I have just returned from staying at this hotel over the Christmas week with my husband and 3 kids and my brother, his wife and their 3 kids. First off the staff played a massive part in making our holiday and Christmas brilliant. After reading the reviews before we went we were not sure what awaited us. The hotel is a bit tired, but we (and other guests we spoke to) found it adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
Our rooms were clean and comfortable, and cleaned everyday, we had a direct view from the balcony of the piste. The food was delicious, breakfast offered fruits, yoghurt, porridge, cereal, toast, crossaints etc. and a hot option. We missed the continential cheese/ham but maybe people pinch it for packed lunches so the hotel does not offer it?! Kids menus offered a huge selection daily and the 3 course evening meal far exceeded our expectations. The chef was creative and the food was good. Free wine was very drinkable - Cotes du Rhone or Merlot (and choice of two whites or a rose but we didn't try these). Hotel Manager, Sarah, along with her staff could not do enough to help and please.
The childcare staff, headed up by Lisa, were truly amazing with our 3 and 4 year old esp. their key workers Kim and Vicky. We had a few fracious drop offs over the week and the staff were great. Evening drop in was lovely - DVD and snuggle sacks, my daughter loved it. The evening Kidz club was a nice (free) surprise for the older kids in our group as they ate at 7pm and then had entertainment afterwards so we could eat without them!
The layout and location of the hotel was great. We drove out and both cars were parked outside the hotel (free), out of the boot room door and straight onto the piste. Our only recommended improvement would be boot warmers as the lockers were narrow and only really suitable for skis so we took ski boots to our room.
Security was fine with key pad passcodes on the doors, 24 hour manned reception visible to the two main doors and passcodes and signature for collection of kids from clubs. The hotel is only 3 mins from the shops and a small push on skis to ski school meeting points and all the main lifts. Nicola on reception was very helpful and friendly.
Hotel bar was well run, with good selection of drinks, also kids cocktails which were fun - no prices but the tab showed the running bill which was useful! Champagne was 75 Euros which was a bit excessive when you can got to the Spar shop and get two bottles for 60 Euros! Various different seating areas with a fireplace that sadly remained unlit during the week. Scotty's Bar below was fun with live bands twice over the week - yes, we could hear a bit of noise but as it was not every night it was fine - besides my brother and husband were there one of the nights!
Christmas Day started with bucks fizz at breakfast, at 4pm we stood on the main balcony and sang carols awaiting Father Christmas and his elves who skiied down to the hotel. All the children got a present. Christmas meal started at 7pm and was the traditional English fayre with crackers and complimentary Port with the cheese. But it was the happy, helpful staff that created a fun, relaxed festive day for us.
I have been on many skiing holidays but this was my first MW holiday and it was excellent value for money, staff were helpful, friendly and keen to please, the hotel atmosphere, comfort and location were fab. We would definately return.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC