Cervinia - any good?

Looking at Cervinia this year, party of 5 with 2 newbies so need something good for beginners and intermediates. Like the idea of being able to have some time in Zermatt. The Hotel Astoria looks to be closest to the cable station, and resonable reviews/price, however does anybody know how close it is to ski school meeting point? Can't seem to find out anywhere. General advise, tips and opinions on this resort/hotel would be appreciated.

Trip Advisor has some info on the Hotel and position.

http://www.tripadvisor.es/Hotel_Review-g187864-d502398-Reviews-Astoria_Hotel-Breuil_Cervinia_Valle_d_Aosta.html

I stayed in Cervinia many years ago. Memories of well pisted cruising. Compact village base, nowhere was too far from the lifts. The link to Zermatt is weather dependant.

Thanks Bandit, all the reviews mention position relative to the cable car, however there is no mention if this is where ski school meets.

You will normally find the ski school meeting place near the main lifts, normally clearly marked by level.

I actually took my first ever skiing trip to Cervinia in 2006. I went with a mixed group of abilities and I think its safe to say we all enjoyed it and it is a place I would now like to go back to.

The ski school meets at the top of the gondola. This was daunting for me on the first day having never been on one before and not knowing what to do with our ski gear however as I was with a group of experienced skiiers it was made easier with a quick explanation.....

The only thing I would say is that this resort is on two levels in that the village is at the bottom and to get upto the gondola you have to walk up a few (100+) steps. So hotel location is dependant to be honest. For a beginner it is easier for you to be next to the gondola as you can then get to ski scholl easily however at night if you go down to the village you have the steps to climb to get home. However if you are an intermediate you can easily get on of the chair lifts from the village up and then work your way across.

Hope this helps.....

Just wondering.....there seems to be a consensus of opinion that Cervinia is good for beginners but how about for slightly timid intermediates? There seems to be alot more red than blue on the piste map. My ski partner is technically sound but can get freaked by steep sections on pistes, the wider the piste the less the problem. Any views would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mel C

Judging by the piste map, one would have to use drag lifts from time to time to get the most out of the ski area. Particularly the Theodul Glacier over on the Zermatt side. Not ideal for the boarders in our group.
Is this a fair assessment?

Re boarders/ drag lifts. Glacier section is quite flat (prob. no good for boarders anyway) however you can easily avoid those by using the Trokener Stegg cable car (Klein Matterhorn). In any event in the bowl there are a few good long hi speed detachable chairs as well as good runs down into Zermatt. From Schwarzee to Furi.