Extraordinary views of the Rhone Valley make Chalet Royal the best place to stay in Veysonnaz
Location, location, location. There is no debating that Chalet Royal has an unbeatable position in the Swiss ski resort of Veysonnaz, part of the vast 4 Valleys ski area.
This impressive chalet-style property is situated right opposite the gondola station, with unobstructed views of the Rhone Valley and the mountains beyond.
On a clear day it can be tempting to forego the skiing entirely and just sit on your balcony mesmerised by the alpine scenery. This is a place blessed by the weather: Veysonnaz gets an average of 300 days of sunshine every year, so whenever you visit there will be plenty to see and do in the area around the hotel.
Who for
Families and large groups will find plenty of space to relax at Chalet Royal.
Accommodation
There are 56 rooms at Chalet Royal, divided into three categories, and more than half of them have balconies looking out onto the Rhone Valley. Opt for a Chambre Supereriure or Chambre Royale for maximum space and comfort.
The Supereriure classrooms are partially clad in wood and have wooden furniture, accented by photographs and artworks of the landscape and occasional pops of bright colour in the form of cushions and upholstery. Large wall heaters keep guests snug in cold weather, but on warmer days you may well want to throw open the French windows onto the balcony and let the fresh, clean mountain air in.
All rooms have clean en-suite bathrooms with showers over the baths, which is ideal for soaking tired bodies after a long day skiing.
Food and drink
Much of the hotel’s ground floor is covered by a large open-plan bar and restaurant, where guests tend to gather in the evenings. Every day there is an extensive breakfast buffet with fresh pastries, cold meats and cheeses, as well as cereals, eggs, and toast. The fresh apple juice from a local orchard is particularly tasty.
In high season the hotel’s restaurant, Le Convivial, is open for guests, serving a buffet of local cuisine from 19.00 to 21.00. At other times, you can dine across the road at Chalet Royal’s sister restaurant, Magrappe. Magrappe’s outdoor terrace, which is right at the bottom of the piste, is a lovely spot for an apres ski beer in fine weather, and the continental menu inside includes some excellent wood-fired pizzas, which go down a treat accompanied by local wines.
Facilities
Cafe Royal does have a fitness room, but if you have been skiing or snowboarding all day, you probably don’t need or want to do any more exercise. Instead, head for the hotel’s gem of a spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and an outdoor hot tub. The spa is a small space but you can book it for free in advance, preferably at sunset so that you can watch the changing colours of the sky over the mountains and then the lights coming on in the valley far below once darkness descends.
When we visited there was snow on the ground, so you could roll in the snow and then jump back into the hot tub for a refreshing, exhilarating experience!
How much?
Double rooms start from CHF 50 per person per night or CHF 55 per person for rooms with a view.
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What’s Nearby?
To reach Veysonnaz’s gondola station from the hotel, all you need to do is cross the road. This gives you immediate access to the 4 Valleys, the largest ski area entirely within Switzerland, and various activities including downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and ski touring.
Ski Mystery – a combination of skiing and detective work aimed at kids – is fun for all the family, and if you find all the clues along the Inalpe blue slope, Veysonnaz Tourism Office will give you a prize.
Although the majority of guests come to Veysonnaz in wintertime, it is a year-round destination. Mountain bikers can use the ski lifts to reach the peaks quickly, there are some wonderful hiking routes along some 200 km of footpaths, and you can also go horse riding.
If you fancy a little culture alongside your adventure, explore the charming village of Veysonnaz including its Neo-Gothic church, which was founded in the 15th century.
Verdict: Chalet Royal is a superbly located hotel with impressive views and easy access to the ski slopes of the 4 Valleys. The marvellous outdoor hot tub is the icing on the cake.
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