SOWELL FAMILY Vars

Thanks to everyone, from reception and housekeeping to the restaurant and bar teams. Even with all the hard work, they kept smiling and were ready to help. Great job.

The staff were friendly, and the setting is beautiful, but they couldn’t resolve many of our concerns themselves. They referred us to head office and didn’t provide the promised follow-up. I know the hotel had only been open six weeks, but this isn’t the first property in the chain. Generously, I’d give it three stars. Too many details fall short of a four-star stay. The worst practical issue was the steep access road. It often wasn’t cleared or gritted, making the walk up from the airport transfer with suitcases, ski bags, hand luggage, and boots really difficult. The hotel offered no help with luggage; a golf buggy would have made sense for a four-star place. It is ski-in/ski-out, but the slope is a steep blue. The website doesn’t state its color, while many travel agent sites call it green, which is misleading for beginners. We also found the boot room cramped, with no seating and unheated racks, so the boot liners stayed wet overnight. There were trip hazards around the cut-outs in the lino, which seemed intended as drains but had wooden blocks underneath, leaving puddles with nowhere to drain. Cables hung from the ceiling, and there appeared to be a leak. The website describes a spa and wellness centre, but there’s no sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, or other spa facility. Management said that part hadn’t been built yet, though paid treatments were available. The all-inclusive package was very basic. The site doesn’t explain that there are different levels or that you can pay for a GOLD upgrade. It also doesn’t mention the €175-per-person charge for seven days. Drinks like prosecco and Aperol aren’t included, and service is limited to certain hours. The website promises activities and entertainment, but none were available or scheduled. Staff didn’t know what I meant until I showed them the wording on the site. The website presents Sowell Family Vars and Sowells Hotels L'Alpe Blanche as two hotels sharing facilities. From what we could tell, L'Alpe is on the building’s third floor and Family is on the first and second.

The room was really clean.

The buffet was a highlight, with lots of choice, good food, and plenty to eat. Our room was spacious and clean, and the staff were kind, attentive, and always willing to help make things pleasant. I had a great weekend here and would recommend the hotel without hesitation.