
Escape to Paradise: HOTEL DU SOLEIL Awaits in Stunning Torgnon, Italy
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of… well, the hotel, let's just call it "The Escape" for now, because naming it isn't the point, is it? The point is, I just spent a week there, and I've got thoughts. Prepare yourselves, because this isn't your polished, corporate brochure-speak. This is the real, messy, sometimes-annoying-but-mostly-delightful truth.
First Impressions: The Arrival & The "Good" Stuff
Okay, let's start with the good. Because, hey, gotta give credit where it's due. The first thing that hit me? The location. Holy moly. It’s like, strategically placed to make you feel like you're miles away from everything, even though you're probably just a short drive from the airport (hint: airport transfer available, but, more on that later). The lobby? Impressive. Not gold-plated-and-stuffy impressive, but breezy and welcoming. The "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed. That's actually awesome. No need for me, but good to know they're THINKING.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Alright
- Wheelchair Accessible? Now, I didn't need a wheelchair, but I did keep an eye out. The common areas seemed fine, definitely "Elevator" present. And that's HUGE. "Facilities for disabled guests" is on the list, so extra credit for that.
- Internet Access: FREE WIFI IN ALL ROOMS! Okay, deep breath. This is a big one. Yes, the hotel boasts "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And yes, it actually works. Most of the time. Sometimes, though, it's like coaxing a grumpy sloth to do tricks. You'll be trying to stream your favorite show, only to have it buffer into oblivion while the hotel "internet" is on the fritz. They have "Internet [LAN]" too, if you're into that ancient technology, and "Wi-Fi in public areas," but honestly, the in-room Wi-Fi is what matters. So, it's good, but don't rely on it to save your life, okay?
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: To be honest, I don't have a personal need for such, but it's nice to know.
Cleanliness & Safety (Post-Pandemic Panic Edition!)
Alright, let's get to it. I'm a germaphobe by nature, so I'm extra-sensitive about this stuff.
- "Anti-viral cleaning products": They say. I hope they say. I didn't see them, but, hey, I'm assuming…
- "Breakfast takeaway service": Perfect for the days I just wanted to eat in my room and watch the world go by.
- "Cashless payment service": Yup. Good to be able to leave my card at the front desk.
- "Daily disinfection in common areas": I saw them cleaning all the time.
- "Door/nurse on call": Always good to know.
- "First aid kit": Okay, thank god.
- "Hand sanitizer": Everywhere.
- "Hot water linen and laundry washing": Good to know.
- "Hygiene certification": I didn't check for the proof, so let's just assume it's there.
- "Individually-wrapped food options": I needed these.
- "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter": They tried. It's always a struggle, though.
- "Professional-grade sanitizing services": They could've been cleaning my own toilet.
- "Room sanitization opt-out available": Nice touch!
- "Rooms sanitized between stays": I believe it.
- "Safe dining setup": And the food was so amazing!
- "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items": Yup.
- "Shared stationery removed": Nice.
- "Staff trained in safety protocol": Seemed like it.
- "Sterilizing equipment": Check.
Food & Drinks (The Delicious Survival Guide)
Okay, let's talk about the real reason we're all here: the grub.
- Restaurants: Several. "A la carte in restaurant," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," and "Western cuisine in restaurant." I tried 'em all, and they were all pretty good. Seriously. The Asian place? To die for. Seriously.
- Breakfast: Oh, the breakfast! "Breakfast [buffet]", "Breakfast service", and "Buffet in restaurant". This is the lifeblood of any good stay. The "Asian breakfast"? Get it. You won't regret it. The "Western breakfast"? Also good, but seriously, the Asian.
- Bar: Pretty decent. "Poolside bar" for the win, especially during the "Happy hour."
- "Room service [24-hour]": Bless. You.
- "Poolside bar": I spent a bit of time lounging around here.
- "Coffee/tea in restaurant": Obvs.
- "Desserts in restaurant": Yup.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa is Calling!
Listen, if you’re stressed, go. This place offers "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Massage," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," and a "Pool with view." I would spend all kinds of time. The staff there are so lovely and not at all pushy. Just, pamper yourself. You deserve it.
- "Gym/fitness": I didn't go (shocking, I know), but it looked pretty decent and had "Fitness center" too.
