work for your dinner though! We had a ball. A quick note that it's 100% worth it to upgrade to private rooms from the dorms! Thanks Colletts for a great holiday. Laura + Isaac
I had an amazing time on recent trip to the Dolomites. Even though I certainly made life difficult for Beth and Pete by rearranging the times, losing the map and a host of other indiscretions they were always more than accommodating.
Loved the hike, accommodation was perfect, scenery spectacular, hike info and details provided was great.
Thank you all
From the moment I reached out about planning a trip, to the last round of farewell beers at Valentin House in Badia, Collett's friendly, knowledgeable and efficient team delivered an amazing experience. Office staff was always quick to get back to us--whether my question was about potential dates, upcoming weather, appropriate footwear or cell phone service in the mountains. Our self-guided route was challenging but absolutely doable for our group of four experienced hiking women. The spectacular scenery--truly the most beautiful I've ever seen--certainly kept us motivated, as did the knowledge that cozy rifugios with plenty of beer, wine and hearty food awaited us at the end of every demanding day. My only suggestion: Getting started at our trailhead each day was often confusing since directions were vague. I know Collett's wants to keep it's daily itineraries to one two-sided sheet, but more detailed trailhead info would be really helpful. That's it! Amazing trip. Can't wait to do another.
Extremely considerate and helpful staff and great advice over walks. Nice place to stay
A very strenuous, but beautiful hike. The estimates trail times may be a bit (quite a bit) underestimated. Granted I'm no longer a young pup, but estimated hiking speeds equivalent of 2 to 3 km/hour is probably something 'wiser' folks may not want to assume/rely on in their day hike planning. The Refugios were a mix bag from 'traditional' to excellent, but comfortable overall. We will definitely hike the Dolomite area again, which is the best testimonial I'll ever give any place on this wonderful planet. Collett's preformed their services in a professional and responsive manner and we would use Collett's again. Happy Trails.
We had a wonderful hut to hut hike in the Dolomites thanks to Collett's. They were always quick to respond to any questions/concerns as we made our plans... and I asked a lot of questions! At the first chalet in Badia we had time with staff to answer any questions about the daily hikes they had mapped out for us... then they served us a lovely dinner. The next morning after a filling breakfast we started our 3 night stay in the mountains ... the maps were well marked with descriptions for each day. The Rifugio’s were wonderful, with lots of people from all over the world enjoying these beautiful mountains. The food was great, the wine was well deserved, and the conversations were really interesting. We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to help us.
First walking holiday with Collett's. Stayed in Chalet Alpi and had a fantastic week walking around Corvara. Brilliant staff - special mention to Clare and Al for getting Annika up the climbs. I'm sure we'll be back for more. Scenery was breathtaking - as was the snow in late August. WWI walk and presentation added an extra dimension. Surpassed our expectations andi'm already looking forward to planning the next holiday!
Walk leaders were excellent - friendly and great with our two children (14 and 10), Caitlin's new walk was stunning.
Excursion to see Otzi (ice-age man) in Bolanzo and white-water rafting one day was was great fun and avoided mutiny from the troops.
We completed a 6 day tour of the Alta Badia and the route was spectacular every day. After speaking with other hikers in the huts I was so glad that Colletts had made our arrangements,others had difficulty booking for themselves.
Certainly worth paying the extra for private rooms as opposed to dorms.
Overall we had an excellent experience, thankyou.
We enjoyed our Hut to Hut self guided 7 nights Central Dolomites and Sella Grand Tour in August 2018. From the time we arrived at Corvara we had excellent service and all the young staff were friendly and very helpful. Beth was extremely helpful with guiding us through our walk. Even during our walk we called Beth and she was very helpful and supportive. The day to day notes and maps where very good. The accommodation and food at all the hotels was good and we highly recommend Collett's if you consider doing a hike in the dolomites.
What a wonderful week we had in Chalet Haus Valentin. Highlights - deep philosophical discussion, ridiculous childishness, excellent food, magnificent walks, tremendous company but, above all, hosting of the best standard from all of the Collett's walk organisers (just one of their many skills). Thank you Al, Ali, Greg, Helen, Max and Millie, what a great bunch you are!
Brilliant at every stage of our trip.Really helpful with planning our hut to hut trip and booking the refugios. Then great advice for adding a few days on in an apartment at the end of our week some could do some via- ferrattas.
All staff were super helpful when we were in Corvara and made us feel very welcome, as well as answering all of our questions.
We would not hesitate to use Collettes again!
The Ciasa Roch was good, but we really missed the tea bar. The 5 day hut to hut hike was as good as expected. The accommodation was good, the scenery superb, although we did adjust the route to suit our particular interests on a day to day basis. Thanks Pete
Another great Holiday with Colletts . Stayed at Casa Roch which is very efficiently run by Petra. Enjoyed Office Hour and planning our walks where we were given lots of information by the Colletts team. Usual amazing walking and so relaxing. Only slight downside were the dinners down the road at the hotel. Whilst the company was great, the food and atmosphere felt a bit like school dinners, definitely not up to the usual Collett's standard. But overall had a amazing time and thanks again to the Chalet Roch team.
We had a wonderful holiday in the Dolomites. We were slightly worried about this first walking holiday with our 12 and 13 year olds but the Collett's team couldn't have worked harder to make our stay more successful. The initial phone call really helped us decide on a place to stay and type of room and provided lots of very valuable information. Office hour was key for us, helping us plan a real mix of hikes and activities to keep everyone in the family happy. What really makes a Collett's holiday is the wonderful staff. So helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Our children have severe food allergies and we were extremely impressed with the level of attentiveness and care taken in food preparation. A big thank you to everyone at Chalet Angelo for making our time in the Dolomites so special
Thank you for helping organising an epic hut to hut adventure in the Dolomites. The maps and information were detailed and the staff were amazing. Great food and drink at the chalet too!
Wonderful holiday in a beautiful location, with walks to suit our differing capabilities, and a very social atmosphere - supported by warm, knowledgeable staff - we’ll be back!
Having recently returned from Chalet Roch in Corvara and Hotel Hinteregger in Matrei, I'd like to thank the staff in those locations for continuing to provide the winning formula for which Collett's are renowned. It certainly takes the pain out of organising a holiday for a mixed ability group.
The salad bar in the Gran Fanes restaurant will live long in the memory, and the friendly welcome from the local staff as well as the Collett's staff at both locations was, as usual, faultless.
We chose you because my friends and I have been with your Collett's in the Dolomites before and last year in Austria. We have always had a lovely walking holiday with your company. We did the hut to hut in the Dolomites and you sent lots of information, maps etc so we could be prepared to do our walking well. We might do an Austria hut to hut next year!
Wonderful time in the Dolomites. Walking was great, instruction helpful and facilities what we were looking for. As a family with 2 kids of 7 and 11 this worked great, despite being the only family in the group.
6 day hut to hut - faultlessly organised, great trip notes.
4 days in Chalet Angelo - the usual very high standard I’ve come to expect from Collett's. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, accommodation of excellent quality and plentiful good food. All add up to a brilliant holiday experience and the reason why I and many others are repeat clients.
Loved every moment at Haus Valentin. The staff, atmosphere, walks and activities were terrific and as guests came and went the ambience remained. The family Valentin and the chalet are lovely too.
Second time staying here for taking part in the maratona cycle race. The location is perfect, the staff are great, the food is great, storage for our bikes. My friend has been coming here for several years and I don't think we could find better.
We looked at your holiday information and then chose to return to the Sport Hotel Panorama in Covara... We don’t normally repeat holiday destinations so this is the exception! Thank you, once again, the Sport hotel is exceptional and in combination with all that Collett's offer, we once again had a fabulous walking holiday.
We had a fantastic walking holiday in the Dolomites. The views from our room were stunning, the food was delicious , the walks were amazing and all the Collets staff were brilliant. We could not fault any of it and will definately return.
Had a great stay at Chalet Angelo in Alta Badia having turned up a couple of days before cycling the Maratona dles Dolomites with a couple of friends who had stayed there before. Beautiful and very convenient location, good facilities and friendly staff with excellent local knowledge. Joey, Jess and the rest of the team were extremely helpful and made us feel very welcome indeed. Looking forward to hopefully returning next year !
This was our second visit to Haus Valentin, Badia and it was just as wonderful second time around. Chalet Haus Valentin is delightful with good rooms, (we had one with a balcony and fantastic view), boot room, lovely bar with honour system and the most delicious food (and wine). But the most important factor was the amazing staff - unfailingly friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. As I have a health problem (not evident when I booked) I am not as mobile as I was before, but Al (House Manager) prepared a walking plan for me, with linked bus information, which ensured access to walks within my range yet enabling me to get up high. As a result I had a truly great time. We are recommending to our friends. Thank you!
This is my seventh stay in Corvara with Colletts, my sixth in Angelo. I really appreciate the laidback style of the place, the superb location, the hearty food and the excellent staff. It all works very well for cyclists like me doing the Maratona Dles Dolomites. As always the booking process with the support of staff in Saffron Walden is made simple. I'm already in the early stages of a plan to return again next year and also looking at other Colletts venues in Europe and in the UK. Thank you, Matt
Absolutely everything was superb - the staff were so friendly the rooms were lovely the activities were great and as for the food - fabulous. I have also spoken to Dee Collett and told her how wonderful everything was! Can’t thank you all enough for a superb holiday
The Collett’s team in Corvara could not have been more helpful and obliging and are an asset to your organisation. They offered recommendations, advice, laminated route maps and then were open to feedback on our return each day. Chatting to them and meeting the other guests each evening over a beer at the meet and greet hour was great fun and Petra of Chalet Roch could not have been more welcoming. As for Corvara and the surrounding area, the photos on this website do not lie, it is simply stunning. We were here for via ferrata and high level walking and in a week we hardly scratched the surface. I am so please I am coming back here with Collett’s in September for a col bashing cycling break.
We have just had a week self guided hut to hut in the Dolomites!! Alta Badia grand tour. Amazing from start to finish . Great walks , food , wine accommodation and people!!
100% perfect !!
Walks and scenery stunning , however a bit more challenging than my friend expected!! Will be returning!!
We I just finished a magnificent first time Collett's Vacation. I didn't really know what I was getting into!
It was a wonderful trip. I want to especially say how great the 'guides' were: Al & Ali were friendly and helpful at all times. Ali took us on a hike to the Pinnacles. He was kind, patient and above all - just plain friendly.
The staff were also very great 'hosts' as well as Millie. I know I'm missing some names, but we didn't get around to talking to everyone.
Carol & Ian were fabulous. We spent many hours looking very intently at wildflowers. That was my main reason for the trip. We hit it just right. Both of them are fun people.
You also accommodated my eating habits. I really thank you for that. It can often be a challenge when traveling. Collett's served delicious, filling vegetarian food. THANK YOU.Erik and I will not hesitate to take another 'trip' with Collett's. Thank you for introducing us to the incredible Dolomites!
Ciao,
Kelly & Erik
This is our second visit to Corvara. Last year we were in Chalet Verena, half board (sadly no longer available), and this year, self catering in Alpi. Andy and I loved the Dolomites, and the whole Collett’s experience. It’s hard to think how the holiday could be improved!
Last year we were only in Corvara for a few days (we stayed in Venice overnight on the way out and back), and this time, had a full 9 days up in Corvara. Andy enjoyed trying some relatively simple via Ferrata as well as the walks, and I occasionally went for walks on my own, following the sage advice and knowledge of the “not guides” from Collett’s!
If you’re looking for a good experience of walking in the Dolomites, if you’re not familiar or confident there, I’m sure you won’t find better than Collett’s to give you a good experience there.
What I appreciate most in their arrangements are :- 1) office hour, where you get the experience of all their staff to help you choose what is best for you each day (in a setting involving Hugo and other alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages!)
2) that you can choose exactly when you leave and depart, for however many days you like, and are charged on a pro rata basis. That’s brilliant!
Thank goodness for the walking - the scales are confirming the fab food! That's as well as Team Angelo, the scenery, the chalet and the company at the dinner table! Just as well - coming back for skiing next season - thank you all and can't wait for March!
Really enjoyed my stay in the Dolomites with Colletts cycling and walking.Well looked after by friendly and very helpful staff
Fantastic stay at Pension Angelo.Staff were absolutely amazing.Food plentiful and delicious.Could not fault anything.
Another incredible holiday with one of the nation's leading operators ... many thanks and congratulations to you all.
My 4th Colletts walking holiday .. previously guests had raved about the Dolomites so I had to try it ! it's certainly a special place, I loved the wild flowers and the staff at Chalet Angelo were great.
Superb stay in the Dolomites. The team were excellent particularly Jane, Sandy, Angus, Jack and Ben. They really did their best to ensure we had a great stay.
We will no doubt be back.
Fab holiday, the best variety of wild flowers that I have seen. Great support from the Colletts team, we did a mixture of self guided (well signed) and guided walks. Food good, wine plentiful! Loved it.
Absolutely terrific week in the Italian Dolomites.
Great itineraries, excellent food and outstanding team in the chalet
Met some great characters
Look forward to my next trip
I booked with Collett's for the first time this year as a surprise for my husband for his 50th Birthday we chose self guided in The Dolomites. This was the most amazing experience in a truly beautiful part of Italy. The apartment , location , information and service from all the staff both in the Uk and Italy was so good. This was the best holiday we have ever been on and would definitely book with Collett's again.
Enjoyed Haus Valentin as much as my last visit in 2013. Great atmosphere, nice accommodation and excellent food and wine. The Colletts team are so friendly and helpful which matters a great deal. A wonderful location also helps to make for a most enjoyable holiday. Thank you to our hosts and the Colletts team.
Sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you for arranging the accommodation at short notice, excellent hotel and staff in a very picturesque area. As some of the group I joined had been skiing numerous times they were able to arrange the walks so we did use your walking suggestions as we would otherwise have done. We all enjoyed our holiday and came home feeling better.
We were made very welcome. We had a long and frustrating drive across the Brenner. Every need had already been thought out and we were quickly integrated into the group. All the smiling faces were very uplifting along with a dinner of comfort food and free flowing red wine.
I really felt staff had a good sense of our abilities and the rest of the group. Never felt that anyone was in trouble or not being cared for. I think they all did a good job presenting potential difficulties and appropriate encouragement or caution when needed. Thanks to all the Badia crew we had a fabulous time!!! Had a great time with all the leaders. Each brought their own approach or personality but it all really worked and added to the fun. Great comraderie!
My daughter happened on Collett's and was enticed by the glorious mountain photographs of the Dolomites in your on-line brochure. We then discovered that a friend had stayed with you and gave a strong personal recommendation.
Extremely helpful and approachable. I felt I was dealing with real people who wanted me to enjoy my holiday. A million miles away from faceless large organisations.
We found Collett's to provide an extremely friendly atmosphere where the various guests mixed readily. The staff were absolutely excellent in every respect. We were particularly impressed with how Sonny made arrangements for us to alter our accommodation when we realised we'd liked to stay on at Haus Valentin rather than transfer to self catering in Corvara. We will most certainly be recommending Collett's to other people.
We value the quality of relationship the staff have with clients. Everyone was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and good at connecting and communicating. This was our fourth year and we have consistently been very appreciative of the quality of responsiveness, intimacy and flexibility that is, as far as we can see, the hallmark of Collett's.
Your staff are fabulous. We could not complain at all. Who ever interviews them has it just right. They were fantastic in 2013 again in 2016 and again this year. Super.
I was very impressed by the whole holiday especially the enthusiasm and support given by all the staff. The food was excellent as was the support given during the guided walks. There was the correct distinction between providing help and guidance when required whilst not dictating on your holiday plans and freedom of action. Being a history freak I was very impressed by John with his WW1 walks and talks they made the holiday an unforgettable and informative experience.
As a first timer on a walking holiday I had a fantastic time,learned a lot about my own abilities and learned from other walkers too. The staff at the chalet were both professional and warm, nothing was too much trouble. The location was great and I'm glad that the office staff guided me to this choice when I was trying to decide in early January. Will definitely book again. Thanks for a wonderful holiday - Lovely location,option for single room,dinner with wine,bar area to chat and meet people,lots of varied walks.
The staff were absolutely excellent from the walk organising to the cleaning to the catering etc. We have been with you on 4 previous occasions and always enjoyed the experience. We don't see how the accommodation could have possibly improved! The dinner menu was excellent.
Great customer reviews and professional online presentation! We are very happy with the services in regards to the money being spent for the trip.
Every part of our hut to hut trip was fantastic. Collett's is a highly professional company that truly cares about their guest's experience from start to finish. I will definitely use this company again in the future.
Collett's organised a stunning hut to hut walk for us in the Dolomites. The scenery was incredible and we loved staying up high in the mountains. We'll be back.
Without exception your staff were professional, knowledgeable enthusiastic and friendly. From start to finish they made our holiday extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all the team. We would not hesitate to recommend Collett's to others and are keen to holiday with you again in future
We enjoyed our ski trip to Arabba so much and having read your brochure we decided that a walking holiday was a definite summer holiday. In the meantime we had also booked another ski trip to Arabba in February 2018.
WW1 walks were excellent but weather cancelled our first one and hence we felt we missed out. John's talks were tremendously enlightening and we thoroughly enjoyed them.
Just keep up the good work. Your holidays would be hard to match as regards the general high standard of accommodation, food, staff and organisation and indeed excellent value for money. (We just wish that the airlines would put on direct flights to Venice/Treviso from Belfast and certainly more from Dublin).
Hotel Panorama did us proud, but for vegetarian options they are still learning (of their own admission), but they were very attentive and willing to adjust dishes to suit. They could make more use of pulses, but otherwise, were brilliant :-)
The hire of the full walks folder for a 50 Euro deposit was absolutely brilliant, and helped us enormously being in the Hotel Panorama and not the Chalet.
Previous experience - everything was as excellent as previously. "Family" feel engendered trust and confidence.
Yes... JOHN SCANLON was absolutely BRILLIANT. His walks and talks contributed enormously to the enjoyment of our holiday. The Hotel Panorama was wonderful and Guiseppi (waiter) was especially helpful. Collett's leaders, Gregg and Sandy were especially good
After seeing a picture of the Dolomites, I just started googling. I came across Collett's and it just looked good. I liked the communal aspect of eating together and this was probably the biggest reason I chose Collett's, that and the fact they could cater for gluten free. Of course hiking with like minded people was great. Also having the WWI walks was a bonus for us.
It was one of the most stress free vacations I have had. Tiring at times due to all the hiking, but stress free. I really liked the friendly staff and the amazing home cooked meals. I hope to be back with Collett's.
Had a super time in Corvara . The choice of walks was great both guided and self walks. Information given at office hour at Chalet Angelo was comprehensive and all the "guides" we're extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the walks and local area. Walks were fun and some amazing views and refugios for lunch. Packed lunches were good and had plenty of choice. Super company on the walks and the young Collett's "guides" pointed out the sights, kept us on the right path and encouraged us. Stayed at the Panaroma hotel as Angelo fully booked. Room, facilities and food were excellent and still got all the benefits of the Collett's team next door. Special mention to Sandy, always helpful and engaging to everyone on the walks and to Charlotte who was a very patient painting teacher. Definitely a stunning holiday and we will be back.
We enjoyed it so much last year and the flexibility of being able to arrive and depart on any day we chose. All the walks we went on were wonderful and we did not repeat a single one - over 10 days - that we did last year! We are also keen cyclists (living in a hilly area!) and hired bikes locally both this year and last and went out on our own rides - with the help of Jordan's expertise in planning routes. I wonder if there is scope for lower level cycling routes or mountain bike routes which could combine chair lifts to gain the height, to be offered as another outdoor activity as well as the high level mountain pass rides which are a little out of many people's reach! Just a thought!
We had an amazing holiday - once again! Your staff in the Chalet are great and reflect the passion that you as a company clearly have for mountain holidays - and they do it every day.
