La Mansio de Bons

Keep in mind the host may cancel less than an hour before you arrive if you ask for a late check-in, meaning 7 pm instead of their 6 pm cutoff.

The shuttle made getting to and from the slopes far more stressful than we expected. The 8:00 am bus was often full and wouldn’t let us on, and the next one wasn’t until after 11:00, too late for an early start. Evening returns were badly organized too, so we had to pay for expensive taxis or hitchhike several times. Walking beside the highway takes over an hour, is dangerous, and isn’t possible with ski gear. There’s no supermarket or restaurant in the village, though we knew we’d need the free shuttle to Les Deux Alpes. La Mansio de Bons can’t do much about the service, but without a car it’s something to consider. We spent a week at La Mansio de Bons during our ski holiday. The place had a pleasant atmosphere, tidy clean rooms, and an excellent breakfast.

Sandrine, Stéphane, and the whole team made us feel so welcome. Their hospitality was warm and friendly, and the food was delicious. We had a lovely stay in their chalet and would be happy to return when we get the chance. Romance, their dog, deserves a special mention too. She’s every bit as welcoming as her owners.

We arrived smiling at 6:50 pm, but the reception was icy. A courteous, matter-of-fact refusal would have been fine, and might even have left the door open to seeing us another time. The way we were turned away shocked us, and we’re not the only ones. Looking at the replies to negative reviews, it seems the owners think all those customers lack manners. That response only confirms how we felt, though we still wish them success. This was the middle of the February school holidays, on a Sunday in Les Deux Alpes, one of the busiest days because holidaymakers had just arrived. We had a large order available from a local family, but the small village lost our custom; everywhere else was open, and we’ll go elsewhere. Other businesses are glad to work hard during this short season, and I look forward to sharing their enthusiasm. An inn should offer a warm welcome and a convivial atmosphere that matches the quality of its products, whether or not the staff can meet a customer’s request. Some consistency would help. Same place, same owner, Mansio/Gourmet Mountaineer. The good reputation our family has built for a shop opened in 1800, and for the past 13 years, is beside the point here.