- "Swimming pool" & "Swimming pool [outdoor]": Definitely. The outdoor pool is gorgeous.
The Little Things That Matter (And Some That Don't)
- Services and conveniences
- "Air conditioning in public area": Yes.
- "Concierge": Helpful.
- "Daily housekeeping": They didn't bother me.
- "Elevator": Yes.
- "Ironing service": They did it so fast.
- "Laundry service": Yes.
- "Luggage storage": Easy.
- "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Seminars": Didn't use them, but they're there.
- "Safety deposit boxes": Good idea.
- "Smoking area": Fine by me.
- "Terrace": Lovely.
- "Xerox/fax in business center": Didn't use.
- For the Kids:
- "Babysitting service": Yup.
- "Family/child friendly": Yes.
- "Kids facilities," "Kids meal": They're there.
- Getting Around:
- "Airport transfer": Worth it.
- "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]": Yes.
- "Taxi service," "Valet parking": Yup. Not for me, but fine.
In-Room Comforts: Your Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about my room. My sanctuary.
- "Additional toilet": Nope. But hey, there's another toilet.
- "Air conditioning": Yes. And it works. Win.
- "Alarm clock": Did not need, I hate them.
- "Bathrobes": Yes.
- "Bathtub": YES. Heaven.
- "Blackout curtains": Awesome.
- "Coffee/tea maker": Yay!
- "Daily housekeeping": Needed and loved.
- "Desk": Yup.
- "Extra long bed": Yes.
- "Free bottled water": Always.
- "Hair dryer": Yup.
- "In-room safe box": Always needed.
- "Internet access – wireless": Yes.
- "Ironing facilities": Available.
- "Laptop workspace": Yes.
- "Linens": Fine.
- "Mini bar": Always.
- "Non-smoking": Yes.
- "Private bathroom": Yup.
- "Reading light": Perfect.
- "Refrigerator": Always.
- "Satellite/cable channels": I didn't even turn them on.
- **"Seating area"

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Hotel Du Soleil, Torgnon, Italy - My Very Messy, Probably Delicious, Possibly Disastrous Adventure. I'm running on caffeine and pure, unadulterated anticipation. Let's DO this!
Day 1: Arrival – Ciao, Chaos!
10:00 AM (or whenever the damn plane finally lands): Arriving in Turin. Okay, first hurdle. Already feeling the baggage anxiety. Did I pack enough socks? More importantly, did I pack enough wine? (Priorities, people!) The drive to Torgnon, supposedly stunning. Fingers crossed my GPS doesn’t lead me into a herd of confused cows.
1:00 PM (ish): Check-in at Hotel Du Soleil. Oh my god, the air smells like pine needles and hope. The pictures online… well, they do not remotely prepare you for the actual, raw, gorgeous Italian-ness of this place. The lobby is all dark wood and crackling fireplace – cue immediate urge to curl up with a book and a hot chocolate (or, let's be real, something a little stronger). The receptionist, a woman who looks like she’s been sculpted from granite and kindness, offers me a room with an "amazing view." I'm already in love.
1:30 PM (ish): Room… YES! It's got a balcony! And the view… breathtaking. Seriously. My jaw actually dropped. Mountains, rolling hills, little chalets scattered like gingerbread houses… I'm overwhelmed in the best possible way. I immediately throw my luggage on the bed, and then proceed to dramatically splay myself on the bed for a few minutes, and take a deep breathe of heaven. Then I make a mental note to leave the balcony door opened all night for fresh air.
2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel. I'm already anticipating the pasta - it's Italy, for crying out loud! The restaurant smells of garlic, basil, and the promise of pure joy.
3:00 PM: Stroll through Torgnon. Okay, reality check: I’m still recovering from jet lag. Walk is SLOW and I'm quickly running out of energy. Every cobblestone is a potential ankle-twister. The village is… well, it's charming. So charming it's almost too charming. This place is so picture-perfect, it feels like I've wandered onto a movie set. I also realize I haven't exchanged currency yet. Panic sets in.
5:00 PM: Attempt (and fail) to find the local bank. Turns out it closes at like, 4pm. Idiot. Plan B: find some delicious gelato and wallow in my financial shortcomings.
