Le Hameau de la Sapinière

I had read some negative feedback about cleanliness of the kitchens, smoke from other apartments, non-working stoves, the apartment not being available at the stipulated time and saloon door-type doors to the bathrooms. Our experience was not like that at all. It is true that there were a couple of pans in the kitchen that were not clean and a better clean is always possible (cleaners, there is dust under the beds), BUT: 1. the location is brilliant, right next to a green running down to Croisette and the lifts there, from which the whole of the 3V is your playground. 2. When we did have some technical issue (a shower not working properly) the maintenance man came straightaway and fixed it. 3. The ski shop is within the complex and is staffed and run with real expertise - an invaluable resource. 4. Our ski locker was next to the ski shop (so both were within 30 seconds walk from our front door). 5. The apartment was great, with a great big living area where the nine of us could all kick back. We had to turn the heating off when we lit the stove, which worked really well and made the room really toasty and with a great ambiance. There was loads of hot water and the bathrooms were entirely private. There is good storage space in the apartment (a whole understairs room we did not need). 6. The customer service was great. I do think that an apartment should be available from before 5 p.m., BUT in fact we were badly delayed by a landslide blocking all road routes to Moutiers. The reception staff were really understanding on the phone and did all they could to help us get to the accommodation. They said that they would leave the keys in an envelope in reception for our arrival but in fact there was then someone there for the first of us to arrive (at about 9 p.m.). Chapeau! The staff were cheerful and helpful in all my dealings with them. 7. I would without doubt come again.

While the apartment was expensive and somewhat outdated, it was well-equipped, especially the kitchen. However, the rooms were quite small, making it difficult to open doors fully in some cases. The cleanliness of the apartment left much to be desired, particularly in the toilets and showers. Additionally, the high price did not include extras like the wellness area, which cost an additional 15 euros per hour. On the positive side, the bread delivery service was a nice touch, especially since the nearest supermarket is a 15-minute walk away. The location is excellent for skiing, as it is right next to the piste and provides easy access to connecting ski lifts.

The location and set up of these apartments is excellent - close to slopes with a fantastic restaurant and and ski shop on the doorstep. HOWEVER, beware if you are a large group and are allocated apartment 48 (4 bedrooms) - I would suggest you avoid! First issue - due to travel arrangements we arrived at 1pm and were allowed to formally check in, though the apartment was not ready (5pm is official check in time). We were told that there was a chance of an early check-in so we hung around. At 5pm the apartment was still not ready. At 5.30pm we checked the room to see that they had not even started to clean it (despite knowing we had arrived at 1pm and it should have been ready at 5pm). Eventually we were given keys to the apartment (with the cleaners still in it!) at 7pm. The receptionist told us that this apartment is always cleaned last (regardless of the fact that other guests were not arriving until much later in the evening) so this issue could happen to anyone staying in this apartment during busy periods. Second issue - this particularly apartment is directly above a staff-access only area, possibly staff accommodation. It is connected to other apartments via vents which lead into the three toilets/bathrooms. The smell of cigarette smoke was overwhelming and incredibly unpleasant. It struck you as you waked into the apartment, and spending time in any of the bathrooms was pretty grim. None of our party smoke and we would never choose accommodation which permitted smoking as we do not enjoy the smell and two over our party are asthmatic. Even upon returning home, we can smell the cigarette smoke on our clothing. We reported both issues to the very lovely receptionist. She was able to offer us some complimentary access to the wellness area by way of an apology, but little else. All in all, we would stay in Le Hameau de la Sapiniere again, but would never stay in apartment 48!