We'd love to see more winter skiing destinations in Switzerland/Austria/France for example. For families, a winter destination with a shorter transfer time could be good - within an hour or so from Geneva airport for France and Switzerland.
Collett's was just wonderful: in a busy work and travel schedule, they allowed us to show up and just hike! They took care of all the details and made sure we were well-prepared. Accommodations were great and staff were so friendly! I also love that the staff are enthusiastic adventurers themselves, professional, and so much part of your experience!
The staff were friendly. I enjoyed one organised walk and was advised on others. A good service. Hotel Madrisa was very comfortable and the staff friendly . I enjoyed the church bells but others may not.
Wanted a walking holiday in the Dolomites & your itinerary was extremely flexible.
Collett's provided an excellent venue to stay in Corvara. The staff friendly and helpful and the food very good. The office hour prior to the evening meal was very useful, allowing guests to compare notes and share ideas. The opportunity to arrive and depart on the days of one's choosing a big bonus.
We found Collett's on Google and it sounded a friendly company, so we made further enquiries.
Staff very helpful and knowledgable. If I can mention Tom in particular, who was helpful,supportive and encouraging on both the guided walks we went on. If it hadn't been for him, we probably wouldn't have gone on either and we are so glad that we did. Good choice of breakfast. Evening meal on time and beautifully cooked. Accommodation comfortable and clean. Wooden floors preferable to carpets in room.
Unsure what to expect as never been on a walking holiday before. Enjoyed every minute and wouldn't hesitate to book with yourselves again. All staff so helpful and welcoming and the Italian Dolomites were breathtaking. Thank you for a very special and very different holiday.
My daughter and I have nothing negative to say about Collett's Mountain Holidays.
From start to finish, everything was well organised and the staff without exception,were helpful, friendly and welcoming.
We would not hesitate to book with yourselves again, should we choose to go on another walking holiday in the future.
Thank you for making our holiday a special one.
Susan and Chloe
I had such a lovely 2 days with Collett's - the venue, the accommodation, the organisation and the people were so nice. It was just what I needed - thank you
Thank you for an amazing experience! One of the best holidays I've ever been on.
You had accommodation in the Dolomites - an area of Italy we had visited before on a trek. we wanted a centre based walking holiday and you could offer it.
Staff were extremely helpful at Office Hour and couldn't have been more so. Laminates were detailed but maps would have been better slightly larger - and I have good reading sight !
We were really pleased with the way the guided walking worked. When booking with you we had only intended to use the chalet as a base and do our own walking. However, decided to give a guided walk a try on the first day and ended up joining a group on every day thereafter - staff were so knowledgeable and friendly and we enjoyed meeting people form other accommodation in the village
I cannot express too highly how much we appreciated your staff and what a pleasure it was to have people who both held an interesting conversation, were knowledgeable about the area and who were interested in you as a guest - both in your experiences during the day and in life generally. Office hour was a pleasure! I don't know how they manage to maintain such a pleasant demeanor for so long!!!
We have holidayed with you several times now and find your standard of accommodation combined with the activities available and the insider knowledge of your staff means that we know we will have the holiday we hope for all winter.
The Dolomites are undeniably an area of outstanding natural beauty and the weather was very kind to us, enabling us to enjoy glorious vistas in Italian sunshine, pushing ourselves up hill, dale and via ferrata before retiring to our classy chalet for a well earned wee glass of something.
I hear that Tuscany and the High Tatras in Poland are on the cards which is very exciting. We would still like to visit Matrei - so many stunning locations and so little holiday available.
My friends have stayed with Collett's a few times and had never had any complaints. Also set up is ideal for single traveller as airport transfers available, walks organised and there are other options available so means feel in a safe and secure environment but have the opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery. Think I might try the painting and cycling options on another visits. Staff we're always friendly, approachable, helpful and happy. There was always a smile. It was a pleasure to stay. I felt safe and relaxed.
Great holiday and met some lovely people. Keep up the good work as it was a hassle free holiday which is what you want.
You clearly have a carefully chosen, well-trained team to deliver the Collett's formula which works really well. Office hour was excellent and I also enjoyed the WW1 talks. Thanks to all the staff at Chalet Valentin for helping to make our largely self-guided holiday a memorable one.
Have been a couple of times before albeit 10 or more years ago and were impressed. This time attracted by your offer on the price with a child, our daughter enjoyed herself and loved the staff particularly Elllie. You are a well organised company with lovely helpful staff both in the office and in the resorts. You have a good niche market and mainly in villages away from the masses. I would like more of a continental flavour, particularly with the dinners.
I would like to mention ELLIE, MAX AND SANDY AS LOVELY HOSTS but all Collett's staff were great without exception.
Good to be independent (self-catering) and to have access to organised walks. We liked the painting opportunity on our last day; something different from walking. Also the talks on WWI.
You have got wonderful, energetic and friendly staff at the resort. They helped us choose appropriate tours and they made sure both strong and weaker walkers enjoyed their time outdoors.
The combination of half board, airport transfers, organised walks - and flexibility, so we could choose which walks we did, or to have days on our own if that's what we felt like doing.
What lifted this holiday way above anything similar we've experienced was the enthusiasm, warmth, helpfulness and commitment of your staff. We were there for two weeks - throughout that time they were all unfailingly kind, knowledgeable, patient and cheerful. They treated us like guests, not customers, and they seemed genuinely happy in their work. Special mention to Sonny, for looking after us so well, but they were all lovely, and a credit to you.
Have you considered Abruzzo? Not as spectacular as the Dolomites, but very beautiful and less of a tourist destination. Ski-ing in winter, walking in summer.
Collett's suited our requirements and was the first website I came to. Thanks for a spectacular holiday with perfect weather and great food
Why Collett's? Location + availability + transfer. Also flexibility in fitting us all into 1 room (which worked out fine)
Good info from Sam via online chat and on the phone inspired confidence to book.
We were impressed by the organisation and professionalism of the Collett's people. Badia is a quiet and relaxing base - nice to get away from Covara and La Villa at the end of the day.
What a great holiday in Covara! There were so many options, some days we stayed together as a family, other days we did our own thing. The cycling was a great way for our 17 year old to try something new. He also loved being able to do the really hard walks! I loved walking high up, and the views were so amazing!
The staff were so friendly, helpful and interesting to chat to. Office hour worked really well as a way to get ideas and plan.
We enjoyed meeting people and walking with lots of different people.
Self catering worked well and then local supermarket was well stocked.
This was our first trip with Collets. We were really impressed with the helpfulness of the staff and enthusiasm for helping us out with planning our days. We wanted to try organised walking - we also did a separate self-guided trek. It was also very convenient to be able to book a stay for a specific number of nights. We were really impressed with everything. The accommodation was perfect for us. The staff were really great and very patient with our children. We talked with your guides especially about the Pyrennes and the Picos. Will hopefully make it there soon.
Looked good on the website, and when I phoned the staff in the office were helpful and knowledgeable. I then booked! Definitely value for money. All five of us had a great time, that's fifty somethings and twenty somethings!
The staff at Haus Valentin were excellent and the home made cakes in the afternoon and quality of dinners and wine made it a great trip.
Previous great holidays with Collett's. We like being able to discuss and choose routes/activities and be given route cards and bus timetables, whilst being able to choose organised walks as well. Even better than our previous three stays in the Dolomites and one stay in Austria. Rob's (and Gemma's) Sunday Roast was fabulous, as was his cooking in general. Hannah, was particularly helpful, warm and friendly, as were Katie, Tom (great geological knowledge) and Al. John's WW1 walk/talk was very informative and a great day.
My husband and I had the best time! Everything was perfect from the guides, walks, food and accommodation. We certainly will be back.
Another great holiday with Collett's, this time in Corvara. The Hotel Panorama was perfect in all regards including rooms, facilities and food (special thanks to Carlo in the bar, and Giuseppe in the restaurant, both are stars), and the Collett's part of our stay, all excellent as usual with superb walks and fantastic staff. We'll be back...
We had an amazing holiday here this summer, and can't recommend it enough!
The food was excellent, and the staff were so very pleasant and helpful.
Thanks to you all!!
Very flexible travel arrangements, start and finish days not fixed. Flights not include- good for me because I prefer train travel. Single room available with no supplement. I thoroughly enjoyed my walking holiday. The staff were, without exception, polite, helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Had a fantastic 10 days at Haus Valentin. Staff were lovely as ever and the food was amazing. Lovely room with great views of the mountains - great to wake up to on blue sky sunny mornings.
Seemed clued up on Via Ferrata and I liked the idea of the Office Hour, getting advice on itineraries, guided walks, and meeting other people at the Office Hour. Your staff are exceptionally kind, friendly and helpful
All my phone calls were dealt with very efficiently, even when I called to say that the airline had changed our flight time by 5 hours!
I thought the transfer system was excellent. Friendly, careful, on time, comfortable, and a really relaxing way to start the holiday. No hassle. I would do it again.
The meals at Haus Valentin were superb. How lovely to have the food put in front of you without having to decide. I loved it! The standard of the cuisine far exceeded my expectations, and included possibly the best pudding I have ever eaten ( a fabulous chocolate sponge with melting centre in a vanilla cream)! Really good breakfast, and imaginative fillings in the lunch rolls.
To say that the staff were knowledgeable and friendly doesn't really do them justice. They were superb. Patient, inspiring, cheerful, helpful. I could go on... I was so impressed with the whole organisation. The staff were well trained, cheerful, patient with slow walkers, helpful and enthusiastic. They couldn't have been better. The food was a highlight. The chef superb. Please keep Haus Valentin exactly the same for ever!
I've been with you before (skiing and walking). Our original intention was to do a high level tour in Austria but the forecast was very poor so we came to Corvara, and my first port of call for accommodation was Colletts, as I had been very satisfied with you before. We thought Ollie was a terrific leader of walks. Very knowledgeable, good communicator.
Small specialist operator with intimate knowledge of destination. Lots of activities to trial, an established reputation in offering the destination and this type of walking holiday. Gratitude for all the behind the scenes work in creating such a fascinating holiday. Very professional, well thought out programme. Keep up the good work and look forward to joining you in other destinations in the future!
I very much like the Collett's Walking Holiday model - the way people are encouraged to mix and the social side of things. It makes for a great experience.
Having just returned from my holiday in the Dolomites, I wanted to email you direct to let you know how fabulous the holiday was.
The Collett's staff were all so helpful in making my holiday enjoyable and memorable from the pick up/drop off at the airport, to the welcome at the Chalet, the information available, meal times, the guided walks and the office hour. Haus Valentin was spotlessly clean, the food was amazing and all your staff were polite, friendly, informative and great company.
This was my first solo holiday and I have come back with fantastic memories, some new friends and a big smile on my face. Please pass on my thanks to the HV staff - Sonny, Beth, Jordan, Caitlin, Tom and Josh (plus Hannah and Sandy who did the bus transfers) all of whom made this happen.
I would highly recommend this holiday.
Thank you.
Ruth
Brilliant holiday, wonderful chalet, food (Gemma and Rob - you are stars) scenery, walking and company. We will be back next year.
Great holiday thanks. Your recruitment and training regime is certainly providing the right people for the job - which makes all the difference.
WOW, this was my first group hiking experience and I was not disappointed! Collett's offers total flexibility: arrive/depart when you wish, 3 levels of guided hikes offered daily (all trail-heads accessible via bus service), a thick 3-ring binder with hundreds of hikes if you'd like to hike on your own, AND knowledgeable, friendly staff. I stayed at Chalet Verena in Corvara. It was centrally located, within easy walking to all services in town. The room was spacious, food delicious and pleasantly presented and the chalet was very clean. One of the nicest features is the Office Hour in the evening when staff are available to ask questions and help plan the next days activities. I stayed 9 nights and thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Best of all: THE STAFF. Big thanks to everyone at Chalet Verena.
We booked ourselves on an “easy/moderate” grade 7 days Hut-to-Hut self-guided hiking holiday in the Dolomites in July. "Hut to hut" is a slight misnomer; "Hotel to hotel" would be more accurate. Armed with maps and daily route notes, overnight town plans (showing hotel’s position) and relevant bus timetables, it was difficult for us to go wrong. The scenery was spectacular and the local way-marking faultless. The single rifugio and the other four hotels selected by Colletts were all of high standard and offered excellent food (mostly four course dinners, some with complimentary wine) and comfortable accommodation. We were even able in the rifugio (at extra cost) to book a private room with shower and basin (but no toilet). The first and last nights were spent in a Colletts’ chalet. Given the itinerant nature of the holiday, the inclusive transfers to and from Venice airport were a particularly attractive feature of the Colletts’ package and were efficiently managed.
Excellent apartment and location, fantastic helpfull friendy staff. All of which made for a fantastic holiday!
Excellent welcome. Lovely to see Sonny and Beth there again since our visit 2 years ago. Bedroom was reconfigured as soon as they could do it. Food was delicious, excellent. Very good at accommodating my sister's dairy-free requirements. Pleasantly surprised to have room cleaned daily despite sign up saying it's alternate days.
Staff very knowledgable and spent lots of time thinking about best walks to match our requirements. Wrote down bus times and routes for us. Got everything we needed. Very happy.
We had a fabulous family holiday again thanks to the wonderful staff, delicious food, and fantastic chalet atmosphere. Love the bar and communal areas at Haus Valentin - it really makes the holiday for us. It was a lovely surprise seeing staff and guests there who we'd met on our first trip 2 years ago! We will be back again....!
I saw Collett's in BBC Good Food Magazine and it looked fantastic. We had one of the best holidays ever - the staff were so encouraging and helpful!
Booking for 2 people coming from different countries is awkward with traditional tour operators. With Collett's it was easy and had the added advantage of plenty of friendly company throughout, always other people around to chat to which helped make the holiday better.
Vegetarian members within our group were impressed with the variety produced. With the help and advice of your staff (and laminates) we like to go on our own self guided walks which we did throughout. Of course it helps having been before. We have previously found the whole experience to be very efficient and friendly.
Our holiday was for our 25th wedding anniversary and I can't think of any where better to spend it than in the Dolomites - the staff were encouraging and supportive and are so knowledgeable. Brilliant holiday! Thanks!
We had a wonderful holiday and met really interesting people. Most of all though, we thought the staff in the chalet were absolutely great - so friendly and they had such a wealth of knowledge. They worked as a real team and were very supportive of all guests and each other. They are a real credit to your company. Thank you very much - we will certainly book again.
I stayed for four nights at chalet Angelo in Corvara. Everything about the holiday was perfect. The food was excellent, the staff, in particular, were first class. They were friendly without being intrusive, answering all questions with a great degree of knowledge and competence. I would like to single out Sandy who had excellent communication skills and was very friendly as were all staff. The chalet was first class, as was my room, and exceeded all expectations. All in all this a very good holiday and I will definitely book with Collett's again. Well done!
We are just at the airport on our way home after a great week in Corvara. We had a brilliant time - we loved the area and were very impressed with Collett's service. Your in resort staff were faultless. So, a quick note to thank you for all your help and input. It worked out very well and I'm now in my husbands good books for organising such a great trip!
As a general rule we usually try different places but we both liked the Dolomites so much I expect we will be back - lots still to do!
Thanks again, much appreciated.
Jenny.
My 5 days with Collett's staying at Chalet Verena, Corvara was absolutely wonderful. It was my first time in the Dolomites, and on a walking holiday, and it couldn't have been better. All the staff were so friendly, interesting, knowledgeable and enabled us to spend each day doing a walk that perfectly suited our needs/abilities. Our room and the chalet facilities were ideal, the catering delicious and the mountains breathtaking. Thank you for a truly memorable holiday. I'm already planning my return trip.
What a fabulous experience! Collett's has something for everyone on their holidays. I'm fussy and couldn't fault a thing. The walks were stunning, the food was outstanding and absolutely lovely staff. This holiday exceeded my expectations. I'll be back!
We would like to send a big, big thank you to all of your young staff based in Corvara. They really helped make our holiday that wee bit more special. They were all charming, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, friendly and easy to talk to, patient and, to us of greater years and abilities, not at all patronising - i.e. we found them completely professional.
It fitted all I was looking for in a walking holiday and I have now been back about 8 times.
I have recommended Collett's to dozens of my walking colleagues
Collett's offered what I was looking for - sunshine, mountains, amazing views, challenging walks, the opportunity to walk with others or on my own, catered accommodation and the chance to meet new people and you offered all of that!
Sam in the UK office was brilliant and extremely helpful. I have no complaints at all about the process!
On Arrival Max was great and very helpful, telling us all we needed to know and giving us a tour of the chalet. Great at making us feel very welcome and at home. The evening meals were excellent. Breakfasts offered a large amount of choice and I've never seen quite so much squeezed into a roll at lunchtime! :-) Excellent all round.
Office Hour is such a great idea! Staff were helpful, friendly, came and chatted without waiting to be asked and were genuinely interested in finding out what sort of day you'd had. It's great being able to meet others in the chalet and the other accommodation and compare notes. Staff were really helpful if you wanted to do something a bit different and were full of ideas. Al had mentioned a good walk for me as a geologist but I'd forgotten the name; Tom texted him to find out all the details and showed me the route and gave me details of buses and times too which was really helpful. In fact, nothing seemed too onerous a job for any of the staff.
Activities were very well organised and whatever speed you walked at, everyone was made to feel part of the same team. When one walker on one of the guided walks that I did found a particular path challenging, staff were extremely patient and absolutely brilliant at reassuring her.
I had an absolutely amazing time. As a single traveller doing this for the first time I was apprehensive but I would wholeheartedly recommend this holiday to anyone, whatever your age and whether travelling alone or with friends or family. Staff are friendly, genuine and helpful, the accommodation and food are great, I had some amazing walks in awesome scenery and made some great friends who I'll keep in touch with. I'd definitely recommend Collett's!
Quality of staff, responsiveness and feeling of being looked after by people who'd been there and done that. Very satisfied, would love to look at winter holiday but this was a step up for our family holiday and now we need 2 rooms. Being able to accommodate us was great
We have been to Corvara in 2015 and 2016 with you.
We also did a bespoke hut to hut which your team organised and explained to us very well.
What stands out about Collett's is the quality of the host team in Corvara, who were great (again). They were unfailingly helpful, interested, friendly and great company. Our thanks to them, again.
Extremely welcoming and friendly staff. We did a self guided 4 day hiking in Alta Badia and your route choice was outstanding! Your website was easy to follow and the photos were excellent. When I inquired about a self guided trip the response was prompt, clear and helpful. Your pricing is also reasonable.
Have been to Dolomites with Collett's a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality, friendliness of the staff, the walking and the mass of information presented every Office Hour.
We would like to send our thanks to all the staff, they made the trip the success if was. They were friendly for the outset and tried to help in any way they could to make our stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our congratulations for a job well done. Thinking of trying Austria next or perhaps the GR11 or the Pyrenees or even Andalucia.
The evening meals at Melodia were a surprise and a highlight. You should make more of this on your website as we had no inkling they would be so good! Opportunity to be presented with walks which we could then choose whether we joined or not, and also the very pleasant and helpful manner of office staff on the phone.
We were constantly impressed by the maturity, knowledge and commitment of your staff, all of whom were delightful people who were obviously genuinely enjoying themselves.
Excellent overall, made better by the staff - you're clearly very good at recruiting and training good people
Booking: We were made to feel at ease from the moment we booked, very helpful with all my questions.
Corvara: Wonderful location, walk up the hill worth the effort for the magnificent views. Collett's staff made us welcome from the moment we arrived and did everything they possibly could to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the area and keen to get us out exploring. The accommodation was comfortable and the mountain view wonderful even though we were in the downstairs rooms. The information sharing at 'Office Hour' was excellent and again the staff were extremely helpful and enthusiastic. Dinner was delicious and another chance to mix with the other guests, making every evening a very relaxed and sociable occasion. Would highly recommend a holiday with Collett's Mountain Holidays.
Everyone on your staff was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. We really enjoyed our trip. It was a great walking holiday.
Thank you Collett's. The staff at Haus Valentin are exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble for them and their enthusiasm and cheeriness is infectious. We had a fabulous holiday in Badia. The scenery speaks for itself but your staff are a real treasure.
We had an amazing trip arranged by Collett's. We were a bit concerned that in 5 days of hiking the scenery would all start looking alike. But the itinerary was perfect and each day was a new and wonderful experience. We will definitely look at doing another hiking trip arranges by Collett's
Had a fantastic time. Accommodation was great food was fab and the staff were out of the world.
Particular shout out to all staff at Haus Valentin and in particular Beth and Josh for all their help.
We had a fabulous holiday and will return and also recommend Collett's to friends and relatives.
Our first summer in the Dolomites, after doing 3 winter holidays with you. Absolutely stunning and our first stay at Angelo - we will definitely be returning. Excellent all round. Mike & Emma and the team were all superb. The food was excellent, and a special mention goes to Alistair at Verana for being an excellent transfer and walking host. Every holiday we have with Collett's just keeps getting better!
The staff were fantastic in making sure our interests were accommodated even taking us on our own if they could. They were never over persuasive but always provided good suggestions and perfect solutions after quietly listening to our discussions sometimes when we never knew they were! They were very sensitive and aware of our ages and shortcomings without being patronising. What a great bunch of young people - Collett's recruitment officer must be a great judge of character!
The routes were superb, the staff was very helpful and welcoming, the scenery magnificent, the hotels excellent, the food great, and the directions very precise. There were only a couple of times in our five days that we had any doubt about the route to follow. We were absolutely delighted with the trip.
Wonderful holiday. The Dolomites are incredibly beautiful and Collett's hut to hut helped us explore them with some independence, yet in the knowledge that we would have a comfortable place to sleep each night. Each day's hiking was challenging yet achievable and completely different terrain and scenery! Highly recommended.
I would say that this was the trip of a lifetime, except that we plan to return. We hiked "hut to hut", or more accurately chalet to chalet. The routes were well planned, the scenery was incredible, the accommodations were great, the food was wonderful, the directions were meticulous, and I am running out of superlatives. We did the five-day Dolomites hut-to-hut hike and took advantage of having our choice of Easy/Medium or Hard hikes each day.
You seem to offer the best in mountain walking with choices of accommodation and whether to be accompanied or not.
Collett's is an excellent company and its staff are a credit to it. They manage to combine friendliness and professionalism in a very engaging way. The company has obviously grown significantly since we last used it (16 years ago!) but it retains the flexibility which has always been its USP. We would love to come back to the Dolomites with you again or perhaps try out another of your destinations.
Offered flexibility of dates, accommodation and offered transfers to the Dolomites.Liked the personal approach when I phoned - no call centre.
Thank you for a lovely holiday. The staff you employ are all excellent and enthusiastic.
An excellent well-organised company with friendly helpful staff at head office and at the resort. We could not have wished for a better holiday and would highly recommend Collett's.
Been before and we like the setup - As always it's your staff who guarantee the quality - thanks to all we met at Verena and Angelo!
We stayed with Colletts in a hosted chalet in Arabba 10 years ago with our daughters, 5 days at base and 3 nights hut to hut walking. I think it was our best family holiday ever. We thoroughly enjoyed our week in Corvara. All the staff went out of their way to make it a great holiday. Thank you!
'Office Hour' was very good with a chance to plan the next days walk and meet up and socialize with your fellow travellers.I thought it worked very well just planning out each day the night before. The staff were really good and friendly to all.
The staff in the Panorama hotel were very friendly and welcoming. It had a very warm and welcoming feel to it.
This was a very enjoyable and well organised holiday. Will most likely book another holiday in the future.
We loved Hotel Panorama in Corvara and can happily say it is the best hotel we have stayed in (there have been a few over the years!). The staff and service was outstanding!
We were not specifically booked for Wildflower / WW1 walks, but these were easily catered for during a number of our walks. So we were very happy.
Just a big thank everyone for making this a wonderful and most enjoyable holiday. In particular please thank Charlotte & Max, Jen and Al for being great guides and making us very welcome. We will be back and hopefully next year!
Wildflower walks. Very flexible unlike doing a similar thing with another company. We did go on every flower week available during the 2 weeks but it's nice knowing it's not automatically expected.
Hotel Panorama was a first class hotel. All the staff were so pleasant & obliging. The shuttle service to / from Corvara available from the hotel was excellent. A lovely family atmosphere. The food was a gastronomic adventure - outstanding.
This was our first holiday with Collett's Mountain Holidays. We stayed in The Hotel Panorama in Corvara, In The Dolomites. We had a fabulous time, both enjoying everything the hotel had to offer and the varied guided walks. We will certainly be back next year!
Had an absolutely wonderful 4-night stay at Chalet Haus Valentin! Particularly grateful to Sonny and Beth for all their help. Unfortunately this trip I had prior plans and so didn't attend any of the guided walks, but would really want to join the next time I go. And I'm pretty sure that the next time I'm back in the region, I will stay with Collett's again, maybe in a different chalet. Thanks so much for making my stay unforgettable!
Just spent a week in Corvara being looked after by the ever helpful staff at Collett's. Everything went well during the week from the transfers to the accommodation (Tino 5 - great views lovely apartment) to the walks. Even when we went off by ourselves on the odd day the staff could not have been more helpful. Never felt any pressure to join the guided walks or other events. From my point of view there is little I would change or needs attending to. It's been 14 years between visits (far too long I know!) but even though personnel change, Collett's, in my view, have certainly found a unique and winning formula for walking and holidaying in the Dolomites. Many Thanks to all the staff at Collett's in Corvara. I am pretty sure we will be back again. Simon & Christine
Collett's treats you like a member of the family - the friendliness and family dinner, where everyone eats the same meal at the same time, was a real pleasure.
You offer flexibility - I wanted to walk two weeks in the mountains and other walking companies only seem to offer a week. As a Collett's rookie, I am very impressed by the model you use: flexibility, multi-activity, and particularly the calibre, enthusiasm and customer orientation of the young staff (many rookies themselves this season) makes them stand apart from other walking companies I have used.
I was also impressed how the walk organisers moved the walk normally done on Fridays (Sassongher) so I could do it - I had the Marmolada trek on Friday...
We couldn't have expected any more from the staff member, Jordon, who met us. He was courteous, informative, friendly, poured us a beer and seemed to have all the time in the world. We hadn't realised that he would be on hand for most of the day so hung around a bit in Corvara so that we weren't early. It appears that there are staff there all day, even on the off day.
You've heard it all before, I can see that from the reviews. But what made this holiday really special, apart from the stunning Dolomites and the good weather, were two things: your outstanding staff, for whom nothing was too much trouble (they put on two walks in our second week because we had suggested we would like to do them) and who really seemed to love their jobs and enjoy the people, and the flexibility to do whatever we liked every day
Choice of guided walks, family feel of the company, ease of website and finding what I was looking for. The staff at Haus Valentin could not do more for us all. Wonderfully helpful, good company, excellent knowledge.
What a wonderful stay it was. All staff there were wonderful, but I'd specifically like to thank Josh, he was very patient with me when I was lagging behind on the two walks I did with him, gave me encouragement, a thoroughly nice young man. Loved his poems! Sonny was wonderful when organising for me to stay at Haus Valentin rather than move to Verena as booked. I wanted to stay where I was. Caitlin was lovely and very positive, very professional on the two walks I did with her. Beth was great conversation on airport transfer home. Jordan beams from ear to ear all the time and knows his stuff!
We've been with Collett's many times and the way the holidays are run suits us all with our varied interests and abilities. The staff are always excellent and it's nice to see familiar faces sometimes!
Thank you for another excellent holiday! Fantastic staff, accommodation, food and scenery - what more could you ask for! Matrei, Erhwald, Picos are destinations we have been to with Collett's, but we still keep coming back to the Dolomites! As always, the flexibility is what is important to us - we all want to do different things and Colletts allows us to do that in great company!
Emma, Hannah and everyone in Corvara are truly kind, thoughtful, and pleasant folks. My family of six stayed in Angelo, Alpi, and Panorama in various periods of the week, accommodating for the Maratona spectating. The staff are excellent. This is the among the best family vacation we've ever had involving our adult children and their significant others. Each couple got to do the hike or the cycling they wanted, alone or with other members, as there are many hiking trails, guided or privately. Having two rental cars from VCE airport for family of six adults helped hugely with the daily logistics. The Dolomites is simply the most stunning area for summer hiking because it is the only one of all such beautiful mountains (Tetons, Sierras, Inyo, Patagonia, etc) that are so accessible and cultivated. Thank you for a wonderful week.
Just returned today (9 July) after an amazing week staying at Haus Valentin. This has to be one of the best holidays I have been on. The Dolomites are astoundingly awesome. The staff at Haus Valentin are wonderful, a credit to the company, their enthusiasm and passion for the company and what they are doing comes across all the time. Can't do enough for you. Patient, caring, interested and interesting, very knowledgeable. Great choice of walks, great encouragement when I was concerned I was lagging behind. I'd like to specifically thank, Josh for his patience and the above encouragement (and poems!), and Sonny for her organisation in allowing me to remain at Haus Valentin rather than move to Verena. Also, Caitlin, Beth & Jordan, a fab team. I hope they see this. I will be back, and I'm not just saying that. 😊
Excellent in all respects, my 6th time with Colletts in the Dolomites, and the 5th time at Pension Angelo. Beyond the great location and accommodation, the young staff are absolutely first rate.
It is difficult to find the words to say how much my wife and I enjoyed our stay in Covara. What an amazing location with an extraordinary variety walking opportunities in particular. The Collett's staff were more than helpful and I would like to highlight the efforts of Sandy and Tom whose advice and guidance were very much appreciated. The Hotel Panorama 'fed and watered' us very well and the daily exertions were very necessary to keep the waistline in check!
Holiday very enjoyable and successful. Only negatives are that the evening food in Angelo was uninspired (at the lower end of what I am used to on chalet holidays) and may I suggest that the walks programme sheet is updated more frequently on a rolling basis, so that for example on a Friday you can see the programme for a week rather than just the next couple of days.
Corvara is a truly excellent location for a walking holiday. We did some old favourite walks and some new ones too (which are now added to the favorites list!). We stay in Tino/Sara self catering apartments and are always pleased with their level of comfort. As always, the Collett's people on site were really friendly and helpful. While it's probably unfair to single our individuals, special mention must go to Jen and Emma for doing the superb Lago de Lagacio walk with me. The only minor gripe is that when staying for more than one week, some of the walks are duplicated yet others, which we particularly wanted to do with a Collett's person, were scheduled for after our departure. Oh well, I suppose that means another return visit...
Staff on walks, cycle were chatty and interesting, made the day very enjoyable. Shared their Experience of the area whether summer or winter.
Staff at office hour were really helpful, nothing was too much trouble, and always enough staff available if you did need info.
Meals were varied an plentiful without being overly rich. Good use of pulses and breads.
The staff were well bonded and worked as a team. Great characters with loads of personality who made the holiday memorable. Big thanks to Adam chef, Domestic staff making our room look welcoming and tidy. Max for his honest chats and sharing his stories and dreams - Charlotte for bringing a wee bitty of Scotland to the chalet. Hannah for taking us over our 1st mountain pass on bikes.
We had a fantastic holiday, and were SO impressed with all the staff we met. They were so helpful, and enthusiastic and unstinting in every respect. The Dolomites are incredibly beautiful, and we really felt we had experienced a wide variety of walks thanks to the professional guidance we had. It really did surpass all expectations, and I look forward to returning soon!
Our first experience of Collett's was most enjoyable.Haus Valentin had a great team.
Our first time in the Italian Dolomites and we both said "why did we not come here before?" Having never travelled with Collett's before, everything was a new experience - and what an experience! From the moment we were collected from Venice by our transfer driver, we felt welcomed and in good hands. This feeling continued throughout our one week stay. The staff at Chalet Verena were faultless in their attitude. Nothing was too much trouble. They were knowledgeable, aware of our requirements and keen to help in any way possible. The rooms were large, spotless, light and airy. Housekeeping was regular and of a high standard, food was plentiful, tasty and varied.
We were welcome to go on any of the organized walks or make our own plans. When going our own way, information on our plans was readily available and with first hand knowledge.
We won't attempt to name individual members of staff in case we miss some and it may look like a criticism and we have no criticism. The rest of the hospitality industry could use Collett's as an example to follow in making guests feel welcome, comfortable and in good hands. We will be back.
The staff at Chalet Angelo were all charming and delightful company, helpful and informative too. All the walk organisers were a pleasure to spend time with. You obviously have a finely honed staff recruitment process - congratulations on having such a lovely team!
We had such a great time that we've already booked our next visit! We were in chalet Verena, very comfortable, very well fed, and made to feel extremely welcome by all the staff. Walks were breathtakingly beautiful, and the weather was amazing (a short storm soaked everywhere but was dry again within an hour!). Staff were great - all of them. Strongly recommend this as a holiday if you like the outdoors.
I arrived with my husband and a friend who had not walked before. The Collett's staff were helpful in suggesting easy walks to get us started. All the staff were excellent - full of enthusiasm, helpful and hard working. Nothing was too much trouble.
Haus Valentin was very comfortable and the food superb. My husband had stayed before and he had sung the praises of the chalet and staff. Having raised our expectations there was a danger of us being disappointed but we were not - everything lived up to or exceeded our expectations.
We did so enjoy the flower walks guided by Viv.
Thank you to all concerned.
We are shortly completing our stay at Chalet Verena in Corvara. The whole experience has been amazing. Nobody could be disappointed with the Dolomites, but with the excellent staff of this organisation they have made our time here extra special.
Having like minded, positive people around from the minute we arrived has made us want to return as soon as we possibly can.
Thank you to all the team who give 100% all of the time.
This was our 5th Colletts holiday & we wanted to treat our daughter and son in law and hopefully get them interested. The Dolomites seemed the best of the 4 to start with, because of the great atmosphere and bar area to relax in in Haus Valentin.
We love the fact that we don't have to organise too much and can just enjoy the holiday - love the included dinners and wine and office hour with such an enthusiastic team for whom nothing is too much trouble. Kaitlin was particularly helpful in sorting out a suitable walk for us on our last day and Beth was very helpful in sorting out a different high walk for Ross & another couple when there were no takers for the listed walk.
Why Collett's? Location, telephone support with choosing, price seemed reasonable, flexibility with traveling dates.
We have had the perfect week - and that was greatly enhanced by the hardworking Chalet Haus Valentin team. (Fellow guests were lovely too). Hosts made sure that we were able to plan our next day well...we didn't have to seek them out - they helpfully approached us to make sure all was taken care of with routes & planning.
I think our ability fell between Moderate and Hard, so it was good to know that there were some 'bail-out' options on the harder walks... but fantastic sense of achievement when we did the hard ones completely, and never felt pressured on speed - which was great. All of our hosts were brilliantly helpful and polite.
Superb holiday in the Dolomites with 6 of my hill walking friends. We had a week at Chalet Haus Valentin in Badia. Very comfortable chalet with a nice bar and great views from the terrace. The meals were excellent. The Collett's reps were really welcoming and provided us with good advice on the walks and the via ferratas.
Wonderful experience. Everyone we met from Collett's was friendly and helpful. The Dolomites were magnificent. Would have liked some discussion and choice around our route and trails. Would spend more time higher.
Came highly recommended and the holiday seemed to be exactly what we were looking for, I think that your staff are wonderful. Whatever your recruitment policy - don't change it!
We looked at alternatives and found your flexibility very attractive. From the first phone call to the resort staff we found your staff the best we have experienced. Thank you , we had an amazing memorable holiday which was crowned by your outstanding staff.
10 days at haus Valentin fantastic food and company the daily walks were enhanced by the lovely enthusiastic and friendly staff that made sure everyone was looked after. Couldn't have wished for a better holiday.
An outstandingly good experience. I was nervous about the "communal" aspect of shared dining etc, but your staff are very well-chosen and superbly professional. We were made to feel extremely welcome and extremely comfortable.
We had one of our best holidays ever (although we came back exhausted!) and can't rate your staff at Verena high enough.
A wonderful 6 days in Haus Valentin. Mountains and weather lovely. The staff were brilliant, the food fantastic and the other guests great company. I had the perfect week.
Keep up the excellent standards and don't change the formula. You have an unerring knack for recruitment. All your staff seem to be very happy indeed, which rubs off onto the guests. Return guests. We love your formula and your staff are wonderful.
Why Collett's? Liked the fact that it is a family firm. Liked the ability to choose what we did the next day after getting advice from the staff. This way we could adapt to the weather & how we were feeling.
Have used several other companies for walking holidays previously, Colletts ranks with the best.
After listening to some guests who were walking hut to hut thought you could make more of this in the brochure.
On arrival remind new guests to add emergency services & the office phone numbers to their mobile in case they haven't already done so.
It suited us very well with a mix of guided and self-guided walking. The office hour was really good to get advice and ideas for our walking and the areas.
V impressed by your staff every time we asked for any advice. Their approach-ability and knowledge. Past trips with you have gone well, when bringing someone new to the Dolomites we wanted all go well, we were, v impressed, and the holiday was excellent, we want to come back.
We had already been on 2 skiing holidays with Collett's and enjoyed the combination of guided activiites with sociable chalet accommodation. We wanted to try a summer walking holiday and were not disappointed.
My recent walking holiday in the Dolomites was my first with Collett's. The staff, both in the UK and in Italy were immensely helpful and courteous; the holiday offered great flexibility and the accommodation was exactly, if not better than described. I have already recommended Collett's to friends
My planned Dolomites holiday broke down on the Friday and one of my work colleagues, Morag Ferguson, suggested to phone Collett's on Saturday morning as she was very impressed with Collett's. My flight was for the next day (Sunday) but nothing was too much trouble and miraculously my holiday was organised in no time.
The booking was effortless and on arrival the staff at the Haus Valentin were extremely helpful, friendly and very easy to get on with on walks and definitely made the holiday. The walks were well thought out and there was plenty of choice of via ferrata for those interested.
Staff were particularly fantastic, very helpful and efficient and yet not in your face so making it a no fuss, laid back, relaxed atmosphere.
Collett's was a personal recommendation from our timeshare neighbour after a discussion about via ferrata.
We were in hotel Melodia and the accommodation, meals and hospitality there was excellent. The staff were very friendly. At the chalet the hospitality during office hour was excellent with all staff very approachable, friendly and helpful. As we were in the hotel it gave us a chance to mingle with other walkers and staff. The information from your staff was first class and very accurate from bus times, information about local towns and the walks.
The walks were excellent and interesting, the staff were knowledgable about the area and were able to give historical and geographic information to make it even more interesting.
I went on the glacier walk and the guide I was given was extremely good, capable and reassuring on a day where the glacier conditions were very difficult.
This is my second visit to the Dolomites and as last time I can only praise the company. The accommodation and food was excellent and the staff are just brilliant. They are always smiling and nothing is to much for them when you require info or assistance. I can't wait for my next visit. Thank you for making my holiday so pleasant and memorable.
The young people running the Chalet were marvelous: keen, enthusiastic, interested and interesting and very hospitable & helpful. They were all a great credit to Collett's and mostly to themselves. Weather reports were hopeless - not the fault of Collett's or the team just nature at its best! The staff were brilliant at coming up with some useful ideas for our self-guided walking. We did have a very good time, thank you.
Great information provided at the evening meetings. felt very welcome at the chalet when we were staying at the self catering accommodation. Came over every evening to catch up with everyone and help plan the next days self guided via ferratta.
