Altapura Hôtel & Spa Val Thorens

The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. The location on the slopes offers easy access to skiing. Guests praise the delicious breakfast buffet and comfortable, spacious rooms. High cleanliness standards maintained.

Having had the best review from friends some 12 years ago, saying how amazing it was, and that we should all stay here, one of our group managed to secure a group half biard booking for us all to go, costing £25k there abouts. The hotel, not a 5* for so many reasons, its in need of some tlc on decor, restaurant was very basic, food limited, almost every night cold, tepid, with cold plates, but dessert plates warm. One night we had chicken and chips no better than cheap basket food, £5 you'd pay the most for it. The kitchen staff changed every sitting and every day, no one consistent in the kitchen. Two friends had food poisoning, they were the only ones to have oysters. Me and two ithers had plastic in our soup, seemed to have been added to the blender. Drinks tarrif varied in the bar, I paid three different prices for the same gin and tonic ranging from 21 euros to 17 euros. A number of staff in the bar and restaurant were rude, impersonal and seemed poorly trained in hospitality. On dealing with mistakes language issues seemed to be blamed. Our room was ok, clean towels daily, but cups etc went missing and had to be asked for. Hotel felt tired, and the staff too, I'll equipped to manage tasks. For a miserable culture to develop it seems that this is from the top and filtered down. The only nice thong was the hotel ski shop, who helped me with my skis. The spa had lots of children in it and parents didn't seem to take notice of the times kids could be in the spa. Although ordinarily I wouldn't mind so much, but it wasn't managed by the hotel staff. I've skied Val Thorens before, it's beautiful, I'd never stay at this hotel, nor any hotels associated to it, seems like its been ruined since it became a chain, sadly. Too expensive, badly run, tired, and not up to a 5* standard they've labled it as.

We’ve just left after a week in Altapura and highly recommend. We were a big group of families with kids and skiers of all levels. Location of the resort is amazing - right on the slopes and terrace is fab for soaking up the views and the atmosphere. Rooms are great and super comfy - we had one with a small room off it for our kids which worked great. It’s ski in ski out which is awesome, and really convenient for ski school. The ski shop set up is brilliant and staff couldn’t have been more helpful. The spa and pool is great - we used most evenings and the kids loved it. Kids club is great bonus too - our kids loved it. We didn’t do half board and went out most nights - van service to drop and collect you anywhere in the time was brilliant. Concierge was great and all the staff were really friendly. Overall top class luxury and relaxed vibe in a super location with great skiing. Only suggestions which are minor is to increase the temperature of the pool, and keep the kids club open a bit later (restaurants only open at 7 and kids club closes at 8 compared to 9pm in most other resorts we have stayed in). Terrace food was great as was Italian. Buffet a little disappointing. Will be back next year! Thanks for a great stay.