packed

I have narrowed it down to the Chesa Radolina in Sils Baselgia or the Seraina in Sils Maria or La Collina in Pontresina. Looking for a small hotel with charm, pretty scenery, access to public transportation, and a few local restaurants in the area. I know that Sils M and Sils B are small, how small? Are there shops and restaurants? Is Sils B difficult for transportation? Losing sleep over this. Thanks

Ingo

No need to lose sleep over this. It's basically a win-win situation. First question, most important, is: Where are you going to spend most of your time in the Engadine?

If in the Bernina region (Bernina train, Diavolezza, Roseg valley) then stay in Pontresina.

If around the lakes, the Fex valley, Bregaglia valley (Soglio) then stay in Sils.

My preference would be Chesa Randolina. Try to get a room with view of Lake Sils.

Sils is not *that* small. There are plenty of restaurants there. The bus runs frequently. Shops? Not so many. But you'll pass enough shops on your excursions IMO.

I.

PS: Just back from the Engadine. And I'd love to head back right away

packed

Thank you for your post, Inga. Sounds like you had a good time in the Engadine.
Chesa Randolina looked lovely but I decided on La Collina because it looked nice, had good reviews, and was quite a bit less expensive.
I may be asking more questions and hope that you see them.

packed

Actually I meant to add that we are spending three nights in Pontresina and plan to take the local trains on the BE route from Pontresina to Poschiavo one day, go to the Guarda area another day, and leave stopping in Sils and Soglio. So I guess that Pontresina may be a good place for us to base.

Ingo

As I said, you cannot go wrong with those. Logistically La Collina makes sense with your plans.

La Collina less expensive than Chesa Randolina? I am wondering why. Usually it's not the case. Can it be because of the construction works in the vicinity that were mentioned on your thread on TA?

Have fun in the Engadine!

I.

packed

I e-mailed the hotel and they said that there was no construction going on right now. Hope that is true when we get there. CR was almost twice the price of LC.

packed

Actually that is not accurate. CR's price included half-board, but was still substantially more even if you subtracted the dinner. Also, we want to be able to try several restaurants.

Ingo

I did the Bernina trip last week and there was definitely construction going on near the hotel. Distance about 100 yards, right next to Hotel Albris. Saw it from the train. What they probably meant is that it doesn't affect the guests in Hotel La Collina. You'll be away during the day anyway.

Did you have a look at prices for dinner? Shocking! Talking from experience, and that was not even in the more expensive Upper Engadine but in the Lower Engadine. I saw La Collina's rates are 190 - 250 CHF for the room with breakfast. Add at least 50 CHF per person for a 3-course dinner (Half Board usually is 3 or 4 courses). The rates at Chesa Randolina don't sound that bad then anymore. And my experiences with Half Board are excellent, btw. One other difference is that La Collina offers public transport inclusive only to Maloja while Chesa Randolina includes Bregaglia valley (Soglio) down to Chiavenna/Italy. But that is of no use for you, I know that.

La Collina is of course the better choice for your plans logistically, I said that above. Not trying to talk you into staying at Chesa Randolina. ;-)

packed

Ingo,
I'm glad to have your imput. If you could contact me through TA, I'll reply to you. I'd like to share some specifics of the construction issue.