The weather reports weren't always accurate. But the guides / staff were excellent in their knowledge of route or cable car closures and climbs that would be in the snow etc.
A wonderful time spent here. we will be coming again and definitely recommending you to others. We were recommended by a friend. wanted close proximity to the via ferretas, and support of the knowedlge of the routes by the Collett's staff.
I had a wonderful time in Badia, Haus Valentin, with great food and company, and brilliant mountains!.
I will be back!!
All the staff were very friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them. My partner Lesley injured her shoulder and the staff were very helpful in making her comfortable and suggested, correctly, that we should go to the hospital in Brunico and provided clear directions on how to find it.
We are now planning our next trip to Badia for skiing/snowshoeing.
I received a warm welcome from Jack and felt at home from the word go. Office Hour This a great opportunity to all come together in a relaxed atmosphere to talk about our day and look forward to tomorrow. Being on my own on holiday I didn't feel on my own if that makes sense! I think you have got it right. Group sizes/abilities will always be a bit tricky till you have walked with people but everyone is made to feel welcome and can enjoy the walks at their own level.
I love walking and Collett's had everything I needed on offer..clean comfortable accommodation, Friendly/helpful staff to show us the way along those mountain tracks so I could enjoy the fabulous scenery and feel comfortable going on a holiday alone. Excellent food. Nothing to fault it apart from I should have stayed longer!
All chalet staff were amazing. A massive well done and thank you to them. The food was incredible, as a veggie I dont think I have eaten better food and breakfast was perfect. I cannot praise your staff enough, they really do need a big well done! A really lovely stay and a great holiday. Cannot think of anything that could be improved. Alison, Sophie, Max Jack Henry and Jane take a bow! Thank you
Your wonderful staff gave me the confidence to strike out on my own and discover some incredible routes.
I really enjoyed my weeks holiday in the Dolomites. Great scenery, walks, accomodation, and food. Nice friendly staff and guests. Im definitely planning my next trip. Maybe Austrian Alps
Terrific holiday! Friendly staff, and likeable guests.Great walks, and something to suit everyone.Not really much to complain about, other than the cockerel sounding off before dawn every morning!
First time with Collett's, and to the Dolomites - the telephone chats at early stages with knowledgeable and friendly advisers played a big part in answering key questions, and building confidence.
Flight times meant that we arrived mid-way into dinner: we were made to feel welcome, and quickly absorbed into it all.
Expectations exceeded: we had an outstanding room, in a very comfortable and well-maintained chalet.
We were enormously impressed by the levels of engagement, commitment, enthusiasm and support on all sides - especially by Caroline and her Angelo team. An admirable 'Collett's ethos' was evident and distinctive.
We were lucky to coincide with John Scanlon's last day of WW1 walk - fascinating.
It was also clear that Keith as Artist added a difference. A suggestion might also be to consider an option for eg 'conversational Italian' teaching, as another form of non-walk activity?
The holiday was one of our very best. As confirmed d-i-yers we were delighted to have the preparation and organisation done for us [and in such an effective and unobtrusive manner]. We joined the accompanied walks and enjoyed having the Collets staff there, adding both humour and information. It was a pleasure to have the company of the staff who were unfailingly helpful and efficient on the walks and in the chalet. We very much liked the formula of office hour, the shared meals and meeting people of similar interests. Also we liked the flexibility of non standard arrival and departure days. All absolutely superb. Thank you.
From the moment we made contact with Collettes and described our intentions,we knew they were the base we needed in the Dolomites.
All of the staff were knowledgable ,enthusiastic and made us feel welcome.
The food was excellent and we were always in great company. Corvara is an amazing place for any sort of outdoor holiday .
We are already planning when we can go again.
Thank you Team Collette (home office and Corvara Team) for delivering an outstanding hiking holiday. Led by Angelo Pensione Mgr Caroline, the Corvara Collett's team enthusiastically executed an absolutely terrific hiking holiday. Nihal, George, Jack, Natalie, Amy, Adam, Keith, Charlie, Dan and every Collett's Corvara team member all excelled above and beyond daily. Hotel accommodations at the Panorama were also outstanding (as we know well from our stays since 1985) as delivered by the wonderfully friendly Costamoling family (Albert, Waltraud, Michael, Margherita, Maria and Brett). My testimonial best explained by booking today, another nine day hiking trip (this time with my wife, Ida) with Collette's Team Corvara in September 2017. Bravo Collet's Mountan Holiday--very well done.
I have already sent these comments to Jenny via email but here they are again.
We were so very impressed with the youngsters working at Chalet Verena. It made our holiday extremely enjoyable. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always smiling and friendly, making us feel as though we were part of the Collett's family!!! Please send our thanks particularly to Aiden (who was a gem), Seb, Amy, Adam, Phil, Keith and Matt. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours too. The whole Collett's set up is impressively run and very good value for money. I was pleasantly surprised also that there was no extra charge for the painting walks. Materials and tuition were included in the holiday cost - excellent!
I want to say thank you for John and Tracey's attention to my dietary needs. They were very kind and I felt quite spoilt. We relied mainly on the staff for everything. We got weather reports ourselves more frequently online. Very caring leaders, just as good as alpine guides. Our insurance did not allow us to go over 3K metres but we found that was no problem and the fact that the led walks do not go above that level could be in the handbook. Your young leaders were well recruited. They were all very fit and able, were well educated or had done interesting things, and especially were all very good and caring with people.
The staff at Collett's made the holiday really - nothing was too much trouble for them. They were patient, kind, enthusiastic - many of them knew everyone's names very quickly. We were so impressed by them and so grateful to them for looking after us so well! Thank you for a great stay, and well done on your recruitment process for staff - what a great group of young people.
We had a rerun of the last 2 years holiday so didn't use website or brochure, just phoned you up. Only problem was there was no apartment available for the full 17 days of holiday so you arranged a split between the two apartment.
We have been to the dolomites many times and are fairly familiar with the area. Mainly we self guided (walking and VF). For a couple of more challenging days we (independently) hired a guide. Hence we did not really participate in organised activities. Staff however were enthusiastic and helpful. The one WW1 walk we went on was excellent (with John and Caroline).
Our initial Colletts holiday (over 10 years ago) was from a recommendation of a work colleague.
In an area we want to go to and (then) with organised via ferratta..
Now we self guide, love the area and keep coming back. Transfer from Venice is good as we don't need a hire car. Good to have English staff who you know will help if there are any problems , or just give information.
Although we did not participate in many organised activities and were self catering, we found all the chalet staff extremely pleasant, friendly and helpful. (Even at the end of a tiring day). The one meal we ate at Verena was good. At office hour they always welcomed us even though we were not "residents" in the chalet.
Just to say a big thanks to everyone at Collett's. I've usually 'roughed it' on mountaineering holidays in the past, but have always liked the classic look of Collett's Dolomite holidays on the web. This year I was very pleased to book Chalet Valentin at short notice resulting in what was probably the best outdoor holiday I've had - ten days cycling passes, doing via ferrata and walking in excellent company with staff and guests, with good food and the bar waiting every evening. Thanks again, Andy
Fantastic holiday, stunning scenery, great staff and the weather was amzing
It's probably much greater value for money for those who take advantage of all the hosted options, the guided walks and itineraries. We simply used Collett's as a booking tool for a completely self-catered, independent holiday, but the chalet was superb and superbly positioned too, and the airport transfer option was brilliant for us because it saved on car hire.
I wasn't aware of Collett's at all until I came across them on google, so am now obviously aware of the other destinations because the brochure was sent to me that had them all highlighted in it!
Efficient, friendly and the most knowledgeable and helpful travel company I know. Been travelling with Collett's for 16 years!!
Your staff wwere exceedingly helpful and friendly. Briefing on what each walk involved was 100% accurate. Initial enquiries re Dolomites had implied that as a large group we would be restricted without our own transport, but the local bus service provided perfectly adequate access to all the walks we needed, even if the charging system was a bit cumbersome.
The Collett's staff were invariably friendly and helpful and despite the large age difference to our group of retirees seemed more than happy to engage in meaningful conversation when out walking. could not have been bettered!
All our guides were outstanding. But to pick out 2 - Jack was great with out 8 year old daughter, and Johns World War I walks were brilliant, he is an inspiration. Many thanks for a great family activity holiday for me, my wife and 8 year old.
A brilliant holiday. The staff made everything so much fun. The approach to and flexibility of the walks encouraged me to reach the top of Sas Ciampac. I am still smiling about it.
When there is numerous activity options the office hour was invaluable in informing the choice of activity. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff was first rate. It was evident that they all shared a passion for outdoor pursuits and seemed to genuinely enjoy what they were doing.
I am particularly interested in WW1 and thoroughly enjoyed the history walks. I found John Scanlon to be very interesting and knowledgable and really enjoyed his company. Combination of interests; walking and military history. I have been on many treks previously but under my own steam.
Overall the I couldn't really fault the Collett's product. I would definitely use Colletts again and would not hesitate to recommend them!
Just back from our first holiday with Collett's and first visit to the Dolomites. The whole experience was simply incredible from the hotel which was 5 star in everything (only 4 stars on the door tho!) the food is an experience that is something I will never forget. The views just appear more spectacular each day as you explore this beautiful place. The like-minded people we met each day whilst walking or chatting with over a drink at 'office hour' the Collett's on site team. We have had a brilliant holiday - thank you to all who helped us plan it. Jon
We enjoyed conversing during meals with fellow travelers. We wanted the convenience of having transportation into the Dolomites and wanted to meet other like minded people on our trip.The staff were extremely helpful and personable. Food was plentiful and delicious. Enjoyed our three days hiking, painting and sightseeing. The Dolomites were more beautiful than I could have imagined!
The staff are a real credit to Collett's. A very cheerful, enthusiastic and friendly group of people - they really made our holiday that bit more special. The choice of walks, plus painting options, worked particularly well for my family. I got the opportunity to do some great high level walks plus some moderate walks with the rest of my family. They really enjoyed the painting days.
The original reason was that we wanted to go to the Dolomites and we liked the fact that Collett's offered walking and painting. But having now gone on a Collett's holiday, I was particularly impressed with the business model you have developed and the staff you have recruited.
Collett's comes over as a very friendly, welcoming company and should be commended for the quality of staff you recruit. Our son is a strong walker but generally not very enthusiastic about going on walks. I hoped that the Collett's holiday would improve his enthusiasm, which it managed to do ten times over - mainly because of the enthusiasm of the staff and their ability to relate to a teenage boy. The vegetarian food in the evenings was excellent and we enjoyed the company of a number of our fellow guests.
Once again , clear and informative. easy route instructions from Venice Airport to Corvara. Matt was very helpful and helped settle us in quickly. Our self catering flat was comfortable , spacious, and centrally located for everything in Corvara.
Office Hour - All very good indeed . Plenty of time for discussion and good ideas offered for walks of appropriate length and difficulty . The combination with pre-dinner drinks works well.
The WW1 walk and lecture from John Scanlon were a highlight for us : he has a lovely manner , is very knowledgeable on his subject , and is very considerate towards guests walking with him.
I think you strike a good balance with regards to safety, making people aware of risks and the need to be well prepared , whilst clear where personal responsibility lies.
Wanted a mountain holiday with flexibility and choice , tpo cater for our family ( mum , dad and two sons 23 and 21). Thank your all staff for their hard work in making our trip so enjoyable!
We had an amazing holiday, facilitated by a great team at Haus Valentin (and Charlie and Aidan - on transfer duty!). Would thoroughly recommend - we will be back!
I was hugely impressed with Collett's. The chalets were comfortable and in great positions or walks. Meals were lovingly prepared and served and the wine was topped up rather promptly! But the staff were the most impressive part - knowledgeable, enthusiastic, efficient, very organised and helpful. This also includes all the office staff and representatives involved in the booking progress.
What can I say?.....Amazing! Stupendous! Wonderful!
My family of four had a superb time with you at the hotel Panorama in Corvara. The hotel was top class - the food, service and accommodation were superior. I couldn't fault it at all in any way.
The Collett's aspect was professional at all times. The John Scanlon experience was amazing and my sons are still quoting him and his vast knowledge two weeks later - he made the holiday for us. The other reps - Caroline in particular were friendly, knowledgeable and approachable too - we wished that we'd been staying in the chalet with them, as they seemed good fun too!
Thank you to all at Collett's for a holiday to remember - we WILL be using you again!
I am always rather reluctant to phone and prefer to have information available on the website. I realise this isn't possible as your holidays are so flexible, and the service I received on the phone was really exceptional: friendly, very helpful and THANK YOU that there is no recorded message and pressing numbers!
I was made to feel comfortable immediately by the Collett's staff and the atmosphere was welcoming and friendly.
The meals were really great - well prepared and a nice variety.
The staff were fantastic! They were unfailingly cheerful, helpful and knowledgable. On some days the distance on buses to get to the walk location was a bit long but I am not sure how this could be improved and still keep the variety of walks on offer.
Office Hour is excellent, lovely to talk to other guests and staff to get ideas of where to go as there are so many options to choose from. Staff are friendly and genuinely want you to make the most of your stay.
An excellent stay at Verena recently. All of the staff were brilliant and the food and hospitality were excellent throughout the week.
Thank you
Why Collett's? Because the information provided on the website, in your brochure and through talking to staff prior to booking was comprehensive and our questions were easily answered.
There was flexibility in when you could arrive / depart from the Chalet and the length of stay. Good choice of activities and options for guided walks etc. The entire holiday package suited our needs.
Just to add that staff we met, without exception, were extremely friendly, helpful, informative and a real credit to your company. They made a real positive difference to our holiday.
Staff very helpful and friendly when enquiring about holiday. We really appreciated John and Tracy preparing meals for our kids early so that they could get to bed at a reasonable time. They couldn't have been more accommodating. Thank you so much, I think you saved our holiday!! Also, the help of staff at office hour was invaluable, they were all really fab. We were really touched too by Matt making our daughter's bed with her teddy sitting up reading "Matilda"!
Why Collett's? Had a brochure many years ago and always wanted to go on a mountain walking holiday.
I was looking for walking holidays and came across Collett's on the internet. We did the hut to hut trip and enjoyed it very much. My suggestion would be to use accommodation in Campitello instead of Canazei as that would cut down on the use of buses which are busy and infrequent (and you can't walk along the road as its too busy). It's nice to be able to go up on the first cable car and hit the trail before the crowds appear! Otherwise a great trip, thanks
Arrived on staff day off, so it was great to be welcomed, briefed, provided with a refreshment and advised where to get food. An amazing choice of outdoor activities - often spoilt for choice. I would happily undertake any of the activities on offer from easy to the harder walks.
A truly superb holiday, with hospitable, passionate folk who make you feel like one of the family whilst providing every opportunity to meet your holiday goals and aspire to a few didn't know you had! We already want to go back again.
Just to say we had a great holiday, combining self catering, a two night hut to hut walk and one night in Chalet Verena. All the accommodation was good, the food at Verena great and the hosts excellent. You really do pick a great group of people to host - they were unfailingly enthusiastic, informative and interesting. We will be coming again!
The staff were wonderful. A pleasure and a privilege to be in their company. They are without exception a wonderful group of young people, interested and interesting. The other guests were great too.
Used you before and was very happy to use you again.
A good guest group anbiance.
We had stayed in Chalet Verena while skiing and picked up a brochure in the room before leaving - the ski experience was so good that I knew my walking friends would love it. All in brochure and I will keep it. I am a good ambassador as I have brought you 6 Scots who will pass on Colletts to their families etc...
Online there seemed to be a greater level of detail, however, I'm not sure you could get this into the handbook.
My responses, both through email and phone, were immediate and always very helpful. Although we were in self catering we visited Verena daily for Office Hour and at other times. We were always greeted with outstanding friendliness and enthusiasm. Maps on route laminates were hard to read, although it didn't matter as Collett's had provided a map.
We were touring different areas of Italy and wanted to spend some of that time in the mountains. I'd looked at Collett's previously and the holidays always looked great so started looking at the website. we've stayed in similar properties in the English Lake District and they are cheaper but the chalet and venue just couldn't be faulted.
The whole experience was excellent, accommodating for families like us wanting easier walks and freedom to do our own thing but also for the more serious walkers.
Many thanks for an excellent hut to hut holiday. The trip notes provided were thorough and it all went without a hitch but best of all are your chalet staff who were all extremely helpful and a credit to Collett's.
The trip itself was demanding but well worth it with some of the best scenery that I have ever seen.
No doubt I will holiday with you again at some point in the future.
The team at Chalet Verena are outstanding. They have excellent knowledge of the walks, go out of their way to engage with guests and become part of the holiday experience rather than just facilitators. A good range of walks is on offer with not too long a journey to reach them. Food was of a high standard with portion sizes good enough to satisfy most after a long day in the mountains.
My only suggestions for improvement would be an earlier dinner time - 7.30 is a long time to wait after a long day - and a more formal walks' presentation at office hours rather than individual enquiries.
Everything was ao well orgnized. I was very impressed! Rachel was phenominal. She was very knowledgeable about thw area and the routes- further personalized our trek after meeting us and inderstnding our abilities and desires for the trip. She was spot on.
Found on the website, but the staff was very responsive and organized on ninitial emails so felt very comfortable booking.
Outstanding.
Perfect - no other words needed!
We had an excellent week of walking, despite unexpected snow in August! The route was well thought out and at a good level for our children (the youngest being nine). The scenery was stunning, the accommodation and food along the way were great. A fantastic week and one that we'd love to do again.
Excellent holiday and I would thoroughly recommend it. The staff were wonderful and the cook excellent in the chalet.
A very lovely holiday thank you. Great staff at the chalet and good self-guided walking notes.
We have now stayed with you on quite a few occasions and it has always been enjoyable. One of your greatest assets is your staff and their local knowledge. So useful if you want to use local transport etc. Returning customer. Good destination. Lovely scenery. Good local knowledge.
Chalet Angelo was immaculate and the meals a highlight among highlights. So much to choose from! The I&I was helpful but I was also looking for more of a description of the hike itself rather than largely navigation. The laminates were difficult to read, but not largely needed on a hosted walk.
The range of activities and options was one of the primary attractions of Collett's and did not disappoint!
Aside from the location in the Dolomites, the assortment of activities, at different levels and hosted or self-guided were the primary attraction. Also the airport transfer was key for us.
Value for money? Absolutely - no way I could have planned and pulled-off such a great trip on my own at the same cost. It was an outstanding value!
I have to say something about the staff - they were awesome! Every single member we had the pleasure to meet were incredibly welcoming, friendly, personable and knowledgable. You do an excellent job of selecting an outstanding group. The entire Covara staff was great - especially Caroline, Natalie, Charlie, Aiden, and Chris
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would absolutely book with Colletts again!!
Really helpful when booking. Various accommodation possibilities were explained thoroughly. We arrived when an error seemed to have been made for another booking, so we were somewhat sidelined, though when eventually shown to our rooms were courteously treated!
The laminates were mostly clear, the instructions almost faultless. One turn on the Runch Hut walk was not obvious, leading to a minor detour! However, the maps were not easy to read and your warning to take the proper map was a sensible one.
Possibility of getting to this area for walking without having to hire a car/ drive
Had used Colletts before in its early days in Arabba - Thank you
Staff were always very helpful and enthusiastic. The flower walks were amazing. David was an excellent guide with an in depth knowledge of Alpine flora, he made the walks interesting, informative and fun. Office hour was a chance to meet all the brilliant staff, other guests and swap ideas. Great concept.
I have been with you before and always enjoyed it. A very good company with excellent staff. Next year we might do the Austrian Alps!
We self guided but with only 5 days of walking and having never been to the Dolomites it was great having office hour. Amy was superb, full of enthusiasm and knew the walks well. I didn't get the sense that the others were interested in helping us once we said we didn't want to do guided walks, but that was fine as we were happy to just go to Amy.
