Dolomites Mountain Hut Feud: Guest Criticizes Prices and Service, Owner Responds
A public dispute erupted in the Dolomites between a guest and the owner of the Rifugio Bruto Carestiato mountain hut. The guest voiced dissatisfaction with the prices and service, posting criticism on Facebook.
Guest's Criticism on Facebook
The guest complained on the social network about the lack of a morning sandwich option due to the kitchen staff preparing lunch. He also criticized the prices, the difficult access route to the hut, and a "very annoyed" server. The guest felt that the service did not justify the prices charged at the remote location of the Rifugio.
Hut Owner Defends Prices and Service
The hut owner responded with a counter-statement, emphasizing that the mountain hut should not be mistaken for an "Autogrill" (Italian highway rest stop). He explained that sandwich preparation involves fresh, daily-delivered ingredients. He firmly defended the pricing structure, pointing out that the remote location affects costs and logistics. He stated that while an Autogrill charges eight euros for a sandwich, the hut's four-euro price is reasonable. The owner also asserted that while constructive criticism is welcome, mockery would not be tolerated. "Constructive criticism is part of the growth of each of us, but mockery must be stopped."
Challenges of Alpine Gastronomy
The hut owner's reaction highlights the challenges associated with supplying a mountain hut in a remote location. He requested understanding of the logistical constraints. He further stated, "We are not up here to be made fun of, we try every day to do our best for all customers who come by, polite or not, demanding or not. If you can't understand that, we ask you to go back to the famous Autogrill rest stop and buy a pre-packaged sandwich for eight euros that is ready immediately!"
Dolomites Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Mountain range in the Southern Limestone Alps in northeastern Italy (mainly South Tyrol, Trentino, and Veneto); extends from the Adige in the west to the Piave Valley in the east. |
| Name and Origin | Named after geologist Déodat de Dolomieu (1750–1801), who researched the dolomite rock; formed 250 million years ago by coral reefs and volcanism, with distinctive limestone cliffs. |
| UNESCO Status | UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2009; includes nine groups with unique geology, including Marmolada (highest peak at 3,343 m) and Drei Zinnen. |
| Tourism | Popular for hiking (e.g., 10 Alta-Via high-altitude trails), skiing (Sellaronda), and climbing; millions of visitors annually, with a network of huts and nature parks like Puez-Geisler. |
| History | The site of mountain warfare between Italy and Austria-Hungary in the First World War; diverse cultures with German, Italian, and Ladin. |