Residence les Balcons de Val Thorens & Spa

The hotel is a little way out of town on foot, 10 mins walk to most places, but is well served by the free shuttle. Arrival via a non-direct transfer likely means travelling uphill from the bus station - a good 10 mins walk - far longer with cases or skis etc. So factor in using the free bus and make sure you are in hours. There is good parking under, but needs a reservation and these will be tight in peak times. In good snow, it is an easy ski out. Ski in is at the bottom of what could be an awkward red end to a blue, then across the road - depending on which chalet block you are in. It may be ski in from those in certain places... The rooms are a little older feeling, but spacious and comfortable.

A group of about 18 of us stayed here for a week in January and couldn’t really fault it. We had 2 apartments both were spacious, well equipped and comfortable. Used both of the spa’s during the week, the pool and jacuzzis where great after a long day of skiing. You can ski in and out although the red run back in is quite steep and did tend to get a bit icy so maybe not ideal for beginners, although the alternative walk to and from the slopes also wasn’t too bad Would definitely like to head back one day.

Loads of time to write this! The ski locker access system has crashed for all. No problems …. Go to reception! Oh closed until 3. Go to the main reception …. Oh closed also …. Avoid if you want hassle free. Screws in place of plug raisers, no repair to lights in sauna as promised. Day two so sure to add to the list soon.

Excellent appartments in the very top of Val Thorens. Good service and cleanliness, fine appartments (but small if you book for the exact number of people). A bit far away from the rest of Val Thorens, since it is located as the last appartment building when you climb up to the city top.

Apartment was fine but the pool area was a nightmare, I was refused entry because I could not walk bare foot as I have to wear sliders to walk in around a pool. I explained my situation but was still refused entry. With the other 7 in our party allowed entry this put a dampener on the whole holiday experience so everyone the party used the pool I stayed in the apartment (not good) very poor service from the hotel

The 16 bed apartment was standard, it had a nice kitchen and good selection of rooms. The bath with showers were impractical and leaked flooding the floor, but this wasn't too much a pain. It wasn't quite the ski in / ski out we imagined as there was a lot of walking to get to the slopes that was classed as a ski in ski out but it did the job. The spa however was dreadful. I was initially blown away by it, the tranquil and tropical reception, the amenities it boasted was impressive, but once taking one step in it all changed. At the main bottom of their pool is a drain out of sight that was broken; I unfortunately pushed off from it and it made a lovely long deep cut all down my foot. The lifeguard was absolutely no help in providing assistance, he was on his phone in his room that sits next to the pool and couldn't care less that I was bleeding over the poolside. A receptionist rushed to help me and assisted in getting me bandaged up. I was referred to go to the clinic and seek more substantial medical attention, and when asking if I could take another bandage as mine was already sodden in blood and chlorine water, they suggested putting a bin bag on it, how delightful! The clean up of blood that was trailed along the poolside was also a spectacle in how careless and disgusting the clean up was. The lifeguard simply hosed the pools of blood down with it splattering and landing in the main pool right next to it. The pool and hot tubs were also lukewarm in temperature which was an unexpected disappointment. Two of our party also picked up verrucas from their trip to the spa which also begs the question of whether this relaxation centre needs to be closed to have some serious repairs and cleaning made. It's safe to say we did not go back to the spa. For anyone looking at this place, I would personally choose to avoid this spot and find another chalet that has a spa that's less likely to infect or cause any harm to your body. If you're not too fused about cleanliness, customer service, or general health and safety standards, then this might be your perfect stay!

I feel compelled to write this review after such an amazing holiday. We arrived at our destination a little anxiously after reading the most recent reviews. However we found some of the negative comments to be totally inaccurate. Our apartment was clean and had a brand new kitchen with excellent appliances. The view from the balcony was spectacular, like a picture postcard. The gym, sauna, steam room, pool and jacuzzi all overlooking the slopes were also an added bonus. The staff were accommodating and friendly. I informed them of a light that stopped working whilst we were there and they replaced it within an hour. The restaurant staff were also friendly and extremely efficient and hard working.The food was great and just what we needed both for breakfast and dinner. The resort was also buzzing and the skiing suitable for all ages and abilities. There were 8 of us in our party and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Overall a wonderful holiday which was great value for money.

Arriving in early morning, it was easy to collect keys and check-in. However, when we got to the room, we had to make the two beds within the "living room". One of the duvets had dried sick on it, so that needed changing and not a great first impression. The 'ski-in" "ski-out" situation is limited. The snow when we were there (mid March) was not enough for the ski-out portion, there was a 200m or so walk down a muddy/rocky/icy slope, then onto the ski-road down to Plain Sud lift. Not a real issue, just more daunting for beginners. The return was a little harder, coming down the piste from Le folie douce went from a very wide blue run (stick to the right as much as possible looking down the mountain) into a steep, "unabashed" red, which due to scared side slippers, would become pretty icy and had big bumps of pushed snow, tricky terrain, especially with drunk people in the mix, although fun if you know what you're doing as you zip past them. Ski lockers were just that, for skis, don't leave your boots there, they'll never dry, take then to your room with you. The accommodation also had in it, the classic group holidays (primarily men who started drinking at 11am) and would come back unable to walk, it took three days for the blood on the lift to be cleaned properly. The check out situation is weird, drop your keys off, they inspect your room, then you get your deposit back. The bag drop with available showers is a good setup, but a female/make situation would be safer for younger women. Would I go back, not for the price we paid. Would I go with a family, no. Would I go with some pals, maybe but it would have to be cheaper. It's a shame, because a bit better clientele and a more thorough cleaning and inspection team it could be nice.