Fodor's Expert Review Auberge de l’Hospice Gran San Bernardo

Here's your chance to sleep in a 12th-century castle—a monastery since 1137, when Amedeo of Savoy gave it to the Order of Saint Bernard, and still run by monks—without emptying your wallet. Only 15 km (8 miles) north of Aosta, this simple pension is a good base for hikers and cross-country skiers. Hearty food is included in the full meal plan.