Didn't join wildflower walks as far too easy but did enjoy chatting to David during office hour and he gave us some good steers about where to go (we also told him of a great place to take his walks!)
We were very impressed by the staff. They were young but responsible , very pleasant, knowledgeable and performed at a high level. I suggested it might be good to have an older person (like me) on the staff to encourage the older clients. I am available next year! Seriously though, the staff at Angelo, Grace Chris Keith Charlie Dan Jack and the fabulous cook Brendan were outstanding performers.
Amy was delightful,even after our ETA was delayed by several hours due to traffic delays. The packed lunches and the two evenings we ate in Chalet Verena were amazing and excellent value for money. Even though we were self catering we loved the opportunity to meet the hosts and other guests at Office Hour,everybody was delightful and so welcoming.Special thanks to Ailsa,Seb,Adam and Ayden who were so helpful in providing tips and information for our self guided walks and genuinely made us feel part of the group.
As a couple,one who enjoys walking more than the other, Collett's was the ideal compromise. I was able to enjoy walking safely as part of a group,my husband enjoyed relaxing in the chalet.
Please pass on our thanks to the lovely hosts at Chalet Verena,it was very hard to say goodbye they all did a fabulous job.This was our first experience of this kind of holiday and I am so pleased we chose Collett's.
I can confidently say that I enjoyed every moment of our trip and would even consider returning on my own in the future as I felt so looked after.
An excellent week of walking with comfortable accommodation and plentiful food. Special commendation to the Angelo chalet manager - she does a first rate job and the atmosphere is at the same time welcoming, informal, but highly attentive to the needs of individual guests.
Third trip with Collett's to Haus Valentin.
Beautiful location and a perfect Hotel.
Clean rooms.Ours had balconies facing the opposite side of the valley with that memorable view....
Food is superb quality and plenty of it.
A great breakfast before your walking day starts and sets you up nicely.
Fab evening meal and before that home made cake to welcome you back hungry from your day.
Staff are so helpful and enthusiastic.Nothing was too much trouble.
Ideal as well as you all eat in a group at long tables so single travellers are included in everything.
You must give Collett's a try...They've got it right.
Been to Dolomites with them 6 times since 2001.Find both the office and local staff very helpful. Like the level of support - mostly walk independently but like support in respect of accommodation and walk itinerary.
Office Hour - Really great to have this. Your team are so friendly, engaging and tailored their advice and help really well for our group.
Great location and chance to have a 'supported but not organizer's holiday. Always felt we had friendly and helpful advice when we wanted t, but could do our own thing without feeling like we had to stick to a rigid program.
We had a fantastic time. You have done an excellent job picking your team.
All my boxes were ticked! from Angelo balcony views, food, excellent office hour with great programme of walks and cycles through to the enthusiastic team of Collett's people who led and fed for whom nothing was too much trouble.
Enjoyed the two week stay immensely and still only scratched the surface of possible activities despite getting out every day!
Highly recommended by a friend who had a previous Collett's holiday in the area - Value for money? Absolutely.
We had a delightful two-week stay at Pension Angelo in Corvara. Alongside the amazing mountain environment in which we road biked and walked, the staff played a major part in our enjoyment. They were lively, friendly, courteous and hard-working - but also well-informed about what was on offer. Thank you!
We had a delightful two-week stay at Pension Angelo in Corvara. Alongside the amazing mountain environment in which we road biked and walked, the staff played a major part in our enjoyment. They were lively, friendly, courteous and hard-working - but also well-informed about what was on offer. Thank you!
Never come across such a lot of information on a walking holiday and all members of team knew everything and were so enthusiastic, helping well outside of office hour too!
Recommended by an HF leader and the fact that you run from any day of the week, we wanted to start on a Monday and stay for 6 days this didn't work for other companies mainly running Saturday for a week!
We could hardly fault anything, what a great company, the way you recruit and train the team really works!
Fantastic family holiday. Location, accommodation, food etc excellent and Collett's staff in particular were outstanding. Very helpful, welcoming and friendly. Will definitely be returning!
Both my husband and I were very impressed with the friendly staff and excellent customer service we received throughout our whole holiday. I was delighted with our transfer. Our driver told us all about the wonderful Alps and her experiences during the journey, it was very interesting.
Delighted we arrived at our hotel. It was excellent. Our room was lovely and the view from our balcony was breath taking. The all staff were so helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed staying in the hotel. Very pleased with all the information we asked for and received at Office Hour.
We wanted to try another walking holiday company. For the past 10 years with have had our holiday with HF Holidays. We have done all their high route programmes (more than once) and wanted to experience a new area and a different organization to compare.
Thank you for making our holiday so good. Filled with lots of happy memories.
All staff in Chalet Angelo were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Caroline particularly was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We were always made welcome. Excellent availability of guided walks and the knowledge of the guides for when we were walking without them. Good value for money and location.
The meals at Panorama hotel were beyond our expectation. We were thoroughly impressed at the high standard of the meals and their presentation. All staff were attentive, friendly and willing to help.
Office hour was a fantastic chance to find out relevant information on the following day's activities in an informal, friendly setting.
A great range of daily walks, allowing us to join others or to go on separate walks. Liked the idea that the walks were organised and it allowed us to walk as a group. We really enjoyed our walking holiday with Collett's and would certainly recommend to others.
Yet again another fantastic few days in the Dolomites, we stayed at Haus Valentin and once more were looked after by the excellent Collett's staff, who because of their enthusiasm and friendliness help to make a good holiday really great. Thanks to Henry, Max, Sophie and Alison and everyone else who's name I've forgotten for a brilliant time.
Good hotel location within the Dolomites for our walking and VF requirements. Excellent value for money - Very well organised company, easy holiday booking, no pressure, no fuss, no hidden charges, nothing too much trouble.
We will, hopefully, be back for our third visit next year
Wanted to try hosted chalet style walking holiday. Wanted to visit Dolomites and could not find any other walking holiday companies that offered the same level of choice or knowledge of area. Rooms very large and comfortable, meals generous, wine very welcome!
We had a lovely holiday and would definitely like to come on another Collett's Holiday. We are considering a self guided trek next time. Many Thanks to all the staff at Chalet Verena.
Jack did an excellent job of welcoming us, ensuring a meal was aviable at the hotel, even though our transfer didn't get us in until after 9pm, and making sure we were booked on a walk for the following day. We stayed at Hotel Melodia, which completely exceeded our expectations of a 3* hotel. We got our lunches from Haus Valentin.
Your staff are truly amazing. every single one of them went out of their way to be helpful and friendly. This includes, Jack, Jane, Henry, Max, Allison, Sophie, George, Rachel and Dan. They gave us a really great holiday experience.
Though the Dolomites are stunning and our hotel amazing it was your staff that really made our holiday experience.
I thought the three staff members I met in the reorder and during my hut to hut tour were absolutely first class, friendly helpful and I enjoyed meeting them as they happened to be doing some visiting of the rifugi. They were Beth, max and Alison.
They are also really loyal to Collett's and spoke so warmly of the company.
The Hotel Panorama is really exceptional - Although we only went on 3 accompanied outings, Caroline was enormously helpful in maximising the delight from our private meanderings with her recommendations and local knowledge.
Myself, my wife and our twelve year old son enjoyed a fantastic five days at Angelo and Alpi and all wished we had allowed more time in the Dolomites and less time in Switzerland and at Lake Como. Definitely we will return in the summer and will be looking at the possibility of New Year snow shoeing and skiing.
Many thanks to all the staff at Collett's and particularly the staff at Chalet Angelo who made us feel so welcome and made our brief stay so enjoyable.
Staff were really helpful do we felt we were able to tailor our programme appropriately. Liked the flexibility with respect to number of nights to book which enabled us to get cheap air fares. Staff were very helpful when I phoned to discuss dates and accommodation.
Without exception the hosts were excellent; their knowledge and advice ensured we were able to make the most of the area during our time away. Special thank you to Ben who found me some crutches which enabled me to get home!
Mixing and eating with others. Options and flexibility with itineraries, Excellent local knowledge and provision of information, Options of guided walks or doing our own thing. You have done a fantastic job in selecting and training excellent staff. They are a key to thisgreat holiday: knowledgeable, friendly and helpful when wanted without ever being intrusive or over-formal. It was nice that they could join us over dinner from time to time.
This was a fantastic holiday.
I was recommended to try Collett's and I was very happy that I did. I was presently surprised at how friendly the staff was, as well as extremely knowledgable about the area. They were always on hand to answer questions, and were great when out on the walks. My partner and I stayed in self-catering apartments and they were clean and tidy, it also had an amazing view of the Corvara from the terrace. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend Collett's to others.
The variety of activities and the standard of the accommodation appealed to us. The information and advice on what to do was also a factor. The accommodation and food were excellent, and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. The staff were brilliant, both in the hotel and when on the walks. Special thanks to Dan and Ayden, who were really helpful and supportive.
The so-called huts are 3* chalets with great food and each day begin with a chair lift to get right up close and personal with alpine fields of wild flowers and amazing rocks formations. This part of northern Italy was part of Austria before WWl which explains the Italian Tyrol which still looks, feels and sounds more like Austria. La Marmolada glacier formed part of the main front and the 'via ferratas' are the tracks that were made to carry weapons and supplies. Today, fearless hikers use helmets and safety harness to hike on these steep and challenging paths; when push came to shove we opted for the guided wildflower hike ? and it did not disappoint. Refugios are never far away and a hot chocolate and apple strudel were usually involved along the way.
All up it was a great adventure and already we're looking at Collett's options for another wonderful holiday next year and a big thank you to the dedicated, friendly and professional support staff we encountered at the base chalet Angelo.
The staff were brilliant and very knowledgable.The team were great, I arrived after 8pm but the team had my dinner waiting (with wine)! Thank you.
The food was great. Good selection at breakfast, nice lunches, excellent afternoon cake when we got back from our walk and lovely evening meal. I had to change room during my stay - the team sorted it all out so I didn't miss any walking. Office hour was great! The team in Haus Valentin were very knowledgable about the various walks on offer. A good selection of guided walks available throughout the week.
A fantastic holiday - thank you to all of the team at Collett's! A special mention to the Haus Valentin team who do an amazing job! I will definitely recommend Collett's and Haus Valentin.
I am considering returning to Badia as there is so much to see!
We had to wait a fair while to get to our room when we arrived, which was a bit of a pain after quite a long transfer, but we were part of a large party and were the last to arrive and I think there had been some problems with people wanting to change rooms due to the ceiling height so there was some confusion. Not a major problem in the context of the week though.
The food and wine in the evening were of a particularly high standard.
I did not go on flower or painting walks, though other members of our group did. One also went on a cycle trip. I am sure you will get separate reports from some others of our group but, in case not, I know that everyone who went on these very much enjoyed them.
We have been with you before, to the Picos and had an excellent holiday there too. Your formula works very well for this type of holiday. We look forward to another trip with you, probably in 2018 if the legs are still holding up.
Just to say thank you. The whole way you organise these holidays works very well. There was a fair mix of walking ability in our party and there is something for everyone in terms of level of difficulty but also in terms of themed walks. As per the Picos, all of your "walking organisers" are really pleasant and friendly.
I had a wonderful week in the Dolomites. I travel a lot on my own and you never really know what to expect, but I felt very welcome and comfortable both at the Chalets and the Refugios I booked through Colletts. At the chalets, Office Hour is a great way to socialise and meet other walkers. I did a mixture of hut-to-hut solo walking and group walking (such as the wild flower walk) and I loved them both for different reasons. The staff at Colletts are really welcoming and friendly and the food is delicious (you definitely don't go hungry). I'd not hesitate to recommend them and I'd happily book another holiday through them.
All of the staff were invariably cheerful, enthusiastic and enormously helpful, especially Caroline as chalet manager
Even as self guiders on 6/7 walks during our stay & staying at other accommodation we were made to feel most welcome at Office Hour which was a big factor in the success of our holiday.
As we self guided on 6/7 walks not really applicable to comment here (on the one guided walk we were only a group of 5 guests - ideal as it was a busy route. Most useful to do a guided walk on day 1 as we got to grips with bus routes & our guide gave us lots of useful information for a successful holiday.
Ticked all the boxes for what we wanted to achieve on our holiday; booking staff very helpful, flexibility with departure/return dates, great hotel accommodation on offer and the choice of guided/self guided walking.
Level of service was excellent, all questions answered satisfactorily. The meals were amazing (Chalet Verena), excellent standard. Better than we had expected. I researched Collett's via the website and liked how it sounded. Once we made contact, the staff were efficient and friendly. You have put together an amazing group of young people who were helpful, courteous, casual but professional at the same time. They worked well as a team and were always willing to assist and engage with people much older than themselves. Your staff are a credit to you and the Collett's name.
We arrived on the Staff Day Off and earlier than expected. We found a welcome note at the Verena from Seb to ring him (Phone provided) which we did, he duly came back shortly afterwards and made us feel immensely welcome, offering us a drink and making time to talk us through everything, before then taking us onto our self catering apartment and providing us with a welcome basket of a few essentials. Nothing seemed too much trouble, even though it was his day off. All the staff made us very welcome at the Chalet despite us being in SC accommodation all introduced themselves first time they saw us and made us very welcome at the chalet at all times.
We were encouraged to come to the Verena for Office Hour where crisps/snacks were made available and in general the hospitality of all staff was excellent.
This trip was just a holiday for us, Staff appreciated this and despite use not doing much other than enjoying ourselves, where possible they offered advice so we got to enjoy as much as possible.
All round great service for start to finish in UK and when on site. Your team do you a great credit.
Austria next month and Wife is keen to return next year to Dolomites again booked accommodation with yourselves.
Why Collett's? From the initial inquiry to our goodbyes leaving the Dolomites, customer service was superb!
We all really enjoyed our holiday in the Dolomites - the scenery was beautiful, the staff incredibly friendly and helpful, the chalet was clean and ideally located, the food was amazing and the walks were great!
Just put mountain walking holidays into Google, found Collett's and it seemed to be just right for us.
Very helpful on some specific questions about local travel as we organised our own travel right to Badia, by train and bus. I had a text from you just after we reached Hotel Melodia at about the time we had indicated. We then fixed to walk to House Valentin at 6 which was a very pleasant welcome. Hotel Melodia met or exceeded all our expectations. It was excellent in every respect.
We largely organised our own walks and activities but visited at Office Hour on three evenings during our week, which was very enjoyable and staff were very helpful in suggesting some walks and providing laminates.
We arrived late on Tuesday and missed the daily meeting, but we were called to arrange a meeting on Wednesday morning which was very good. All the staff we met were really friendly and helpful. The information and route suggestions were great. I wanted a holiday in the Dolomites and your website came up. We were impressed by the information so we decided to book. Value for money? It was quite expensive, but the quality was excellent so yes. I read through the brochure and may try Austria.
After staying last year in Angelo we made a couple of comments & were pleased to see that you had taken notice e.g. putting a shower curtain in the room & offering porridge for breakfast - thank you!!
You are the only company that give so much flexibility, I walk & Richard can cycle or we can do our own walk - perfect
I was interested in going to the Dolomites but wanted a group trip in case my teenage daughters didn't want to come but they did and loved the experience!
We had a great time in Badia, that was made possible by the friendly and enthusiastic staff. It was our second holiday with Collett's and once again we were impressed by all the organisation. If you want to be on a holiday with like minded people Collett's are a good choice.
Our second time with Collett's and we weren't disappointed. The transfer, the friendly welcome, the walks, the accommodation and the food were excellent. All the staff work as a team to ensure we all had a great holiday. Top marks all round.
Chris was very knowledgeable & thorough with the self guided routes &maps plus additional info such as bus times. He put all my concerns to rest.
The hut to Hut routes & plans were excellent. The hut to Hut tour was right in the area I wanted to explore & it was the perfect level for my first solo trek. Good support, but plenty of independence. I was very impressed with the kind hospitality & professionalism of all the staff I came into contact with.
Yet another great success - holiday care of Collett's. Thank you. I had a fabulous time in Corvara. The combination of staying in the Hotel Panarma, joining everyone in Chalet Angelo for office hour and evening meal was brilliant.
Your chalet staff are a credit to the company. Helpful, hugely enthusiastic, competent and extremely nice. Well done the team! The weather was interesting the week I was there! An unexpected snow storm one night put pay to much of the following days itinerary. The wild flowers certainly had suffered and it was very noticeable that the local farmers had struggled to make hay this year.
Book again another year?! Silly question. Definitely!
The professional image of the website determined our decision to go with Collett's for our holiday.
It would have been nice to receive the hard copy of the itinerary, guest handbook, maps and route prior to our departure for us to vet. We live in Australia, and were told on the 15th June that these would be posted to us, however, we had already left for Europe by that stage so only received the maps and route on arrival.
All staff were exceptional in their positive, friendly and professional manner. Having known nothing about Collett's other than your website and email communication, it immediately put us at ease with the company with which we were dealing. We did the hut-to-hut. All accommodation venues were fantastic.
We wanted to do hut-to-hut walking and preferably self-guided so we researched the internet. There were a number of companies offering holidays, however the Collett's website reflected a professional image which determined our decision.
Our 7 day Hut-to-Hut walk was one of the best holidays we have had. Although it was self-guided and coming from Australia we had no idea of what to expect, the route information, maps and friendly assistance from the Collett's staff ensured that we well equipped for the week. Thank you.
A great week spent in the Dolomites. The enthusiastic staff, walk itineraries, accommodation and scenery were superb.
It was wonderful. The staff were young but knowledgeable enthusiastic and very competent. We will be booking another Collett's holiday and recommending them to all our friends.
Our flight was cancelled and we had to rebook from a different UK airport to arrive in Treviso, not Marco Polo, too late to be picked up. Viv at Colletts HQ was extremely helpful, advising us that a day in Treviso was in fact a bonus (she was right), recommending a perfect hotel (Continental) and rearranging the airport pick up. We arrived at Chalet Haus Valentin a day later than planned, on the staff day off, but we were met, shown to our lovely room and then accompanied into the village and shown the restaurants. This standard of care was maintained throughout the holiday - the staff were exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed the Chalet experience. We mainly prefer self-guiding, but the chance to discuss walks with staff and other guests was really helpful and the laminated route cards were great. We did the guided wildflower walk with David which was wonderful - he had extensive knowledge but also knew where to find some secret treasures! The food was delicious and the magically topped up carafes of wine were greatly appreciated.
Thank you - we hope to see you next year.
Because of injury on the way to Corvara, my wife wasn't able to join in with the walks but we still both had a really excellent holiday. The area is ideal for walkers, cyclists, climbers, Via Ferrata, flower lovers and those just wanting to take in the scenery.
Breathtaking views in all directions.
We stayed in Hotel Panorama which I'd recommend to anyone. The hotel is comfortable, the staff welcoming and attentive and the food is truly excellent ... top class.
Staff enthusiasm and knowledge at Angelo was unbelievable. They work so well as a team. Food was always outstanding. Didn't go on WW1 walk as they were not available at this time but the knowledge of some of the staff was remarkable, i.e. Jack and Dan on the Col Di Lana walk.
We had a really wonderful time with you at Angelo Chalet in Corvara. From the minute that we were met at the airport we were able to switch off and relax. The staff were so welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. They work so well as a team, producing a comfortable atmosphere the whole time. The evening meals were excellent and we found the office hour to be a really sociable occasion. The area and the walks were fantastic. So pleased that we booked for the fortnight rather than a week.
We enjoyed the food on the whole, it was great to sit with other guests and chat, the wine was free flowing and attention by hosts at the table was excellent. There was plenty of food at both breakfast and dinner. The welcome at office hour and serving of drinks was a lovely touch.
