Les Chalets de L'Adonis

We come back every year for the superb spot right on the slope, and the spa is included. The rooms are very basic, which doesn't bother me. The mattress could do with an upgrade, though, or at least a better pillow.

The closest shop is a 15-minute walk away, and the place feels in the middle of nowhere. Rooms and beds are tiny, with no sound insulation at all. There was fungus on the wall, and the standards were very poor. After we left, they kept the deposit over one dirty plate. Very bad practices.

The mountains are great, and the pool is there. Staff speak good English, there is a lift, the ski lockers have locks, and towels are provided, which isn't always the case in Les 3 Valees. Parking is listed too, though I can't say much about it. The eight-person apartment was just about okay for six, which is also not guaranteed in Les 3 Valees. For access, the so-called ski-in is below the sledding rails. In warm weather, even in February, there can be mud and a little river there. Snowboarders need to unfasten, then face a steep hill with no snow management. Ski-out means going through bushes beside the sledding rail fence, so it hardly feels like proper ski-out. From most shops, restaurants, and the Bruyures1 lift, getting back involves crossing a bit of piste with bags, taking one lift, then climbing three stairways. Driving is easier. I only learned on the last day that there is a shortcut through the ESF office next door: take the lift down and come out on the slope. The apartment itself has limits. An eight-person unit really only works for six, since the other two would sleep in the kitchen. Soundproofing is poor and there are no heaters in the ski lockers. There's an extra local fee outside the main price, which is sort of okay. The €108 cleaning charge can be avoided if you mop and clean the toilets yourself, but we still had to empty the fridge, microwave, and dishwasher, take out all rubbish, and put the linen and towels in the bath. On arrival, you get one day to report anything broken; after that you're responsible for whatever you missed. At checkout, you have to book a slot between 8 and 10 AM for them to inspect for breakage or theft, then leave straight away. WiFi was good when it worked, but it was down across the whole chalet for two days. The washing machines are supposedly available only when WiFi works. The pool is decent before 4 PM, after opening at 10 AM, but crowded later. There was quite a lot of hair in it one morning. The sauna runs only from 4 to 8 PM and was packed.

Our booking was cancelled three days before check-in. My friends had travelled from far abroad for their holiday, and it was ruined. The accommodation itself gave us no warning or information. The tourist office of Menuire was the only one making an effort to tell clients. Even though the chalet knew it would not open, it didn't cancel the booking on Booking.com.