El Lodge Ski and Spa

The wardrobes were a nuisance in our room: their sliding doors kept jamming, and we couldn't open one half at all. They badly need repair or replacement. The hotel looks stylish, the setting is beautiful, the staff are genuinely friendly, and the menu is decent, but those positives don't make up for the lack of basic comfort. The noise is relentless. The windows barely block any sound, and loud music plays outside every day from 1 pm to 5 pm. It's far beyond background music and made it hard to enjoy even an hour of peace. Having lunch inside the restaurant wasn't really an option either. Sitting outside meant music so loud that conversation was futile, even shouting right into someone's ear. Guests do complain, but it doesn't seem to matter to anyone involved. This place may suit people who ski all day and return too exhausted to notice, or those who are here to party. Otherwise, the noise can turn a holiday into an endurance test. The hotel seems to care about its image and atmosphere, while guest comfort and practical details come last.

The rooms are comfortable, modern, and well equipped, with a great balcony, jacuzzi, and excellent spa facilities including a heated pool and sauna. The location is excellent, right on the slopes. Breakfast was very good too. For a ski hotel, though, the room layout is awkward. Wardrobe doors open onto the bedside tables, as shown in the pictures, and there's no proper storage or hooks for ski clothes. It may be fine for a short visit, but longer ski trips would be awkward. Check-in felt impersonal, nobody explained the hotel or its facilities, and staff generally weren't very attentive. Renting skis at the hotel is convenient, but overpriced. The restaurant was disappointing. There was a loud DJ during the day, it didn't feel family-friendly, and reservations were required even for hotel guests. Dinner prices were very high for the quality and service. The location and facilities are great, but the service and value don't match the price.

Attentive staff, excellent rooms, a spa area, and delicious breakfasts. A wonderful hotel.

The hotel itself is beautiful and cozy, and the waiters were really nice with very good service. But I wouldn't come back for the food unless it cost half as much. It was pricey and just fine, not worth what we spent. We'd booked lunch on the Terrace and were so excited that we planned our whole day around it. It snowed lightly all day, and when we arrived we were told the terrace was closed, so we had to eat inside. I would have cancelled if I'd known. I assumed a ski resort would be used to snow and wouldn't close the terrace because of it.