Résidence Carlina by Les Etincelles

We’ve stayed here for the past two years, and the ski-in, ski-out access to so many slopes is hard to beat. We were half board and loved the quality and range of the food. The staff across the hotel are friendly, thoughtful, and always ready to help, and the cosy bar is a lovely place to unwind. The spa was great after skiing, too. My one quibble is Thursday karaoke in the bar. To me, it doesn’t really fit the hotel’s atmosphere.

La Plagne itself is stunning, and the ski-in, ski-out access was great, though the return run got a bit moguly late in the afternoon. At Hotel Carolina, the food was divine and the staff went above and beyond. The facilities and provisions were fab. A few areas looked a little tired, such as the carpets and a wall by the pool that could use a coat of paint, but we had a fantastic stay.

We had a lovely, relaxing time in the bar area by the open fire, and there was plenty of outdoor seating for lunch or drinks, with crepes available too. The route down to the hub at Bellecote is good, and coming back from the Arpette lift via the Arpette and Laines runs gives you pretty views. The ski-in, ski-out slope got busy and rough at times, so it might be awkward for a beginner returning later in the day. That’s just an observation, not a hotel issue. We stayed in the Daphne apartments. It was tidy, clean, and well furnished when we arrived, with lots of cooking utensils, which came in handy for the two people in our group who know their way around a kitchen. The beds were big, warm, and comfortable, almost as good as my bed at home, and better than beds I’ve had elsewhere around La Plagne. The staff were amazing, friendly, and professional, and spoke very good English despite our limited French. Three of us speak other languages, just not French. I was especially happy that one staff member spoke Italian, so I could use that instead of English. The food was great, cocktails were good, and service was impeccable throughout. We had one small issue, and it was dealt with quickly and effectively. A couple of little things: the showers had weak pressure, and I personally found the pillows uncomfortable, though that’s a matter of preference. I couldn’t stay longer, which isn’t really a con. I didn’t use the pool, spa, or other facilities, so can’t comment on those. One suggestion: the Hotel Carlina sign facing the road could use a light. It was hard to see in the dark, and our taxi driver nearly missed it at 6:30am on pickup day, when it was still pitch black.

I can’t ski anymore, so I spend time in the spa each day, looking out over the mountains. It makes this a proper holiday for me as well. The room is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage and a good shower, which is handy since I’m in the hotel more than the skiers. We’ve been coming to La Carlina for several years and it keeps delivering. My husband and sons love stepping straight onto the slopes, the arrangements for collecting their skis at the end of the week, and especially the lovely food, including pancakes after skiing. The staff are always friendly and helpful. We’ll book again in 2027.