Résidence Candide

Odalys is basic, but it was fine and good value. The central spot in Les 3 Vallées worked well for skiing, with ski-in, ski-out access. When it was warm, getting over to Val Thorens was easy, and in cold or bad weather we could reach the lower tree runs in Méribel and La Tania.

The location is good, and that's about it. The apartments are old and small, and the beds and sofa beds are so hard that I didn't sleep comfortably. You pay extra for nearly everything: sheets, towels at €10 per stay, and WiFi at €8 a day. The cleaning charge is frustrating too, since guests are still expected to vacuum, empty the vacuum and clean the apartment themselves. If it isn't clean, they could take it from the deposit, but charging a fee while requiring all that cleaning feels wrong. The deposit itself is reasonable, but it takes over a week to come back, despite the 48-hour promise at check-in.

After more than 15 years skiing in France, this was a new low for me. I've stayed in small apartments before, but this place still managed to surprise us in ways we hadn't expected. I saw several things that wouldn't be allowed in rental homes where we're from, and I'm even considering contacting the French Department of housing. Since you reply to so many negative comments, do you know which government agency I should contact if I want to try to get something changed?

The best part was the ski-in, ski-out setting, with the kids' EFS ski school just opposite. The Carrefour in the complex was well stocked, and precision ski hire were helpful with good equipment. Our two-room apartment, booked through SkiWorld at the Odalys Hameau apartments, had five beds. The bunk beds were very firm, though I imagine they might soften with use. The small kitchen had two rings, a microwave and a large dishwasher, along with a toaster, kettle and coffee maker that shared one plug. The tap was loose but worked, and there was plenty of hot water. Storage was a struggle: we lived out of suitcases, with the hall shelves needed for blankets and pillows from the lounge beds by day, and helmets and outdoor clothes at night. The bedroom had no spare space because the bunk and single beds filled it. It was very cold in the apartment on arrival, and the first night was chilly, but the building warmed up as more people arrived and the heaters were used. They brought us extra blankets. The worst issue was dog mess left along the paths and ski route, so we had to watch where we stepped. Odalys has bag dispensers and bins, but most owners seemed not to pick up. Towels cost €10 per person for two towels. SkiWorld says they're included, while Odalys clearly says they aren't, so hopefully that gets sorted out and future guests know whether to bring their own.