SOWELL RESIDENCES Crêt Voland

The location is nice, but this was my worst hotel experience. Someone went into our room without knocking while I was undressing, supposedly to check the electricity. When we first arrived, the sheets and pillows were used and dirty. The balcony door was broken and let cold air in, and the room had plenty of other flaws too. The bed was actually a sofa, and it was terrible for my back even though I’m only 27. We were also told to carry the sheets to reception ourselves, which was unpleasant to do through the mountains. And there was a woman undressing completely in the lobby. Maybe that’s the French way, I don’t know.

You can get to the pistes very easily through the main building, which also has a small supermarket, bar, tasty pizza takeaway, and ski shop. The town centre is reachable by the hotel lift, and there are plenty of good restaurants and nightlife nearby. The mountain view is beautiful. Our four-person room was basic but clean and had what we needed for a ski trip. Still, I’d book it for two people at most: space is tight, and one couple has to sleep on a sofa bed. It can be quite noisy, so you’re at the mercy of your neighbours. The pool is very small; a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge would be more useful.

The bathroom fixtures were in terrible shape, and the place was poorly maintained. The fridge and dishwasher were both too small, and the double rooms and living area felt cramped and uncomfortable for four adults. I definitely won’t return.

A great location, and the staff were lovely and friendly!