General Comments: We had an absolutely fantastic holiday in the Dolomites with Collets , we have not holidayed like this before, we normally self cater and we really enjoyed the company of the other guests and the hosts . The hosts were all excellent at Chalet Verena and also those we came into contact with from chalets. They really seem to enjoy yet heir job and seem to enjoy the contact with the guests.
We had an absolutely fantastic holiday in the Dolomites with Collett's , we have not holidayed like this before, we normally self cater and we really enjoyed the company of the other guests and the hosts . The hosts were all excellent at Chalet Verena and also those we came into contact with from chalets. They really seem to enjoy yet heir job and seem to enjoy the contact with the guests
The hosts were so lovely and welcoming at office hour and so enthusiastic and informative. Our first accompanied walk which included WW1 hospital was led by a host Jack who seemed a little unsure of the route especially toward send of walk. However he was very enthusiatsic and Ailsa who also accompanied us and was in her first week with Collets was charming, attentive and showed great concern for her guests - especially as I had commented that I had a foot injury and was finding some of the walking difficult, she remembered to enquire throughout our holiday and show concern. She also engaged so enthusiastically with us whenever we encountered her.
Our second walk - Lake to Lake - we drive to Haus Valentin to meet the rest of thr group but message had not been passed to Caroline so when we phoned her the walk was underway, however she retraced her steps to meet up with us,was extremely apologetic and charming and attentive excellent company throughout the walk. Absolutely lovely!
I saw an article in the Waitrose weekly paper about walking in the Dolomites by Clare Balding and I looked up companies that provided such holidays, and the holiday she detailed looked like what you had to offer. I lived the way your staff were so helpful on the phone and the website was excellent.
short break in Corvara, Chalet Angelo. Very friendly and welcoming place to stay, staff were extremely attentive to your needs and nothing was too much effort. Breakfast and dinner was served at a good quality, with plenty of decent wine in the evening. Generally a very good place to stay to enjoy the amazing Dolomites!
The chalet we paid for was not available but we have now been reimbursed with the difference in cost , for which many thanks. Our holiday was most enjoyable and I would book with Colletts again. All staff members were friendly and helpful, patient, enthusiastic and overflowing with flower knowledge!
Excellent reputation and information prior to booking - We would like to thank you for a most enjoyable holiday in a stunning location. The enthusiasm of the staff was a great tonic and the help and advice we received was excellent. We cannot wait to return!
Five of us spent last week in Chalet Angelo, Corvara doing Via Ferrata. No probs - enthusiastic, friendly/efficient staff - great food (our 2 vegetarians well catered for) plus wines & beers. It was interesting to meet experts doing courses in flowers or painting etc. We hired a car through Avis at Marco Polo airport and found it invaluable in reaching various starting points for VF's - the Cicerone guide is pretty hazy - Collett's laminated routes are better but not infallible - I guess the main risk is where ropes are frayed or bolts are hanging loose in the wall but none of this is a show-stopper provided you have climbing partners around. Seems to me that soloing the bigger routes is possible but you need to watch the weather - avoid being high up after 4.00pm, plus the rock varies - you probably need to be climbing at severe/VS if you want to solo. One warning about Marco Polo hire-cars - the airport's a building site - it took us ages to find the rental desks (3rd floor) then even longer trying to get out of the multi-story. Next time I'll try Treviso...
Thank you for the atmosphere and the slick way your business operates. For us, as a couple from NZ, it was especially good to meet up with others who have similar interests. The enthusiasm of the young staff members was also great.
Pete Critchlow was extremely helpful before our departure with knowledge about the walks and general information.
I had to ring up to ask for the handbook, 10 days prior to our departure. Office Hour was a great way to meet staff and people in a friendly, informal environment. All the staff we met were an important part of the holiday. Knowledgeable, fun, friendly and helpful. We had a marvelous time, and have recommended Collett's to other people. We are planning to do a Collett's trip to Wensleydale next year.
A good place to stay; wonderful staff, pleasant welcome, friendly atmosphere, great rooms and hearty food. Location is convenient for registration, start and finish locations.
Be aware that Pension Angelo is a short 16% climb up from the town.
Low Level Walking, Moderate Level Walking, Wildflower Walks, Via Ferrata, Mountain Scenery..
The right combination of location, arrival day and duration, and freedom to join groups or go independently - exceeded expectations.
My transfer, in total, took 9 hours including 5.5 hours wait at Marco Polo. The meet and greet arrangement appeared rather haphazard and I only made contact by chance. I would suggest a Collett's penant or similar that is more obvious than a clipboard which was, in any case, absent at the allotted meeting time. I arrived in Corvara absolutely shattered after arising at 03.00 hours BST to the usual very warm welcome from Collett's staff. Partly as a result of my fatigue, I developed a cold and chest infection which somewhat ruined my holiday. This, of course, is no fault of Collett's and just my misfortune. I couldn't fault anything about the holiday, good food, great company and brilliant staff. Whoever selects them deserves a large bonus! Just one suggestion: it would have been appreciated, on a day when temperatures were over 30 degrees C, if complimentary water might have been provided on the mini bus.
The welcome was honest not put on, and the team even checked with us on the day to check everything was going ok. The team were very helpful and eager to please, to make sure we had a great day each day. Why Collett's? Appeared to offer help with planning our days. Actual help exceeded expectations!
Low Level Walking, Moderate Level Walking, High Level Walking, Wildflower Walks, Mountain Scenery - Attracted by professionalism and helpfulness of initial contacts, along with excellence of website. Collett's provided exactly what I was looking for, namely guided walking and an excellent hotel, along with the ease of a Venice add-on. The Venice hotel (Locanda Orseolo) recommended by Collett's was an absolute gem, and only a couple of minutes from San Marco. And it was a delight to stay at the Panorama Hotel in Corvara for 11 nights.
Meals were fantastic - much better than we were expecting
Packed lunches could perhaps include something a bit more interesting. We ended up just ordering a roll every day rather than the snack pack, but the rolls were very tasty!
Thanks to all the staff for making our holiday exceptional!
Staff were very friendly and welcoming and gave good recommendations on the type of activities we were after. Showed real interest in our days activities at office hours as well as other general chats during the day. A great team of people.
The mountains make the holiday spectacular but it's the accommodation and staff that make the holiday so relaxing. This was my sixth Collet's holiday and I've always found the staff friendly and enthusiastic.
Excellent staff, service, and hotel Panorama, food to die for! Hiking in the Dolomites, Corvara region, was superb. Collects staff were so helpful on all hikes in the region, and the office hour really helped you decide easy, moderate, or go long distance. Nothing was to much trouble, and Caroline as manager, helped us even print off our boarding details! To all our new hiking buddies, thank you for the experience, and Mike from Brighton, we love your pink hiking shorts! Xo
We wanted to walk in the Dolomites and to have freedom to choose whether to go on a guided walk or to walk independently but have access to walking route maps.
And we like the idea of meeting like minded people.
Excellent self-catering accommodation in a fantastic location - Corvara.
Staff were very helpful with advice and information for planning our walks and via ferrata expeditions.
Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday.
Our Colletts holiday in Chalet Verena, Dolomites was superb.
All the staff without exception were wonderful - very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Food was excellent (thanks to John and Tracy!)
Will definitely book with Colletts again and thoroughly recommend them.
Thanks to everyone!
A great holiday. Excellent location, with professional & personable staff. Good food. Sociable. Wide range of walks at different levels, can be tailored on a daily basis to suit circumstances. Very impressed by Collett's.
Thanks to Caroline and all the crew at Chalet Angelo we had a great time very well run nothing to much trouble always there to help with advise on walks at any fitness levels.Would recommend Colletts
All of the staff were execeptionaly friendly and helpful - a credit to the company
The only thing we were not aware of that would have been useful was that when we arrived on the Saturday the shops had already closed & were not open until the Monday - a bit tricky for self catering. Expected more to be open as it was when I came in the ski season. But was OK with having breakfasts & packed lunches in the chalet.
Had been out for a ski holiday & wanted to see Corvara in the summer. To come with Colletts again was first choice. Like the format of the Guided activities.
Enjoyed being able to choose different levels of walks depending on how we felt each day & having different company / guides each time. Good to have the knowledge of the staff about the walks & areas at office hour.
The Staff were all happy & enthusiastic, loved what the were doing & the area. Which helped everyone mix & get along. Certainly we walked further than we would have on our own.
The accommodation was very good (Chalet Verena), the chalet hosts - John & Tracy were excellent - as was the food.
There were four in our party, and between us we took advantage of the harder and easier walks (all walks very good and well led), the flower walks (probably a little early in the season - but there were plenty of yellow, blue and purple flowers out all the same!). And the icing on the cake? A very memorable Sella Ronda by bike - absolutely rained cats & dogs, but that didn't stop not one but two staff coming out to guide me round. Outstanding.
Can't wait to come back.
The organisers were all so charming and enthusiastic - it was their input that made the holiday so enjoyable for us. Our special thanks to Henry and Jack.
We did this tour in 2014 so this is a very late entry but for anyone thinking of doing this particular itinerary all I can say is - go for it, it's a fantastic 6 days in the beautiful Dolomites. In early July the weather was cool and snow was still lying in quantity; together with my wife's imaginative diversions we had what felt like a pretty adventurous few days. Needless to say, the arrangements worked brilliantly; Rif Biella (wonderfully remote) and Rif Laverella (Finish sauna) were hut highlights. The walking is tough in places with a few 'scrambly' sections but more a vigorous day in the Lake District than Crib Goch.
The staff were great, swapping a bed over once and being genuinely friendly. We had previously stayed self catering with Collett's but enjoyed getting to know other guests in the chalet and socialising more. The location, activities and friendliness of the staff meant we had another truly memorable holiday that all 4 off us will remember a long time.
Thoroughly enjoyed our Collett's holiday - thank you. It was really well organised with plenty of variety and options, allowing us to reach areas in the Dolomites that we would never have found on our own. Self catering was perfect for our family of four
We were a grownup family of 6, each person thought the holiday was one of the best they had enjoyed. The "huts" were very welcoming and standards were high for that type of accommodation . Thank you.
Excellent holiday, thorough organisation by staff who were helpful with every detail from booking to leaving. Scenery in Dolomites was more than stunning. Huts were welcoming and food great in each one. Thank you.
I was impressed with how quickly emails were answered and issues dealt with. Thankyou. Throughly enjoyed our Colletts holiday thankyou. It was really well organised with plenty of variety and options, allowing us to reach areas in the Dolomites that we would never have found on our own. Self catering was perfect for our family of four.
I stayed at Chalet Haus Valentin in September 2015.
It was a perfect holiday for me as a single traveller.
The chalet staff were hard working, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and really helpful at all times.
My single room was clean and comfortable with a great view.
The walking (group and self guided) was varied and well paced.
Evening meals with other guests helped everyone to socialise, over generous food
Great value for the money, fantastic location, flexibility, airport transfers available, great reviews on website!!!
Our week at Haus Valentin will live in memory for a very long time. The Collett's team who hosted us there were outstanding, helping the ever-changing roll-call of guests to immerse themselves in the warmth and camaraderie we enjoyed and to get the best from their time in these wonderful mountain landscapes. Guests of all ages and staff helped each other, to the advantage of all. We were very good-humoured and a boisterous crew at times (the wine at dinner helped); our holiday was unforgettable, in the best way. Many, many thanks!
All the Collett's staff who hosted us during our stay at Haus Valentin were a great credit to the company, themselves and to their parents; we would have been very proud if they had been part of our own family.
We will recommend Collett's unreservedly to our many fellow-walkers and intend to return ourselves.
Third time with Colletts in the Dolomites. Walks catered for all abilities and tastes and the 'leaders' showed infinite patience. Food in Haus Valentin was excellent. Could be trip number 4 next year!
Your crew this season were a great bunch. Warm, welcoming, professional, and fun. Kudos on your hiring techniques! I have no complaints about the food, which reminded me of home cooking. If you ask me how to rate the value of the food, I would say excellent. The flexibility of participation options, plus you offer an attractive English-speaking environment.
The staff were really outstanding: helpful, concerned about any problems and willing to sort them out as well as friendly and capable.
Office staff (Viv Wilkins) was super efficient and answered queries very quickly as well as adding helpful information without being asked. We also appreciated the leeway readily given when a glitch delayed the payment of our deposit for a few days beyond the due date.
We had already decided on a week in the Dolomites between the end of one tour in Tuscany and another in Rome. We're a couple with significantly different walking abilities and the program offered choices which suited both of us plus assistance in undertaking the walks. Access to self-catering was also a factor
So nice to have a holiday where everthing goes to plan and a big part of that was the people at Colletts in Corvara who couldn't have been any kinder or more helpful.
Although we stayed in a self catering apartment we did make a effort to meet staff and guests at night over a few drinks just for the chit-chat and find out how everybodies day went,a nice way to wind down after a walk.
A big thank you to all the staff for making our holiday so memorable.
Well done Colletts.
Your staff members at the chalet were wonderful. WE missed the guided WWI walk but the prepared walk itinerary suffices. Adam gave us excellent advice about the walk. The staff let us know about any exposed or sketchy sections on the trail when we walked on our own. We only did one guided walk.
We will be back for sure - maybe not Corvara but other destinations. OK maybe Corvara too!! :) Thanks for a great holiday.
Collett's was a recommendation from friends and also following on from recent holiday in Ehrwald. I did not participate in guided walks - but with advice from your staff was able to access outstanding views and manageable trails. Could not have been better.
Although we were self catering in Corvara we did enjoy some of the organised walks which were great.We also made the effort for the office hour meetings at night catching up with people and staff over a few drinks and what they had done during the day,a pleasant way to unwind after a walk.
I cant thank Collett's and all the staff enough, what a grand job you all do, it made our holiday so special.Big thanks also to Beatrice who looked after us at Chalet Angelika.
Corvara is a great base with plenty to do whether hillwalking,climbing,via ferrata,road cycling or mountain biking so much to choose from.
Snowed on or first day and snowed on our last day don't know how you managed to arrange the 12 days of great weather in-between.
Keep up the good work and thanks for everything
Our third holiday with Colletts - great group of like minded people, excellent walks and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.
Just back from one of the best weeks ever. My first completely (slightly nervously booked) solo hols at 35 years old meant I was welcomed by enthusiastic staff, a lovely room and really good support pre booking and travelling there despite booking this 2 days before I left. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff be it yummy food, (jack n jane) the sparkling and knowledgable conversation on the trails (Katy Seb n Ric) or the encouragement to learn new skills (Beth n Josh).. Plus an efficient check in by Rachel and being made not to feel too stupid as I got picked up off the floor during a hiking boot failure incident maybe fuelled by beer (Adam). Defo recommend this place for solo travellers - the ski season may be full of younger people - I wouldn't know but more needs to be made of the solo summer traveller as I found the other guests great company on the trials . We particularly enjoyed the lovely sauna area post hiking. Thank you for a lovely end to my summer of 2015 collettes.
Our stay in with Collett's in the Dolomites was amazing, the hiking was fantastic, so much more than we expected. The staff at Hotel Verona was exceptional making us feel welcome and at home. We will definitely be returning. Thank you for such a wonderful holiday.
Our third holiday with Colletts - great group of like minded people, excellent walks and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.
Just returned from a week in Corvara. Had a superb time, really friendly and knowledgeable staff, Chalet was clean, walks really well organised, well looked after. will be booking again with Collett's.
The destinations were brilliant and showed beautifully in images on the website. The flexibility of self guided and guided tours was great. The welcome basket was lovely - such a great touch.
A massive thank you to Chris, Adam, Andy, Beth and the rest of the awesome team out at Verena, in the Italian dolomites at the moment. They were all so welcoming, great to chat to and really helpful. Thank you!!
From the website, it looked like it would have everything we wanted. It did, we can't wait to return when the wildflowers are in bloom.
You could have provided more details on the touch points (cities and towns) for those of us driving from the UK Midlands. You must know the good routes and the bad ones given that each season you take your own vans back to the UK. Local knowledge and experience can be priceless.
The team working at the Pension Angelo are just an super bunch of human beings. They throw themselves at their respective roles/jobs and nothing is too much trouble. The restaurant team performed minor miracles every evening. Please extend my thanks. See also my comments on Tripadvisor.
A great team operating in unison with very little visible supervision. To be commended - FIVE STARS ALL ROUND !!!
Best source of information on the web.
Very good and timely comms from the Collett's management team.
Transparent booking system and effective and timely comms throughout the booking cycle.
100% Value for money! I even put on weight even though we thrashed around the mountains and on VFs every day.
Lots of practical advice and help in deciding travel details there- having someone on the phone made it much more personal. V accommodating short notice. Staff very helpful, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be on the trails with. Understand the reasons for no guided vf (maybe change questionnaire as it is no longer an option) but this would be great if could be restored as missed out on doing this on the week. A guided day on the new climbing wall could be an added extra tour for those wanting to try climbing for first time.
A friend suggested Collett's - said I'd get on with the staff and definitely did.
We would like to give a big thank you to all the staff for being so helpful and making us feel at home. Our accommodations were perfect and we loved the location being right in the town, everything was close by. The hiking was spectacular - so much more than we expected! We will definitely be coming back. We wish that everyone could experience the Dolomites as we did!
Our neighbors had an excellent experience with Collett's last year and we were sure that we would enjoy a similar hiking vacation. The information and pictures on the website were very helpful and motivational. When I needed more information, I could contact your staff easily.
Any contact I made through emails was promptly and helpfully responded to - the details about travel to Corvara and the Collett office were amazingly accurate and helpful.
We were made to feel welcome and at ease from the minute that Cam opened the door to us. As it was the next to last week of the season, I would expect the staff to be burning out… but they were all fresh and open to all we asked and needed. The weather turned cool the day we arrived and as we were in a self-catered apartment we had no heat -- it was a bit cool, but perhaps we are softies from America.
Office Hour is a grand way to bond with other guests and compare notes on hikes - The way that the drinks and snacks are handled was trusting and easy, adding to the general good will. Staff was always available and helpful.
We live in the Colorado San Juan Mountains and found the Dolomites quite different and breathtaking! The many groomed paths, refugios, and lifts made walking and hiking a joy -- We will recommend this vacation to all our mountain friends!
We liked the idea of a chalet style holiday in the summer - previously we had only done this whilst skiing. We had a great time and all the staff were brilliant - so helpful and well informed.
Really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff who gave good information about the walks and what to expect. Staff kept the groups together walking at the speed of the slowest person and showed plenty of encouragement. Had looked at several companies, but chose colletts as they offered what we were looking for.
Thank you for a great holiday, well organised, friendly, helpful.
Thanks for a wonderful holiday.we are in our seventies and enjoyed the company of younger walkers during the evening meal and office hour.
We planned our own walks with the staff's excellent help. We loved exploring the well marked footpaths around Corvara that gave us views and more views! We even found edelweiss and many other autumn wildflowers.
I liked the "feel" of the web site and when speaking to the office team I was very impressed. All staff were superb. Katie and team at Angelo, Adam for driving, Jon for the WW1 information (fantastic) and UK based Viv and Kelly particularly. All patient, informative and empathetic.
The staff attended each office hour and were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. In addition the staff were interested in the guests and their backgrounds etc
We tended to undertake self organised hikes however the staff were interested in our self guided walks and provided advice when asked. We observed the staff dealing with other guests who were joining the organised walks and the system seemed well organised. The chalet atmosphere with like minded people appealed to us and we were able to join organised walks or not as we liked or preferred.
We found the atmosphere at Chalet Angelo wonderful and informal. The staff were all enthusiastic and welcoming and were interested in the guests. Of particular note was the evening meal arrangement with the communal tables which allowed wonderful interaction with other guests and staff. All staff were excellent and a joy to be with and hosts Claire and Alan along with Katie made the experience tremendous
Hi, I am 21 and went on a Collett's holiday to the Dolomites on my own. Everyone, staff and other guests, were very friendly and I made many friends. You wont get lonely or bored on this holiday that's for sure. There were so many great walks available every day it was difficult to choice only one each time. The accommodation was great too. I stayed in the Monti Pallidi B&B just a 1 minute walk away from Collett's chalet in Corvara. The B&B was exceedingly tidy, served a great breakfast, and the staff were very welcoming and always ready to help and advise me. I will definitely be going back next summer. Can't wait!
