We arrived home yesterday after a great holiday in Val d'isere (fabulous ski conditions) and enjoyed our stay at Hotel La Gelinotte. It's a Chalet style hotel, comfortable, clean and warm, with friendly staff and in a good location, We used the Bensbus from Grenoble (excellent service) and were dropped off at Gare Routiere in the village centre at 00.30hrs. The hotel is a only a short walk from the main street of the village but it is is on a hill and not that easy to find on first arrival! We could see the blue lights that Simone (Manager) had told us to look for but couldn't see how to reach it. After a long journey from the UK, trundling luggage up and down a snowy road in the early hours of the morning isn't what you want (taxis at that time of day are not in abundance). A small sign at the end of the driveway (steep slope up to hotel entrance) would help resolve this minor issue.
Our room was small and basic, but it was spotlessly clean and ensuite with hot water and a powerful. shower. The feel of this place is very informal and chalet style It was just a good place to chill out in after a day on the slopes and chat with fellow guests. The management are very friendly, informative and helpful and the staff are all game for a laugh. A special mention to Jason (chef), Kat and Kelly, for their friendliness and also to James and Danny who are excellent ski hosts. I was holidaying with my 19 year old son, who is a far better skier than me, and both of them enabled him get the most out of his stay by accompanying him on runs that I wouldn't dare attempt! The staff also have an extensive knowledge of the apres-ski and nightlife and guests were invited along on on more than one occasion
There are however a few down points.The biggest one is directed at Ski Power, the tour operator for their tactics in charging extra for items that are deemed as standard with other providers. This was my 2nd trip with Ski Power - I stayed in Chalet Nelly in Le Praz, Courchevel in 2010 and on that occasion I raved about the meals, from the delicious cooked breakfast to the 5 course dinner. This time around unfortunately I can't give the same feedback! Breakfast is now continental only and not at all great. Be aware that it will cost you an extra €6,50 per person, per day if you want a hot cooked breakfast which for 2 people x 7 days will add an extra €91.00 to your basic holiday price. The evening meals are average quality - chef does his best on a very tight budget (his Lamb Shank and poached Pear were delicous) and a €6.00 charge for a glass of wine with dinner (which is free in Ski Power Chalets) also felt like a rip off. Another cost to be aware of is that if you want a change of towels mid week it will cost you €3,50 per person. The sauna was also out of order for much of the week.
On a couple of occasions I was disturbed by loud music and noise from staff returning to the hotel in the early hours of the morning which is impolite and not what I would expect from this kind of hotel. But overall Simone and her team were excellent and do their best to make sure their guests have a great holiday.
In a wider context Val d'isere is a great place to ski and the village has a nice atmosphere, although it is an expensive resort.. If you do go make time to go to the leisure complex next to the Olympic lift! Entry to the pool is free with your lift pass and its a fantastic complex. More akin to a private club than the public pools we have in the UK.
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