Vacanceole - Les Chalets du Verdon

The location was really good, but I don't think I'd go back. The couch was falling apart, and so was the dishwasher. They charge extra for nearly everything, even bed sheets, like Ryanair or something. Check the hotel rules too, there are lots of them. For instance, you have to clean the room after your stay or pay an extra 90€ for a cleaner.

Nearby, there are plenty of little shops, restaurants, and equipment hire places in the town centre, and there's good access to the ski facilities. If you don't fancy the 15-minute walk, a free bus goes into town. The pool is available, but the water is very cold. We're staying in a four-to-six-person apartment as a family of five, and I can't imagine fitting another person in. The apartments are basic and compact, small really. Bring your own bedding, since they only provide basic pillows and a couple of sheets per person. The kitchenette is small but decent, with a microwave, dishwasher, and coffee machine, but no kettle, so bring one. You're expected to clean the apartment yourself. On check-in day reception is open for only two hours, which creates total chaos and an angry crowd of holidaymakers. The price is definitely too high for what you get.

We really liked our stay and will definitely come back if we return to France. The staff helped with everything we asked for, and every morning from 7:30am you can buy fresh baguettes at reception. It's a five-minute walk to the village centre for shopping, with the ski lift and bus very close by. The hotel is a bit aged inside, but it has what you'd need, from kitchen equipment and decent-sized parking to a hammam, which is free to use and which we enjoyed every evening. Skiing to Pra Loop takes around 1.5 hours one way, depending on how well you ski or snowboard. The pass covers all the lifts, so it makes for a more interesting day.

Not for one night! It takes ages to check in and out, with just one person at the desk and another handing out towels and bedding. They ask for a 300 euro deposit that isn't mentioned in the booking. When we finally got the keys, the woman said third floor but didn't tell us which building, costing us another 20 minutes. The apartment was the right size, but not very clean, especially the shower and glasses. You have to make your own bed, and although there's a bathtub, the water heater doesn't provide enough hot water to fill it. We tried the spa area instead, but the pool was freezing and full of young kids and mothers yelling. In the morning we had to strip the bed, fold everything, and take it all back to reception. For 90 euros, it was far too much work.