Breakfast perhaps could have been improved with some more hot food options. Maps on route laminates were not very easy to make out. Perhaps a larger scale map marked with the route would be more helpful. Saw an advert for the brochure in a magazine. Once we received the brochure it was clear that the holiday was exactly what we were looking for for our first trip to the Dolomites.
The website could have more details about the various villages (Corvara, Badia) and living options. The office staff were very helpful, courteous, appeared anxious for us to have a great experience.
Adam drove us both ways (to Marco Polo) on extremely difficult mountain roads. He was a terrific driver and asked about our needs (e.g., bathroom, food). The trip to/from was thus very pleasant.
Andy oriented us in a concise but informative way. It was a terrific start to the vacation. The rooms were much better than we expected. The food was fantastic - every meal. The staff were cordial, humorous, and enjoyable in every way.
Collett's Flexibility: 4 people in our group, and arriving on different days, from different places. There was a variety of activities, from painting (which I will have to return to experience) to Via Ferrata (for the younger people in the group) to mountain biking - as well as easy, moderate, hard walks. We particularly wanted to go to the Dolomites and Collett's offered flexibility.
Value for money?:
We were most impressed with the staff - friendly, knowledgeable, appeared genuinely interested in us having a terrific time - accommodations, and food. The mountains were spectacular. On top of this, the other people in the chalet were wonderful - we so enjoyed getting to know them on walks and during meals. We also enjoyed Corvara, a small town but with shops to explore.
3 cheers for the staff: Rachel, Becca, Holly, Andy, Josh, Adam, and of course Chris, who was a wonderful manager.
Kris and I with our friends from Sydney had an awesome one week Walking Holiday. We stayed at Panorama Hotel. The most beautiful valley in the world!! The food was excellent as well as the walking tours. The staff were excellent. We met at 5:00pm on a daily basis at Verena where all tours were fully explained. The walks ranged between Easy, Moderate and Difficult. Your choice!! The World War I Walk was very challenging but absolutely awesome. What a sense of achievement for me!! Will hopefully return again sometime to do some more walking ????????
You undersell yourself! for example I was not aware from reviewing the website that you offer road cycling at Chalet Angelo. as a keen cyclist I would have brought my cycling stuff had i known!
We arrived at dinner time - we were given the opportunity to freshen up, our dinner was kept warm and served with a smile, we were given advice on walks etc the following day even though we had missed office hour. The WW1 walks and talks were so interesting but, rather like your offer of road cycling, not really apparent from the website. John was fantastic, so knowledgable and engaging, my teenage sons were fascinated.
It is such a shame you can no longer offer via ferrata guided/escorted trips but Ric was extremely helpful whislt making it clear it was at our own risk.
Convenient self catered accommodation - i had no idea when booking that you offered guided walks/information/road cycling/WW1 history walks - these were all a bonus! The Angelo staff were excellent, particularly Rachel, Rick, Adam and Omar. I was too sad to say good bye to them when we left and had to disappear off (having paid my bar bill - don't worry!) without seeing them.
Very informative brochure, but slightly confusing layout. When you know what is on offer you can easily understand it, but as a first-timer, can be quite hard to distill the information easily. For instance, one of the other guests we met did not even know that you could stay at a hotel instead of a chalet!
I think the actual handbook itself is excellent, but being totally web-based, I found locating the driving/arrival instructions tricky. I just went round and round in web circles In the end, I phoned up and was sent the proper link by one of your office colleagues. Once I had it, the driving guide for how to get out of/into Marco Polo airport was invaluable. I'm all for saving paper, but I think arrival driving instructions are essential and should be directly emailed directly for each holiday.
Every member of the family could do their own thing at their own pace. Our 16 year old son discovered biking in the mountains and absolutely loved it!
The Panorama hotel is an absolute gem - the food in the evenings was consistently some of the best we have ever had and the pool/spa centre is really very nice too.
Great first holiday with Collett's. Every member of the family wanted it to go on for longer and I'm sure we will return to the Dolomites!
We heard of Colletts via a friend John Lamb who stayed at Haus Vantentin at the same time as we did.
Wonderful arrival and departure greetings by Alison and departure by Alison and Max. Always made to feel welcome and helpful on walks.
Excellent service and advice from people who care!
We were later than we anticipated so the welcome was really pleasant and the welcome pack uplifting -much appreciated!
We had 5 nights in Verena Apartment and 2 nights in Ciasa Verena.The welcome and encouragement to use office hour was great allowing us to get to know staff and guests and plan our next day. We did a mixture of self-guided hikes and group hikes.
We really liked the flexibility of accommodation options available and no pressure options of accompanied walks or self guided.
Wanted a holiday in the Dolomites, saw your advert online and was very impressed
The timing of the transfers weren't pariticularly suitable as we had long waits at the airport, especially on the return journey.
Overall, myself and all other members of our party, were very impressed with the holiday in total. All the staff were very friendly and helpful, with a special mention for Danni.
Hotel Panorama is of an excellent standard compared with other Tyrolian Hotels we've stayed at. Staff are first class, food excellent (although too much at times with the pre-dinner events). The rooms are adequate but not untypical. Our only complaint is Collets should inform customers that the hotel is over a 100 metres in ascent/descent to the town. This is a VERY steep climb and might be a problem for some non-walking guests who are accompanying a partner who is a walker. The staff were more than willing to discuss routes and we found this the best way to plan a walk.
This was our first experience of an organised walking holiday. (having previously "done our own thing" in Austria many times) Overall we have very positive feelings about our holiday because we're sure we would not have experienced the variety of locations and types of walks had we been on our own. The WW1 expert was an added bonus as well. Well done for having such a helpful and enthusiastic staff who made our holiday so enjoyable.
The reception hosts at the Haus Valentin where outstanding friendly and informative with attention to detail, I was impressed that even though I was a late arrival and missed any talks, the Hut to Hut people made a clear point of seeking me out to chat about my routes starting the next morning.
When I return I would with out doubt look at staying at Haus Valentin or other chalets you have, the atmosphere and friendliness was great.
Though I was on a Hut to Hut walk and had changed some of the routes given to take in harder and via feratta routes, the information and advice given by the hosts was good and useful to be able to have an insight from members of your team who had completed the routes and inform me of any possible dangers I may face or difficulties on the route due to recent rock fall etc.
I have been on holidays before with you to the dolomites and Yorkshire, I find your staff very informative and helpful. I trust your company for the trips that you offer and the high standards set by the company.
After a long search for a company that provided value for the money I was spending you could not be beaten. The arrangements you made for my trip took a lot of pressure away from booking, giving excellent value for money.
Hut to Hut was excellent, I hope you can extend the walks a little longer and take in more huts or maybe the Alt Via 1 with some assistance with moving some personal belongings to the odd hut to make carrying equipment easier.
We have previously booked a holiday with Colletts which we really enjoyed. We wanted to bring our kids to the same area for an active holiday in a beautiful area.
Good Road instructions from Venice Treviso using hired car. We arrived a little later in Corvara than estimated but were immediately made to feel welcome by Matt who showed us to the Verena Apartment right next door to Caisa Verena. A lovely welcome pack with essentials (tea, milk etc. awaited us). The apartment was homely and just right for our needs. Later in the week we moved into the Chalet for two nights. Throughout our stay we were encouraged to come and be part of the Verena Chalet at all times. Office hour was most useful for planning the next days activities. Thankyou to all the staff (Matt,Holly,Andy,Josh,Beth, Chris,Danni,Cam,Omar and the catering staff) for your welcome and friendship,hard work,good food and encouragement during our stay in the beautiful Dolomites. Also many thanks to John and his wonderful WW1 walk and Talk a real educational experience. We did a mixture of group walks and self guided hikes. All the information, walk sheets and advice was most helpful and contributed to making our holiday special. Hope to come back soon.
Adam was very prompt in picking us up and made sure we were in our accommodation successfully. He kept in contact to pick us up and let us know that we could have an extra 10 minutes in bed before our early 6 am pick up time.
Isabelle Johnston's WW1 walk was very interesting and she went out of her way to pick us up from a local bus stop.
Advised that Italian public transport cannot always be relied upon and I did not wish to miss the only bus to the mountains in the morning so the airport transfer gave us peace of mind. I booked the transfer quite late as I had been trying to make arrangements for the bus but could not get up to date timetable therefore Colletts removed this unnecessary worry and we spent a couple of hours sightseeing before being picked up.
My husband did the booking with you, and after each contact would comment how helpful and friendly everyone had been. Have to praise chalet chef Claire for her amazing cooking, a real highlight of our stay. The staff knowledge and passion for the Dolomites shone through. The walks varied with some being much better than others in their construction and especially variety. Together we did 1 together and 3 separately. We felt Katy and Rick particularly helpful when helping us put our own walks together.
Being at your own risk when walking was made clear at every briefing along with making sure we had packed all the listed items.Our guides, Cal, Holly, Rick and Katy made sure we waited at junctions and did regular guest counts.
You are the key provider of Chalet walking holidays in the Dolomites and were very helpful when making the initial enquiries.
The Chalet staff absolutely made all the difference, their passion and enthusiasm for the mountains was inspiring, but is was their warmth and friendliness along with fabulous food that made the chalet feel like home.
We had a very good conversation with Pete (?) on the phone and he advised us toward Verena. This turned out to be a very good decision given our circumstances – Angelo would have been hard work for us. Not sure that we would have made the same decision if we had just looked at the website.
The transfer from the airport was in a very comfortable VW but the return was in a much more utilitarian minibus (forget the make now maybe Fiat or Renault) – not so comfortable, noisy and harder to see out of. I would not do the transfer option again if I knew it was that vehicle again.
Food for dinner was generally very good except for one night when the risotto went wrong. One area that could be improved was the lack of white bread. There was a choice between a very nice fresh white load and a brown caraway seed type. The white ran out very quickly and sometimes the brown did as well. When there are teenage boys around, you cannot have too much bread (and white seems preferred). Running out of bread seems a poor show, especially when people have been walking in the mountains all day.
Our first time with Colletts and office hour was a really good feature. Worked very well. On the Lagazoui tunnel walk, it would be good to highlight that there is a quite a long walk up to the entrance to the tunnels. This came as a bit of a surprise, but not a problem.
I saw an advert in Big Issue and thought that any company that is socially concerned enough to advertise there must be worth investigating. Turned out to be a very good decision!
Overall a really good experience. Your staff at the Chalet were all great but Cameron, Danni and Andy stand out to me as fantastically engaged and positive representatives of the company. They were always prepared to go the extra mile for us.
We've always been self catering on holidays with Collett's, however we previously ate frequently at the hotel. We didn't do so on this holiday however as we couldn't choose our meals (in the Picos and Pyranees there was a choice of three for each course). I know the situation is different in the Dolomites, but just would have been more inclined to eat there had there been options.
The staff were really helpful, but we did prefer the set up in the Pyrenees and Picos where the people leading the walks the next day were the ones at office hour. Appreciate the set up is different in the Dolomites, but that was only thing preventing us rating as outstanding!
Staff were really helpful, particularly Chris, Matt and Andy for advice on self guided via ferratas, and Dani was outstanding in recommending walks for each of our group as well as helping us with self guided walks.
As ever we really enjoyed the holiday! On balance we preferred the close knit atmosphere in the Picos and Pyranees, but the accessibility and variety of walks on offer in the Dolomites was amazing.
Collett's were recommended by friends. Also, the ability to travel from our local airport and to be picked up on the day of our choice at Venice were massive factors in our decision.
I would have thought an Office Half Hour just prior to the evening meal would have sufficed. We sometimes after hard hikes were not washed and dressed prior to Office hour.With guests arriving on different days of the week it means that the program of harder hikes can easily fail to be of an order to suit clients needs – e.g. our first hike was on a Monday then we were faced with the choice of climbing Sassongher, a major peak, on the day after, or not climbing it during our week's visit.
Thanks to Cat, Max, Tim, Alison, Charlie and Hannah and everyone else involved with Chalet Haus Valentin.
I booked our holiday over the phone and was dealt with efficiently and in a friendly fashion each time I called. We were looking for Low Level Walking, Moderate Level Walking, High Level Walking & Mountain Scenery.
We had a stressful arrival because KLM lost our luggage! The staff at the chalet couldn't have been more helpful. They chased up our luggage, lent us clothes and boots so we didn't have to miss out on the walking and generally tried to cheer me up!
We had a hire car and could drive to other walks as necessary, however, one day we went in the minibus not realizing we would be charged €20. We would have taken our car if we had known. Maybe staff could advise guests prior to booking transportation how much it would cost? On one occasion I think the group size was too large for only one leader and we had an issue with strong-minded guests who overrode the leaders decisions!
We were happy to be responsible for our own safety as we are accustomed to walking in the Scottish highlands, but I do think the leader should be familiar with the proposed route and have walked it at least once.
We liked the thought of being with like-minded walkers in a group setting so we could talk and meet new people without the language barrier all the time!
We arrived on a Wednesday which is the staff day off in the Chalet. Due to this we found settling in on the first day with a few unanswered questions. This is no criticism to Colletts or there staff. If we were to do this holiday again then we would definitely choose a different day to arrive on.
The food during our stay at Chalet Angelo was amazing. Claire and the team prepared some fantastic meals. We always had great service from all the staff and enjoyed sharing our evening meals in such a social atmosphere. Special thanks have to be given to the staff on sandwich duty who prepared all our lunches to an excellent standard and taking special care of visitors fussy dietary requirements. No request was too much to ask. All the staff were very patient and dedicated to making our stay enjoyable.
The office hour is a fantastic idea. All the staff were super helpful and very knowledgeable. Any questions were answered immediately or researched and responded to in great time. The office hour was not only very informative but also a fantastic social opportunity for all guests and staff. Having the Paramount hotel residents join us at chalet Angelo was a particular highlight. This allowed a great mix of guests outside of the organised walks.
All the organised walks we attended were conducted with great organisation from the staff members. We had a couple of walks were the groups were large. We still had a great day but it just felt the group was slightly too large. This however was only the case for two walks. The rest of the time the walks were well organised and good fun.
I feel we had value for money. The accommodation was great, the food was excellent and the staff and hospitality are unmatched.
I would like special thanks to be passed on to all the Colletts staff but in particular the team at Chalet Angelo. They made the holiday what it was and we could not thank them enough for their hospitality.
We stayed at both Badia and Carvara and both were a wonderful experience. While we had requested our stay to be in downtown Carvara, as opposed to up the hill, this couldn't be accommodated, for whatever reason. At first we were upset, but the Angelo staff and our room were quite nice so all was good at the end. We particularly appreciated Claire, and her cooking, at Chalet Angelo. She is such a wonderful person!
Most of our walks were self-guided so the assisted of your staff to provide us with suggestions for each day was great. (Alison in Badia and Rick in Corvara). Booked because of the positive feedback on your blogs.
Picked up brochure walking past your office as photos looked fantastic and wanted the option of guided walks. Huge thanks for going the extra mile with a cake for our sons birthday. What makes the holiday is the staff who were without exception simply wonderful. We had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend Chalet Verena.
Great website – very informative. Maybe include a couple of sample walks showing route, height, and views? Comprehensive Handbook – great route directions. However, I would add one word to the Marco Polo exit instructions. Instead of 'head to the exit' I would put 'head to the airport exit'. We left the hired car park and turned right and ended up in the short term car park! Very pleasant and well-informed staff.
Dinner was exceptionally good. Great quality, huge variety – we had 3 courses for a fortnight with nothing repeated! Breakfast was great but more or less the same every day.
Staff were really friendly, informative, and encouraging. They were more than happy to detail all the walks and give views on options / alternatives. Also really interested in what guests had done / were interested in doing. they showed great flexibility in moving some walks to accommodate guests requests.
What can we say – every walk was great! We had every intention of 'doing our own thing', but after a couple of guided walks we stuck with them for 2 weeks. Often challenging, always fun. Staff were fantastic on the walks! Very clear pre-walk information. Staff always outlined potentially 'difficult' sections of a walk – exposure / steepness, etc. Groups respected 'at your own risk'.
Came across the website by chance, but was impressed by the quality of the website, and the friendliness and helpfulness of the couple of calls I made.
I think there is a good opportunity for combining walking with photography courses. Everyone has a camera / phone with them, and want to get the best from them. I am a very keen photographer (professional for a couple of years) and was giving tips to folks to help them improve. They all expressed an interest in walking / photography combination. I think with a little bit of recce to identify some key spots you could add some extra interest to your walks. I'd be happy to discuss this in more detail with you if you wish. We'd also like to add special thanks to the whole team at Haus Valentin - Cat, Tim, Hannah, Max, Charlie, and Alison (and of course Reiner and the ladies who helped out). They went out of their way to make the whole experience very special - every one of them have an obvious pride in their job, and that is reflected in the high standards in all they do - walking, socialising, facilitating, cleaning, serving, etc etc etc. A big Thank You to all of them!
The 3 course dinner was excellent and of a very high standard. Claire and Alan were really good hosts and we learned a lot about the local produce. We did think that as we were in Italy the coffee could be improved. We do not drink instant coffee at home and would not do so in Italy. A good coffee machine would be most welcome.
Office hour was good and the staff had some great ideas and were very well informed. Transport arrangements could be a little hap hazzard, however, this was because your staff were trying to accommodate guests who were changing their minds about activities. Not sure how you can change that.
Perhaps if the group has over 10 people in it there could be 2 members of staff as 20 or more guests is a large number for one person. I would also suggest that on the medium to hard walks, the member of staff has some experience of the walk as we did find ourselves split into 2 groups with one group in a bit of difficulty on one walk that was unnecessary and could have ended very differently. As you point out, we are responsible for our own safety.
We have been skiing with Collett's and enjoyed it. We wanted to see what the area was like in the Summer and wanted an activity holiday.
We had a really good holiday. The staff were great as always. The food was outstanding and Claire and Alan did a superb job. They really are the dream team.
It was our best vacation! High Level Walking, Wildflower Walks, Self Catering, Chalet Tino.
The Haus Valentin staff and host team really made the holiday – they were responsive to requests and genuinely seemed to care about the guests and take an interest in us. Couldn't fault them. Definitely value for money - not having to worry about paying for tea, coffee and wine with the meal made it very relaxing. Collett's flexibility, guided walks and the region on offer. Moderate Level Walking, Mountain Scenery. Can you consider destinations like Montenegro - just because i like the company and I want to visit there! Cinque Terre Maybe some UK based holidays? - particuarly coastal walking / cycling e.g. Exmoor, Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula, Scotland, Northumberland.
Claire and Alan were wonderful hosts and the food was inventive and amazing. The weather reports were like in the UK- often wrong, but when it counted – as in a thunderstorm due, it was correct. Ric, Jack, Bree, Holly and Matt were the organisers for the 5 walks I did and all were excellent. My friends' recommended you and I liked the idea of choosing your own walk rather than a rigid timetable
Just back from a week in Badia, Haus Valentin, where we had a great time. The Collett's Team, Cat, Alison, Hannah, Tim, Max and Charles were impressive, knew their stuff, always helpful and attentive, both walking and in the chalet. Enjoyed our time spent with them and all who were there with us, a great bunch. Food was yum, yum, yum. Loved the Dolomites and hope to return, with Collett's, very soon. Thank you.
The accommodation was outstanding with the following exceptions. No wooden spoon, we bought one and donated it. No toaster, we are British! I have never stayed in a self catering accommodation without an oven, however mean. A noisy Italian family in the apartment beneath enjoying themselves too much. Though I doubt you can do much about that.
