The family-run The four-star Neige et Roc hotel nestles at the foot of an impressive mountain range, near to the quaintly old-fashioned ski resort of Samoens in the heart of the beautiful Grand Massif area of the French Alps.
Also read: Ski guide to Samoens
The hotel is built completely out of wood and decorated with hanging baskets of flowers on the balconies, it possesses the rustic appeal of a huge chalet. Guests are greeted in reception by an impressive dresser containing a wonderful collection of vintage crockery and enormous cowbells.
The decor is homely throughout the hotel, which is well run by Françoise and Olivier Deffaugt. It is chosen to enhance the warmth of the place. For instance, the lampshades and the stools in the lounge are fur-clad, and the communal areas are strewn with amazing collections of antique coffee pots, teddy bears and drink miniatures. The impression is of a very friendly, if slightly eccentric home.
A pleasing winter sports theme also runs through the hotel. For example, the handle on the front door is in the shape of a ski crossed with a climbing axe. The seat outside is a refashioned toboggan. At night, the Neige et Roc Hotel is illuminated by fairy lights which create the air of a magical alpine dwelling.
After a hard, cold day on the slopes, it is a splendid, informal place to relax. In the very agreeable bar, you can pull up a chair and warm yourself by the open fire.
Who for?
Skiers, or indeed anyone looking for an informal place to relax.
Accommodation
The hotel has 31 very comfortable bedrooms. They are all spacious, wood-clad and have large windows which give an excellent view of the ski slopes on all sides. In a nice touch, a teddy bear greets guests on every bed.
Facilities
The Neige et Roc Hotel boasts excellent fitness facilities including indoor and outdoor pools both heated to 28 degrees, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. It also has a games room. At the spa, treatment rooms offer massage and beauty treatments.
Food and drink
The hotel serves a wonderful breakfast and offers a cosy bar, but if anything, dinner is even more special. The cuisine at the hotel has been recognised as a ‘Maitre Restauranteur’ for its use of fresh produce. All the dishes are delicious, but the superb steak fondue with chips and four flavours of mayonnaise stands out. One thing: don’t even think of trying this dish if you’re contemplating dieting!
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, throughout the hotel.
How much
Rooms start at £149 for two people.
What’s nearby?
The hotel is ringed by dramatic and photogenic mountains, which offer tremendous skiing in the winter and hiking in the Summer. Getting to the slopes is easy, as there’s a ski bus stop right outside.
Samoëns forms part of The Grand Massif ski area, which encompasses 265km of skiable terrain and also includes the linked resorts of Flaine, Morillon, Sixt and Les Carroz.
From the centre of Samoëns, you can reach the slopes in one of two gondolas which both transport you directly into the Flaine valley. The skiing there is for people of all abilities.
The medieval centre of Samoëns is also well worth visiting. Bordered by a splendid 10th-century church, a wonderful spreading linden tree and an ancient covered market, the very pretty pedestrianised village square is a lovely place to unwind and simply watch the world go by.
Getting there
The nearest airport to Samoëns is Geneva, 77 km away. Regular buses run from the airport to Samoëns. The journey takes 90 minutes.
