I stayed at the Hotel Derby over New Year 2009 with a friend, travelling with Neilson. Having had to pick the cheapest accommodation we could find I have to say I didn't have particularly high expectations. However I was very pleasently surprised.

Although basic in furnishing the room was a really decent size and we had 2 small balconies as well. The bathroom looked fairly new and was probably the best I have seen in a small budget hotel like this. Again, a nice size with a decent shower. Ski storage is downstairs and there's a bus stop almost opposite which takes you to the chair lift. Beware though, they don't operate that frequently, probably every 20 mins and get very, very crowded at peak times.

The only slight downside was the breakfast, as it was a fairly mediocre offering. The only things on offer were 2 types of cereal, bread, fruit and some slices of cheese and ham. What was there was fine, it just depends what you're after.

I have given the review this particular title because, as the brochure states, it's certainly not suitable for families. There can be quite a bit of noise from the surrounding bars, and there were some lively young groups staying there, but we were usually out there in the thick of it so if you enjoy partaking in the apres ski then it certainly won't bother you.

The bar beneath the hotel is really nice - lots of wood, comfy seats and a log fire - and it's a really popular place, staying open till 1am. We also spent quite a bit of time in Vagabondis, just behind the hotel, which stays open till much later and always had a good band on. There were a good selection of others bars and clubs around too.

We had fantastic snow conditions whilst we were there and the ski area was massive, we barely even scratched the surface. It's certainly good for intermediates, plenty of really nice red runs.

All in all, Sauze was a great resort and Hotel Derby a very good, cheap base.