Madame Vacances Les Lodges des Alpages

They charge a €130 cleaning fee, but then sent us photos of a few wet, not dirty, footprints by the front door and of sheets we’d left in the bath because we couldn’t find the trolley for the expensive linen. There was even a picture of some neatly folded sheets on the main table. We’d actually spent time cleaning the apartment. Sure, I left a little cheese on a baking tray, but the Mr Muscle was safely in my kitchen cupboard at home. Hardly $130 worth of cleaning! They didn’t mention the nice bottle of red wine we’d left on the table, so I guess that was easy to tidy. The staff were pleasant enough, but this was our second bad experience with this business. Don’t bother cleaning, they’ll charge you anyway. The location is good for the pistes, with a few restaurants and the centre not far away. The sheets and linen cost extra, which I know happens, but it’s hard to find out the price before you arrive. The apartments look tired and run down, and there are no washing-up or cleaning products, so you have to buy them at the local Spar unless you happened to bring bleach and Marigolds on the plane. It’s such a waste, with every group buying things they use once and then throw away. They do give you a couple of toilet paper sheets to share, so there’s that. It’s a shame this business seems to take advantage of customers. The operation feels like a scam, so be warned. La Plagne has plenty of nice places to stay, so avoid this one.

We found it comfortable for a winter break with plenty to do. The staff were kind, and we used the discount they offered on ski rental. Our chalet was close to the slopes, with a shop and rental nearby. Inside, the kitchen and living room share a roomy space with what we needed for cooking and relaxing, and there’s a separate place for skis and other gear.

The location is fantastic, and the staff were really helpful. The chalet itself feels dated, though, and several things could use some care. The shower is awkward because it’s so small. We were also asked to list any damage or problems on a form, and I think I could have kept filling it out all week as more issues came to light.

The apartment for eight worked perfectly for our family group of six, and the staff were friendly throughout the week. On our last day my husband fell, and manager Gaytan was incredibly kind while my family was at the hospital. When we were ready to leave, there was no taxi available, so he drove me back down the mountain himself on changeover day. He was a real treasure, and we’re so grateful for his care and understanding in such difficult circumstances. The apartments are also very convenient for the slopes and restaurants. Highly recommend them. Thank you, G.