Hotel Hôtel Beaulieu (La Clusaz, France)

Optimally situated just ten-minutes' stroll from town, you'll have everything you need while enjoying a breathtaking mountain view respite from the bustle. The hotel is lovely with an impressive lobby featuring a pool table and games, conveniently adjacent to the sister Hotel Carlina's shared spaces of a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and spa. Carlina's Restaurant is available for lunch and dinner as well. Bars and restaurants in town are worth a try, also, as are the ski lodges. Skis can be hired from nearby Sport 2000 with a handy arrangement. Breakfast is a varied selection including eggs, fresh fruits, cereals and pastries - the tasty croissants will bring you back every morning!

Comfortable units provide tasteful decor, superb bathrooms with luxurious bath tubs and excellent shower pressure, beautiful panoramic views of the slopes and toasty fireplaces.

Most staff are lovely and helpful here, efficient and helpful from arrival to departure.

You may find no one on the job when you arrive to the reception desk, eventually to understand you must venture next door for your hotel room. The on-site bar may be closed, also requiring you to step next door to their bar lounge.

Some may not appreciate the crowd at breakfast, nor the dishes piling up or staff run off their feet. Tables are quite close together and you may feel claustrophobic.( If you'd prefer a less cramped, more leisurely breakfast, try neighbouring Le Belier for crepes and coffee.) Similarly, the pool at Carlina next door gets a bit hectic too.

The Wi-Fi is intermittent at times and the nearby street parking is not free, nor even available at times. On-site covered parking costs a fee, which won't appeal to some.