Very enjoyable holiday, there is so much to see and do in Corvara that we would love to come back. Low Level Walking, Moderate Level Walking, High Level Walking, Wildflower Walks, Via Ferrata, Mountain Scenery.
The Panorama Hotel was as good as we recalled from previous visit. Food quality is the highlight. Liked company previously and like area/Hotel - Low Level Walking, Moderate Level Walking, High Level Walking...
All of the Chalet Angelo walk organisers were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and keen to offer advice. We were interested in High Level Walking, Via Ferrata, Glacier Treks, Mountain Scenery.
All of the walk organisers were friendly and enthusiastic which made each day particularly enjoyable.
I feel despite being responsible for our own safety whilst in the mountains all staff were extremely helpful and looked out and did what was reasonable to keep everyone in the group safe.
Collett's was a recommendation by a friend and through google search.
I would just like to say how fantastic and helpful all of the Chalet Angelo staff were, I felt very welcome and hope to meet many of them again in future seasons.
I can not tell you what a wonderful holiday I have had in Corvara and the surrounding mountains. Everything I had heard about the Dolomites in summer was so true. The beauty of the mountains, the clean mountain air, the wonderful wild flowers and the weather. I also greatly appreciated how helpful all your staff were. They were always cheerful and hugely enthusiastic when dealing with guests. Would I book again? Without a doubt!
Huge amount of information within the website, however at times can be hard to navigate!
Fantastic team, very welcoming and helpful. Made huge efforts to suit everyones needs. A big thank you to them all! Even out of office hours the Team were available for help and advice. They never showed any hesitation to answer a question when asked. Always polite. Our group self guided. However we were all impressed by the amount of guided activities that were available if we wished to join, Our whole group send our appreciation and a big thank you to all involved in our holiday back in June. PS information regarding lift opening times - how many open and from when would also be useful to know ahead of booking!
The convenience of have all our accommodation arrangements being made for us combined with the ability to do our own day hikes. All the hotels and huts on our hut-to-hut hike were excellent. But you need to provide better information on how to get to the Hotel Jaegerheim in Selva, as it is really closer to St. Christina.
Recommended by a friend. I liked the website and the range of choices available.
All the staff were great. Special thanks to Rick, Katie, Eddie, Holly, Bree and Dani & Cam who lead the walks we went on.
The Panorama Hotel is outstanding: the Costamoling family, all the staff, the rooms, facilities and especially the delicious food!
I was a solo traveller and wanted company on the walks, and to be to told (in the nicest possible way!) where to go. The choice of three organised walks nearly every day was the deciding factor. Also the location of Chalet Verena (in town) was a factor.
Yes. The personal service and friendliness and efficiency of staff was great. The range of activities was good, and if I'd had longer would definitely have gone on a painting walk with Beth. All staff were a credit to you.
Used internet search to find out more information on the area (Dolomites) and your web site offered everything we required. The more info we had the more we realised that yours was the best company to deal with, and after reading so many positive reviews we booked what turned out to be a fantastic holiday with your company!
As we have been with Collett's a number of times, we don't tend to use the handbook except for the driving directions, which are excellent.
I like that I get to speak to a person straight away without having to select an option on the phone. I've always been impressed by any contact with the office because I'm treated as a person and not as a reference number.
The packed lunches always feel a bit over-priced for what they are but the standard of the food at dinner was very good, everyone enjoyed it.
Office hour was always fun and we had a very informative talk by Eddie one evening on the wild flowers, which even made my husband look where he was putting his size 9s on the next walk! We mostly go to the Dolomites for the via feratta so are self guided these days. The other people in the chalet were very complimentary about the guided walks they'd been on.
We love the atmosphere created by the staff and the excellent standard of accommodation.
Just a big thank you to all of the staff who, as usual, made the holiday a very enjoyable experience by making us feel that we were all one big family! The food and accommodation were first class. We'll be back :-)
Very nice to be given one to one tour/attention! Great atmosphere at meal time, punctually delivered and plenty of food. We wanted an outdoor holiday set up that was similarly run to those we enjoy in a winter catered ski chalet, but with walking. We got it!
The can-do attitude of the Chalet Verena staff helped make our holiday - without exception they were friendly, helpful and accommodating and made our first walking holiday, our first trip to the Dolomites and our first trip with Colletts one we hope to repeat.
We were staying in Hotel Panorama so we mixed with the team during walks and in the evenings when we were deciding on which walks to do. The team in Chalet Angelo were very good and knowledgeable about the walks so were able to answers any questions raised. They also were able to accommodate our lunch request for a very early morning when we went on the Glacier Trek. Some of the descriptions of the walks on the sheets were misleading and it was difficult to gauge how demanding a walk would be. I understand that it is hard to grade walks into only three categorizes Easy, Moderate and Hard but I think this is an area which could be improved. Our fitness levels enabled us to do all the walks but sometimes there was more exposure that expected.
We had a wonderful holiday and all the Collett teams member we met in both Chalet Angelo and Verena were welcoming, enthusiastic and added to our holiday experience. Thank you.
Mainly road cycled which was excellent, the staff riders Charlie Rachel and George were excellent, considerate and helpful, the routes though hard were well thought out and varied. The itinerary was varied and the only change I'd make is to offer a car assisted option to a area away from Corvara to ride a loop or dropping off and riding a linear route back to chalet, but overall a outstanding holiday which we both really enjoyed, …my wife walked in the group walks.
Best holiday that fitted our needs, easy to contact & good info! Staff were brill, very helpful & friendly. Will recommend & definitely use Collett's again
Have had several previous holidays with Collett's all of which have been highly enjoyable in a beautiful part of the world. Just a big thank you to all the staff at Chalet Verena who were all fantastic and friendly and made our holiday so enjoyable- they really played a key part in creating a lovely friendly atmosphere in the chalet
On a previous Collett's holiday with a group of friends from my walking club, I felt that I would also enjoy a Collett's holiday on my own, because of the sense of community provided - I am happy to say that I was right. The Haus Valentin experience is outstanding in every way, it truly feels like a home from home, in a beautiful setting. Relaxing in the chalet and on walks led by Collett's friendly staff, it feels like being part of a large and caring family.
The bus transfer from Treviso airport to Badia took almost 4 hours – probably this was unavoidable and due to traffic etc; it would have been useful to have been warned of this when we met the rep (lovely Hannah!). Just a small suggestion. I was grateful to be given a free transfer – thank you!! I know that this is often mentioned and no doubt there is a good reason behind the status quo, however…. more substantial bread rolls would be massively appreciated!
What a fabulous team you have in HV! So talented, experienced and charming (almost as wonderful as the team 5 years ago….) The hut-to-hut itineraries are a great addition - I hope they're popular!
No comment box for the vehicle above. One minor issue is that the view from the passenger seats (other than next to the driver) is rather poor – a pity in such beautiful scenery. Sanwiches were excellent once we realised we had to request brown bread (which was very good) instead of the rather tasteless white rolls. Fillings were also very good. Again, at both breakfast and dinner, the brown bread often ran out before we got to it!
It was really the attitude and commitment of the staff which made the holiday so good. A great attraction of the chalet was the ease with which we got to know the other (delightful) guests.
We were pleasantly surprised by the range of activities on offer. The "other itinerary" was cycling, which although slightly more expensive than advised by your staff (E44), was still good value and very enjoyable at an intermediate level (80km, gentle gradients).
Value for money Flexibility in choice of transfer dates Matched our objectives (range of activities).
Great staff and accommodation, helpful when I enquired about the holiday. Can I particularly commend the following staff, Danni, Beth, Holly, Andy, Josh, Chris, David, Annette!
We did enquire if we were be to walk from the Chalet but in reality many of the walks were a bus ride away & had we of realised this we may of driven rather than flew. Our room had a shower however it was not possible to use it in the usual way as it would flood the floor as there was not a shower Curtain or screen. This presents a health & safety hazard. For some of the walks we needed to be at Chalet Verena at 8.45 so it out be helpful if breakfast could start earlier.
Collett's has the flexibility of walking & cycling options for my husband & I. We have had a lovely holiday made more enjoyable by the the knowledgeable & friendly staff. It was great meeting other guests at dinner time.
We had a fabulous time. We were made to feel very welcome and the advice and recommendations of staff enabled us to make the most of our time in the mountains. We very much hope to return. Many thanks.
Staff dealt thoroughly with all questions. Friendly and helpful. Jack was welcoming and enthusiastic about the resort. He gave us all the necessary information about the chalet. Would have liked the towels changed during our six night stay. The weather was extremely warm and we needed to shower twice daily. As there was no heating in the bathroom, the towels were not drying between showers. This was just a minor inconvenience – maybe we should have asked! Claire's cooking is fantastic and every meal was of a high quality.
Staff had an excellent knowledge of the area and the level of walks. If one was unable to help, they quickly located another member of staff who could help, even if it meant phoning someone in Chalet Verena. Found Jack, Adam and Katie very helpful. Extra copies of planned walks sheet would have been useful as it was sometimes difficult to read one A4 sheet pinned to the wall when office hour was busy.
Very impressed with Jack and Andy who led the two easier walks we did. They were sociable and took into account the needs of all group members. We found it difficult to know whether the moderate walks would be the right level for us, so did not join the group, but used the route cards to do the walks on our own on three days and know that next time we would join the moderate group. With such beautiful scenery, we feel some "photography walks" would be popular with instruction on composition etc.
Wanted a walking holiday in the Dolomites. Impression given by website and previous brochures, that Collett's offered a range of walks and activities and we liked the idea of a sociable chalet stay. On arrival and seeing the young staff, we were initially concerned that at 60plus we had chosen the wrong holiday. However, it quickly became apparent that they were very aware of people's abilities and were able to advise accordingly. All members of staff were very sociable, going out of their way to ensure that everyone was included during the evenings and on walks. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble for them, even though they had probably answered the same questions several times! Hope to have another Collett's holiday soon.
Could not find self catering apartment independently (now I know that this was due to the Maratona dles Dolomites being in the same week!) - we paid really to get the apartment but all the walks and info were an absolute bonus and saved us the usual first day info gathering and route planning. Holiday exceeded our expectations and the weather was brilliant. We also went for cycle rides – good info on routes from staff but we're not used to guided cycle riding. It does not lend itself to the chat etc that walks do. The WW1 walk to Lagozoi tunnels really only scratched the surface, not really into the tunnels proper. Maybe we should have booked the full guided tour for that, which other guests said was excellent. Many guests followed their own routes. Wolud be an idea to have a log book for guests to note their 'new' routes and comments as possible future 'guided' routes. A street map of Badia would help locate HV. We did not appreciate that Pedraces was an area not a road name so went up several wrong 'roads' before finding HV
As I have been to the area a number of times, I had arranged my own walking itinerary. However, advice from the staff was always available and freely given.
I was aware of risks. I would add that, because I was doing my own walking, staff recorded my plans each day and provided me with emergency contact numbers.
I have organised groups to stay in three of your chalets in the Badia region and have now added Chalet Verena to the list, albeit this was not with a group. Whilst all of the chalets have their merit, I would say that Chalet Verena was without doubt, the most enjoyable stay that I've had. The location and access to public transport was excellent, the chalet was extremely comfortable and the staff were exceptional. If it had a downside, it would be the seven o'clock awakening with the church bells, no alarm clock needed.
I found everyone helpful and friendly and happy to answer the odd enquiry. I think the way in which you organise your holidays with a good choice of what to do and at a reasonable price means your formula is just right. We were looked after but not too much!Just one thing - and I think it troubles most of your guests. Chalet Angelo is up a very steep hill and the thought of it after a long, quite tiring walk, is awful. I would like to suggest that you organise for one of your buses/vans to be at Verena at, say, 5.00pm to give a lift to anyone who cannot face going up that hill! We want to try the Pyrenees but you are already there so we will probably go with you again.
We were very impressed with Cat and her team – they made us very welcome, were extremely helpful and great fun. The food was excellent and we really enjoyed the office hour – a great way to meet everyone and share the activities of the day. Office Hour is a great idea and a good way of getting to know other guests and share information.
Destinations and flexibility of arrival and departure dates, flexibility of walks, we used a couple of lead walks but mostly did our own thing. Mainly though we got a brochure in the post!
Lovely friendly staff at both destinations, always upbeat and a pleasure to be around.
Particularly enjoyed the variety of the walks, levels of difficulty, scenery and terrain. There was snow on one of the routes; one of the team checked the walk out the day before we were due on it and confirmed by text that it was passable. Having found your website and spoke to the office, we felt very comfortable booking and entrusting our holiday plans to your team. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole week and will happily recommend Colletts to friends and family!
As you can see from the above this was a marvelous holiday that could not be bettered. All the staff were very kind, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Our special thanks to Graham and Jackie who led the wildflower walks and particularly Graham who was so knowledgeable, to Annette and David for the excellent meals and everyone else for the wonderful atmosphere that was created on the walks and in the chalet.
I initially heard about Collett's talking to people on a chair lift in Corvara when skiing. As we had talked about walking in the area in summer and I liked what I heard, I tracked you down on the internet.
we welcomed the honesty bar and the tea and cake option being available and not being confined to set times. Dinners were of variable quality with a couple of poor nights, we ate out an extra night as we had been disappointed the night before. The one meal we had in Chalet Verena was of a much higher standard. Also we would like to have seen a menu to know what the food was going to be. A couple of days we walked independently and found there was not enough time to do office hour and get tidied up before dinner. On a personal note we found 7pm far too early to eat. with office hour 6-7 there was then no time to go and get showered after a days walking before dinner. Chalet Verena ate at 7.30 which allowed time to get showered and changed.
We loved office hour especially with Rick, our flower guide, it us a chance to show him pictures of unidentified plants and check identifications with him. Alison was brilliant. When we arrived we were not sure if we were up to the hut to hut walking we had booked. But she encouraged us and suggested walks we could do to test our fitness during the week, and suggested route modifications to make it a little easier for us. Although the walking was tough for us we felt enormous satisfaction at having completed the trip. our hut to hut itinerary gave good walking notes but didn't mention any of the wildflower highlights we found.
I was very impressed with the service I had from Viv and others at the office; Chalet Valentin single rooms were fully booked when I first phoned, but I was offered B & B at the Hotel Melodia, with evening meals at Valentin. This proved to be an excellent arrangement (I felt in the lap of luxury at Melodia, have never stayed in a 'basic' room quite like it!), as I felt welcome in both places.
I arrived with 2 other guests just in time for dinner at Valentin, and was made very welcome. Jack, our transfer driver, delivered my suitcase to Hotel Melodia, where it was waiting in my room later on. Beth walked with me to the hotel, even though it was late; she insisted, although the whereabouts of the hotel had already been pointed out. I greatly appreciate everybody's help that evening.
Although quite different in style and facilities, I loved both Chalet Valentin and Hotel Melodia; as stated before, my room at Melodia was amazing, so modern and spacious, but I loved the homeliness and friendly atmosphere at Valentin, and the meals were excellent.
As a total novice to walking holidays of any kind, and being a novice solo traveller, I was completely in the hands and expertise of your staff! They did not disappoint; I felt totally safe and confident on all activities. I was well aware of the 'at my own risk factor', it was neither under or over stated.
Collett's seemed to tick all the boxes that I needed for this first solo holiday... I wanted the scenery, walks that were not too strenuous and I like painting and wildflowers!
I would like you to pass on my thanks to all staff, both at your office and in Badia, who contributed to one of my best holidays ever; I will definitely be back!
Special thanks to Kat, Charlie, Tim and the rest of the team for their enthusiasm, helpfulness and high level of service.
We arrived during just the second week of operation for the very new and young staff. They were all so welcoming and enthusiastic, we felt at home immediately. It was as if we were the only guests in the chalet and they gave the same attention to everyone. Hope they dont burn themselves out by the end of the season! The mantra was repeated religiously at the beginning of every walk. However when the weather turned dangerous on the mountain, the walk guide was ready to make the decision to return to the chalet.
We can't thank the staff of Chalet Verena enough for making our holiday so enjoyable. We had a wonderful stay and would certainly book another holiday with Collett's. Well done.
Would have been helpful to include the final details of driving directions,eg from the centre of Badia, I e-mailed to get these and received them by return. Due to Operation Stack/Eurotunnel delays we were very delayed and yet your staff kept in touch with us during our journey, had a hot meal on the table on arrival at about 10:30pm and showed us to our rooms.
Staff were very helpful in filling us with sufficient carbohydrates at evening meal for our cycling trips the next day. Staff do a super job at mixing with the guests, rarely being with other team members, usually circulating among the different groups of guests. Our group was there for independent cycling challenges. Although everything we did was self-directed the staff were helpful in pointing out good practice in terms of nutrition, hydration, sun-protection etc. I'd like to think that our very positive feedback is relayed to your on-site and administration staff who are obviously well-trained and try so hard to make your customers experience a happy one.
The holiday as advertised was exactly what I was looking for and information provided was detailed and thorough. Excellent value for money. We had a fantastic holiday due to the location and the wonderful staff who were very welcoming, enthusiastic and took great care of us. Staying at Chalet Angelo was like staying at a friends house.
Brochure captured the imagination. Were planning on doing one of those linear walks with luggage transfer until we saw your brochure.
We self guided with the help of the your laminates and the excellent advice of your staff. The only disappointing thing was the glacier trek we had booked being cancelled due to lack of numbers.
Thank you so much to all the staff, both in England and on the ground in the Dolomites. Every single person I have come across on the phone or in person has been helpful, knowledgeable and smiley, and has contributed to making our 30th wedding anniversary holiday very special.
We had a great time! Scenery amazing and the whole Chalet Verena team could not do enough!
We would like to pass on our thanks to ALL the staff in Chalet Angelo - they were so enthusiastic, helpful and great fun to be with - we were VERY sad to leave after 11 days. Claire was a great chef and Katie went out of her way to help.
We did Google search followed by very positive reviews. Also the Dolomites seemed to be a spectacular location and didn't disappoint. It was expensive but I would say yes, it was value for money! A week wasn't long enough. I would have liked to have tried painting and cycling but didn't have time and/or my partner didn't want to. The easy/moderate walks were perhaps a little mis-labelled as the two we did were far too easy and we regretted choosing them. The longer, higher level walks were excellent though.The desserts were excellent and David and Annette were very, very good hosts.It was very friendly and personal thanks to Penny.
Been before and enjoyed it - It was our second time at Verona and once again the staff made us feel at home and made it our best holiday ever!
Lovely friendly and efficient staff. Very keen to sort out any queries, nothing too much trouble. Food excellent, chalet spotless and comfortable. (could have done with a thinner duvet in the hot weather) Guided and non-guided walks varied and interesting with a good choice on offer. Altogether a wonderful holiday. Thank you.
We went to Austria with them last year, and were so impressed. Myself and others recommended them to Marj who organised our group. Thanks once again for a wonderful holiday!
Searched the web for walking in the Dolomites. Collets came up and looked suited to our needs. - Very helpful and friendly staff. High standard of food, nicely served. Rooms very pleasant. In hot weather a Doona is too much, a sheet would be a good alternative. Soap could be replaced more regularly. Staff made it their business to see that your next day would be suitable and enjoyable
The Panorama food was exceptional – hard to beat. Takes a while to find walks within each folder. An contents index showing the relevant pages would be helpful. All the staff were really helpful, always willing to go beyond the minimum, enthusiastic, cheerful helping to make the holiday enjoyable and anxious to meet our preferences. Flexibility regarding dates and walks (different levels and the chance to go with the group or on own and decide each day. Help available re choosing the walks a factor - thanks.
More detail on how the guide (bike for us) system works. We were very pleased, but also surprised to learn there would be guided bike rides daily. Wonderful food, nice accommodations, great activity guides and other staff. Most enjoyable. Thanks. Found Collett's on Fodor's Forum and chose it based on a recommendation.