Review of Hotel des Neiges, by Christoph Hargreaves-Allen

Hotel des Neiges is a sumptuous, elegant luxury hotel located in the quiet enclave of the Jardin Alpin, the best part of Courchevel, its position is privileged because of the dense rank of fir trees surrounding the building and sun terrace. Easily reached on skis, the hotel is a short, pleasant walk from the centre of town.

The hotel is heavily staffed, and satisfies the high culinary expectations of its guests. Lightness and a sense of elegance are reflected in the décor, with orchids standing in the restaurant and lounge. It has some lovely touches in the way of antique Alpine furnishings juxtaposed by, for instance, a modern fireplace framed in white with a glass screen. Good, quiet service is the modus operandi. International rather than local in style, the restaurant comes Gault Millau-recommended.

Anyone looking for a high quality spa experience has come to the right place. In addition to the full service health spa there is also a sauna, hair salon, steam room, fitness equipment and indoor swimming pool. Those visiting to ski are well accommodated with complimentary use of ski storage and a shuttle.

For all its opulence, a simple story that demonstrates a quieter side to the hotel. One English family stayed there every winter for at least twelve years. When, over a decade later, two of the children happened to be skiing in the area, the siblings decided to take a quick look at their old hotel of choice. Upon entering, the owner recognized them immediately. There and then, he invited them to a lunch of endless courses, and refused to let them pay - all for old times' sake.

There are 40 bedrooms and 8 suites; each is stylishly traditional to flow with the rest of the hotel. Each room comes with satellite tv, a DVD player, minibar and internet access.