Tetras Lodge by Les Etincelles

Sitting outside in the mornings and evenings was a real pleasure, and a riverside loop walk starts just beyond the terrace. The setting is peaceful, about a 10-minute drive from Tignes. Parking was a short two-minute walk away. There were plenty of activities to choose from, and the included Tignes card offered things to do for all ages. We didn’t use the cycling equipment, though there seemed to be plenty of good kit. My wife especially recommends the morning yoga and would come back just for that. The Alpine Elements team made our week-long summer-season stay relaxed, with consistently warm hospitality and professional service. We’d stayed with them before in Morzine. The food was always good, with nice options, and staff made an effort to cater to my wife’s dietary needs. Tea, coffee, and juice were available around the clock, and the bar’s beers and cocktails were welcome after days by the lake or on the trails. Our family room had a spacious bathroom and a small balcony. It felt warmer than we’re used to, and there was no air conditioning control, but the quiet location meant we could leave the balcony door open behind the net curtain for cooler air overnight. Housekeeping worked hard and kept the place immaculate, with thoughtful personal touches. There were two bars about a minute away, and a small Sherpa supermarket was due to open as we left. Tignes had plenty of shops for lunch, supplies, and sports gear. A stress-free, enjoyable week with a lovely team.

There isn’t a lot going on in this small resort, which suited us for relaxed evenings with a drink at the hotel. It was also quick and easy to get around, including to the slopes. I particularly liked soaking in the outdoor hot tubs overlooking the river and mountains. The recently refurbished hotel was excellent quality, with good facilities, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. I mentioned my fondness for Victorian sponge, and somehow it showed up as the cake the next day.

The service and location were good, and the staff were lovely. But the room we were given, 207, was so cramped that moving around the bed was difficult, and opening the balcony door to use it and look at the lake was impossible. I’ve added photos to show what I mean. Other rooms near the stairwell seemed to be the same size. After we got home, I contacted Alpine Elements and eventually received an email offering a small amount of compensation. They also explained that the room met the minimum acceptable size for this hotel level, and said there was more space when the beds were pushed together. We had already placed the beds as close as possible, and that didn’t solve it. Based on my experience, take the minimum size seriously and avoid rooms 206 and 207, and any others by the lifts or stairwell. You may end up in a smaller room than guests paying the same rate. I’m confident saying that because other guests showed me their rooms.

Getting around by Tignes transport was a bit difficult from this location, which has a lovely lake view. That was the only downside, and it wasn’t really the hotel’s fault. The team made our stay at FullLife Tignes - Les brevieres. Christine gave us a warm welcome at check-in and helped us right through to check-out. Julie was kind and helped with detailed questions and service at breakfast. We also loved Clemence, our rescuer, Dan, our ski expert, Gabriel, and Antoine. We really enjoyed our time there and would absolutely recommend it for its cosy feel, friendly team, and great service.