Résidence Lagrange Vacances Le Pic de l'Ours

The staff at reception were rude when we checked out. Even though we were the only guests checking out, they took their time and brushed off our questions while our small child waited in the car. That was the worst part of a stay that was already deeply disappointing, and I hope this gives others a clearer idea of what to expect. The apartment didn’t match the room shown online: we’d expected a balcony and mountain view, but got a place facing the courtyard and neighboring doors with no sunlight. The sofa bed turned out to be two separate bunk beds with awful mattresses. Our backs certainly felt it. There were problems throughout the property, too. The only elevator serving the four buildings wasn’t working. The sauna was under renovation, apparently for years based on other reviews. The pool was dirty, and the chlorine smell was so strong it made our eyes sting even from nearby. Wi-Fi was supposedly available in common areas, but the connection kept dropping and was barely usable for email or sending family photos. Mobile coverage was almost nonexistent as well. We knew about the €300 deposit when we booked, and had seen it mentioned in other reviews, but weren’t told before check-in what we’d have to do to get it back. The photos show the requirements, and they’re quite a surprise. At a hotel claiming four stars, guests are expected to strip and fold the linens and take out the trash themselves. That’s cleaning work at the guest’s expense. There weren’t even dishwasher capsules or a sponge for doing the dishes. Were we meant to use a bath towel and shower gel? We stayed over New Year, and it was my worst experience in all my travels around Europe. It’s a lovely place, but poor management really lets it down.