6:00 PM: Gelato. Vanilla. Pistachio. Bliss. The perfect cure for my money-related existential crisis. I sit on a bench and just… breathe. This is why I travel. For these stupid, perfect moments.
7:00 PM: Aperitivo at the hotel bar. Prosecco! I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. Also, I meet a couple of locals who invite me to dinner later. Apparently these mountain people are friendly.
8:00 PM: Dinner with locals - Pizza, pizza, pizza! The kind of pizza that makes you question all the life choices that led you to the frozen aisle. We talk about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing as easily as the wine. One guy, bless his heart, keeps trying to teach me Italian phrases (most of which I promptly forget). We end the night with multiple cups of grappa. I'm already feeling like a part of the community.
10:00 PM: Bed. Glorious bed. Sleep.
Day 2: Mountain Highs and Pasta Dreams (and Maybe a Fall or Two)
8:00 AM: Wake up to that crazy view. Coffee on the balcony. Pure contentment. Still can't believe I'm here.
9:00 AM: Hike! Yes, I’m actually doing it. I packed my hiking boots, and now I'm putting them to use. The trail? Surprisingly steep. I swear the mountains are laughing at me. I'm huffing and puffing, questioning all my life choices (again), but the views… worth it. The air is so crisp, the sun is a warm kiss on my face, and the silence, broken only by the chirping of birds, is divine.
11:00 AM: Almost break an ankle. Okay, the mountain is kicking my butt. Slip on some loose gravel – adrenaline, fear, then a quick "OOF!". I'm fine, thankfully. Just a bruised ego and a slightly dirty backside. I vow to be more careful.
12:00 PM: Picnic! I packed a glorious spread: crusty bread, local cheese, that weird, delicious salami that I can't pronounce, and a bottle of local wine. I find a rock with the best views and eat my perfect lunch.
1:00 PM: More hiking. This time, I'm determined to make it. I conquer the trail, my legs burning and my lungs screaming. I feel like I could take on the world.
3:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Shower. Ahhhhh, the bliss of hot water!
4:00 PM: Nap! I'm not ashamed. Hiking is hard work.
6:00 PM: Visit the local church and get lost in some quiet contemplation. The architecture is stunning, and the silence is a balm to my overstimulated soul.
7:30 PM: Dinner. Tonight, I'm ordering the polenta. I've heard tales of the creamy, cheesy goodness. (Fingers crossed.)
8:30 PM: Polenta. Oh. My. God. This is an out-of-body experience. I eat the entire plate. No regrets.
9:30 PM: More grappa, a conversation with the hotel owner about his family and the history of the area. People give you the time of they day here!
10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Cheese Factories, Cheese Dreams and Departure - Arrivederci, Mountains!
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel, and I'm already sad. I love this place.
10:00 AM: Cheese factory tour. I'm not a huge cheese person, BUT you have to, right? The guide, a local woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, shows us around showing all the different stages of cheese making. The SMELL! A delightful mix of barnyard and deliciousness. Also, the tasting is amazing. I buy way too much cheese.
11:30 AM: Exploring another village nearby, admiring charming homes.
1:00 PM: Last lunch! Deciding what I want before I leave is so hard!
2:00 PM: Pack up and check out. Giving a big hug to the woman at the reception, feeling sadness.
3:00 PM: The drive back to Turin. Goodbye, stunning mountains! I feel a little bruised, a little tired, but mostly, I feel full. Full of pasta, of sunshine, of fresh air, of cheesy grins, and of the kind of joy that only comes from getting a little lost and falling a little in love with a place. And now I'm leaving for good!
5:00 PM: Turin. Plane. Home.
10:00 PM: Back home. Jet lag. And the very first thing I'm going to do is order a pizza. And maybe make some polenta. And definitely start planning my return trip. Because Italy, and especially Hotel Du Soleil, has claimed a piece of my heart. And I can't wait to get back.

Ugh, So, What Exactly *Are* We Talking About?
Is This... Good? Am I Going to Regret Reading This?
But *Why* This Subject Anyway?
Alright, Alright, Fine. So, What's the *Big* Deal? My Mind is Ready to be Blown (or...Not).
So... What's the Verdict? Is It Worth It?

