Hôtel La Vanoise 1825 Brides-les-Bains

Stayed here as the Amélie was booked but the two hotels share an excellent restaurant. Our room was very clean and spacious and the bed wax very comfortable. The reception and restaurant staff in the Amelie were very pleasant and cheerful. We had a set evening meal which was delicious- the choice may be a bit limited for fussy eaters but my fish hating husband was catered for. I particularly loved the pork meals as the meat was cooked to perfection in delicious sauces. The buffet style breakfast had a good choice of food and drinks. This year we had a car so didn’t use the gondola, car parking wasn’t a problem. Can recommend if you are looking for accommodation in the 3 Valleys

I assume historical reasons for La Vanoise not being called Hotel Amelie, but really, La Vanoise isn't a hotel because it doesn't have a reception or any facilities in it. It is rooms. The hotel is joined via, a short external link at the back, to the Hotel Amelie. Reception is in the Amelie, you eat in the Amelie and the bar is in the Amelie. I think the decor style of rooms may differ a little though. All that said, this is my second stay at the La Vanoise in 8 years. Had a great time and would go again. The room was a good size and had a good size balcony. Our cleaning lady was brilliant. She was especially kind when I managed to melt a chocolate bar on the sheets!! My only bit of minor feedback about the room was that it didn't have a bath and although the shower was always hot, it wasn't very powerful. The room was warm with enough places to dry stuff. No issues with the cleanliness of the hotel. Good beds, bedding and towels. Ski locker was 20 euros (refundable on return of the key). Breakfast was great and for once, decent coffee! Dinner was very traditional French Savoie fare. There was a set 3 course menu every day. If you didn't want that meal, a vegetarian alternative was available but limited. I have stayed in ski hotels before which asked you to chose from a limited set menu perhaps the day before, but at least there was a little choice. I liked the food mostly, but if you didn't, the lack of choice could be an issue. The hotel has a nice friendly bar and a very sociable vibe. Staff are nice too. Bar open to non residents. The issue with this hotel is that it is a 25 minute gondola ride up to Meribel and back. Last lift back down is 5pm, so watch out for that. Friend I went away with didn't like the gondola ride and thought it was too long. However, the gondola is a few minutes walk from the hotel max and is direct. No faffing about walking and with buses, so I don't mind it and its so much cheaper than staying in Meribel. For what its worth I also like Brides les Bains. Its a pretty, traditional, French spa town with some nice shops, river, park, thermal spa etc, so if feels a bit more "real France" than Meribel. I would even like to go back there in summer. So all in all, if you don't mind the 25 minute lift to Meribel, its a great option and two good little hotels (Amelie and La Vanoise).

Stayed here for three nights to ski in Meribel. We arrived very late and told the reception and the immediately made arrangements for us to get in and get our room. Nice large room with courtyard, mountain room. Good value breakfast and busy and well run bar. Easy walk to ski lift and convenient parking. Can't fault the place or the staff. Excellent value for money.