The Bormolini family look after this gem of a hotel. The Francescato is actually a lovingly converted and finished barn that has been decked out with their own handmade furnishings. It may only be a bed and breakfast, but their breakfast comes highly recommended with fresh coffee, scrumptious pastries, and homemade jams first thing in the morning - not to be missed!

The hotel is just 70 metres from the slopes too, which makes it possible to ski straight back to the property for most of the season. When you get there, you can relax in the bar and catch up with a bit of TV, or head to the cosy reading corner for some quiet time. On top of all that, guests have free use of the washing machine and dryer. It's easy to see why so many guests return year after year. 

From the hotel to…

Nearest ski lift: 70m

Tuition meeting point: 70m

Resort centre: In the centre (San Rocco)

About the resort

Livigno is a charming, traditional alpine village with a friendly and cosmopolitan vibe right on the Swiss border. It's a vibrant place that's still a bit of a secret to many. It's a resort that has something to please everyone, so you'd better plan your visit before the secret gets out!

The resort itself sits on the valley floor with the ski runs on either side of the town. Even though the 115km runs doesn't sound like much, there's tons to do here. It's more like North America in that you can pretty much ski or snowboard anywhere.

Food and drink

Bed and breakfast is the order of the day at the Garni Francescato. They have a delightful continental breakfast buffet in the mornings - it's particularly popular with fresh coffee, delicious pastries, and homemade jams (and there's a cooked breakfast option, just ask if you're interested). When it comes to dinner, you can pre-book a meal at the nearby and very popular Il Cenacolo restaurant. 

Rooms

The 13 rooms here are bright, cheerful and perfect for two to four people. The twin or double rooms have cable TV, a mini-safe and a lovely en-suite with a shower and hairdryer. Some of the rooms can also take a third bed suitable for a child if that is needed. And if you're travelling with your family, you may want to ask about the two family rooms that are available - they sleep up to four adults.

Hotel features

Official rating: ***

Free Wi-Fi

Converted former barn

Handmade furniture

Bar with TV and reading/games corner

Free use of washing machine and dryer

Dining room

Babysitting service available

In resort centre

Great for friends and families

Travel info

Departure airports: Gatwick or Manchester

Departure day: Saturday

Arrival airport: Innsbruck (in Austria)

Flight duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes