Unbelievable Chalet in Alpe d'Huez: Fireplace, Mountain Views, Book Now!
Unbelievable Chalet in Alpe d'Huez: Fireplace, Mountain Views, Book Now! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, clinically sterile hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the "Unbelievable Chalet" in Alpe d'Huez – the one promising fireplaces, mountain views, and a whole lotta "book now!" urgency. Spoiler alert: it was pretty unbelievable. But as with all things in life, nothing's perfect, and I'm here to give you the glorious, messy truth.
First Impressions (aka, The Arrival Disaster…err…Experience)
So, the drive up to Alpe d'Huez? Breathtaking. Seriously, the Alps will smack the existential dread right out of you. Just beautiful. But let me tell you, the "airport transfer" I booked? More like "airport disappear-er." Waited a solid hour, nearly froze my…well, you get the picture. Finally, I grabbed a taxi. Expensive, yes. Frustrating, absolutely. Was the chalet worth it? We'll get there.
Accessibility: Did They Even Think About It?
Look, I can walk just fine. But I started poking around and, honestly? This is where things get a little…murky. The website vaguely mentions "facilities for disabled guests," but it's the kind of vague that makes you wonder if they just ticked a box and called it a day. I saw an elevator, which is a good start, mind you. But the paths to get to the elevator? Steep. Unforgiving. And the front desk? More on that later. Let's just say, it wasn’t exactly built with accessibility in mind. But hey, at least the view, you know? We'll get to that.
The On-Site Grub Hub (and my personal relationship with caffeine)
Okay, this is where things really started getting interesting. The chalet boasts a whole culinary shebang.
- Restaurants: Plural! Restaurants! Yay! Actually, they had a few choices, which was amazing. The Asian restaurant… it was a delightful surprise. It was not what I expected in the French Alps, and the food was delicious. Just a burst of flavors on a snowy day, heaven.
- Bar: Yep. Required. You know, for…research. It had a fantastic atmosphere. The bartenders are super kind.
- Coffee Shop: Absolutely essential. Let's face it, after the airport debacle and the potential accessibility issues, I needed a triple shot of espresso just to function. They had a good one. They had good coffee, but sometimes, it took a bit longer because the staff seemed a tad stretched thin at peak times. Again, this is a perfect way to add to the imperfection.
- Room Service: 24/7? Yes, please! I was tempted to order breakfast at 3 AM just to, you know, test the service. I didn't, but the option was there, and it was comforting.
- Poolside bar: In a ski chalet? Sounds…wrong. Was there a poolside bar? Nah. But the vibe of the place was still top-tier!
Things to do! (and how I spent most of my time…relaxing)
Alright, so they had a MASSIVE list of ways to relax, and I'm not complaining.
- Spa: This was a highlight. The sauna? Glorious. The steam room? Yes, please. The pool with a view? Oh, sweet Jesus, YES! The views from the pool out over the mountains are stunning. It's worth the price of a stay just to soak in that. I'm not someone who does body wraps and scrubs, but the regular massage? They were phenomenal. I think I went every day. The masseuse was so kind and attentive, and it really helped me unwind.
- Fitness center/ Gym/fitness: I saw the gym…once. Let's be honest, the mountain air and the spa were my workout plan.
- Kids stuff: Look, I don't have kids, so I can't comment. But they seemed to have some options.
Cleanliness (and did I get the C-word?)
Okay, the good news: The chalet seemed clean. They had "anti-viral cleaning products" and did a "daily disinfection" of common areas. Hand sanitizers everywhere. But honestly? After the whole airport fiasco, I was still a little…paranoid. I may or may not have gone through a bottle of my own disinfectant wipes throughout the stay. (Don't judge me, we all deal with our anxieties differently!)
The Rooms: My Little Mountain Fortress
Okay, so the rooms? Pretty darn good, the one i booked was called a 'Superior' and it lived up to its name.
- Fireplace: Yes!
- Mountain Views: Again: YES! The balcony was the place to be for your morning coffee. The air was so fresh, and the vista just blew me away every single day.
- Bed: Comfortable. Linens: soft.
- Bathroom: Huge, with a separate shower.
- Internet (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!): Worked flawlessly. I mean, I needed to upload all those breathtaking photos of the mountains, right?
- Extra Long Bed: Yes!
- Mirror: Oh yes.
- Safe box? Included.
- Bathrobes and slippers?: Yes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Asian Fusion to Après-Ski Nibbles
The food was generally pretty good.
- Breakfast: Buffet-style. A solid start to the day.
- Restaurants: International cuisine in restaurant. Always a hit.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: A must, as you know.
- Desserts in restaurant: Absolutely necessary.
- Happy hour: Excellent.
- Poolside Bar: Sigh, it didn't have one, but the bar more than made up for it.
- Snack bar: Excellent.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yes, which was a pleasant surprise
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
- Front desk [24-hour]: They are mostly helpful. But, as I mentioned before, they aren’t always the most efficient. It was frustrating. I often had to re-explain things.
- Elevator: Good!
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Concierge: They tried. They really did. But "trying" doesn't always result in a solution.
- Food delivery: A helpful option.
- Currency exchange: Available
For the Kids (or, What I Gathered From Observing)
I saw some kids facilities, but again, I can't give you a definitive user review. It seemed family-friendly, though.
Safety and Security: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
They had all the usual stuff: CCTV, smoke alarms, etc. I felt safe.
Getting Around: The Taxi Drama Continues
Okay, so the airport transfer was a dud. During the stay, getting around was a mix of taxis (expensive!) and, if you're able, walking. Free parking on-site was a huge plus.
The Final Word (and my overly dramatic emotional reaction)
Okay, let's get real. The Unbelievable Chalet in Alpe d'Huez was pretty darn amazing. The mountain views are truly soul-stirring. The spa is pure bliss. The food, for the most part, was great. However, it's not perfect. Accessibility needs a serious upgrade. The front desk service, while well-meaning, has room for improvement.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. Despite the imperfections, the sheer beauty of the location, the chance to ski in the morning and melt away in the spa by afternoon…it’s an experience. Just be prepared for a few hiccups. Bring your own hand sanitizer, and maybe pre-book a different airport transfer…or just be ready for a taxi. You will not regret it. It's Unbelievable. In the most gloriously imperfect way possible.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bungalow Awaits in Voorthuizen, Netherlands!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned brochure itinerary. This is my potential trip to Alpe d'Huez, the real deal, the gloriously flawed, probably-going-to-be-hilarious-in-retrospect adventure.
Day 1: Arrival, Air and Altitude Adjustment (and a near-disaster with the fireplace)
- Morning (9:00 AM-ish): Touchdown in Grenoble! I'm telling you, airport travel always starts with frantic bag-checking and muttered curses at the overly-aggressive Ryanair baggage allowance. Note to self: invest in a smaller toothbrush. Also, pray the transfer driver doesn't think "French time" is a suggestion.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The drive up to Alpe d'Huez. This is where the Instagrammers come to life. "Oh, the majestic mountains!" "Breathtaking views!" Me? I'll be mostly focused on not throwing up from the switchbacks. Praying my car sickness pills work. And maybe sneaking a cheese-and-butter baguette at a scenic viewpoint (priorities, people).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check into the chalet! The dream is a cozy chalet with a fireplace. Praying the photos didn't lie. The reality? Probably some rogue dust bunnies, a fridge that barely cools, and a wonky washing machine. But hey, a fireplace! That's the winning card.
- Early Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): FIREPLACE TIME! This is where things might go sideways. Let's be honest, I'm probably going to struggle to actually get a fire going. Expect: frantic paper crumpling, dramatic fanning, and a near-smoke-inhalation experience. My inner Pyromaniac will be thrilled even with the failure. Should things go well (and who am I kidding), I'll curl up with a French novel I pretend to understand and a large glass of red wine. Probably spill the wine.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at the the chalet. Trying out my best attempts at a classic French dinner. Hoping to find nearby local spots. My attempt at cooking an French dish will either be a culinary masterpiece or a tragic comedy. Either way, it will be delicious. If disaster strikes, there's always cheese and bread. And more wine.
Day 2: Skiing, Screaming, and (Hopefully) Not Breaking a Leg
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast! Fueling up for a day of skiing. Hopefully, the chalet has decent coffee. If not, well, instant coffee is almost guaranteed. Quick check to make sure my ski gear fits, I've forgotten something important.
- Morning (9:00 AM onwards): The slopes! This is the moment of truth. Hoping to avoid the "beginner's curse" of falling every five seconds. My strategy? Fake confidence, a lot of smiling, and a healthy dose of fear. Prepare for wipeouts, near-misses, and possibly yelling at the skies. I’ve never been a great skier, but I can guarantee I will get better.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch break. Hopefully finding a nice spot with a view to warm up and refuel. If the food's not great, at least the scenery will be.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM onwards): More skiing! I hope I make it out alive! I should probably take a break now so I don't throw myself down the mountain, let's make a plan to come back later.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Apres-Ski! Time for the all-important post-ski drinks. Will I look glamorous? Nope. Will I be exhausted and slightly bruised? Absolutely. Will I be downing a Vin Chaud and feeling the buzz? You betcha.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner and relaxing in the chalet.
Day 3: Rest, Recovery, and Reckless Mountain Adventures
- Morning (9:00 AM): Maybe a slightly slower start. My body is going to hurt, I know it. Possibly a long, hot bath with Epsom salts, a good book, and some quality self-pity.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Exploring! I'm open to options here: a snowshoe hike (because I'm masochistic), a scenic cable car ride (because I'm a sucker for views), or just wandering around the village, searching for the perfect souvenir (probably involving more cheese).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Indulge in some well-deserved treat, like eating some local desserts.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Revisit a ski-run that was fun. Maybe try something more adventurous. Or just repeat the easy ones. Really, the point is to enjoy myself.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Farewell Dinner! Something special, something memorable. Maybe a fancy restaurant (if I can find one that doesn't require a second mortgage). Or maybe just another cheese and wine feast back at the chalet, with the fire blazing (hopefully!).
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbyes
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last-minute chalet clean-up. I'll be the guest who tries the hardest! Packing up, trying to remember where I put my charger, questioning all my packing choices.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): The drive back to Grenoble. Another chance to appreciate the mountain views (or fight off the nausea).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Airport again. The rush, the stress, the sheer exhaustion of travel. More baggage drama, I guarantee it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM onwards): Flight home. Reflecting on the trip. Filled with memories, minor injuries, and the feeling that I'll be back for a skiing trip again. Already thinking about the next adventure!
Important Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is fluid. Expect major deviations.
- Weather and my spontaneous whims will dictate what actually happens.
- Alcohol consumption may or may not have shaped this itinerary.
- I make no promises about my skiing skills or ability to maintain a clean chalet (or anything!)
Bottom line: I'm going for the experience, the messiness, the ridiculousness, and the memories. And if the fireplace works, that's just a bonus. Fingers crossed!
Montmarault Seafront Apartment: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Seriously, "Unbelievable"? Is the name just hype?
Oh, honey, initially I cringed. "Unbelievable Chalet"? Sounds like something pitched on late-night TV. But… *deep breath*… it kinda *is*. I mean, the view? Good GOD. I spent a solid hour the first day just staring. It's one of those things you've *seen* thousands of pictures of, but then you stand there, and your jaw just kind of… drops. It’s like someone painted a masterpiece *directly on the window* for you to wake up to. The name? Okay, maybe a *little* hype, but frankly, it delivers. The real question is, "Can I afford to eat ramen for the next six months to go back?"
Tell me about the fireplace. Is it actually cozy or just… there?
The fireplace. Okay, let's get real. I’m a pyromaniac in denial. My husband *hates* the idea of me being near fire, but the moment I saw that roaring beast (it's *big*), I knew. It's REAL. It's not some sad, dinky little thing. It's wood-burning, it crackles, it pops, it’s almost primal. We roasted marshmallows (a bit charred, let’s be honest), drank hot chocolate (spiked, obviously), and basically melted into puddles of happiness in front of it. Warning: May result in serious relaxation, excessive napping, and the burning desire to never leave. And yes, I did manage to avoid setting the chalet on fire. Victory!
What are the mountain views REALLY like? I've been burned by "mountain views" before.
I HEAR YOU. "Mountain view" can mean anything from a distant peak glimpsed between two power lines to a slightly elevated pile of rocks. This? This is the real deal. Think panoramic, breathtaking, 'makes-you-want-to-yodel-and-quit-your-job' views. I'm talking the kind of views that make your Instagram followers *jealous*. Seriously, every single window is framed perfectly. We even witnessed a sunrise that had the audacity to turn the whole sky cotton candy pink. It made me cry. Okay, maybe I was also a little hungover from the local beer, but still. MAGICAL.
Okay, but what's the catch? There *has* to be a catch…
Alright, alright, you cynical little devils. There are a few things. First, the drive up? Hairpin turns. And I mean, *hairpin*. My stomach did a flip-flop more times than I care to admit. Secondly, the kitchen is super modern, but… I couldn't quite figure out the espresso machine. I mean, I tried. I failed. A lot. Ended up just buying instant and blaming the altitude. And finally, and this is a minor thing, the Wi-Fi was a *little* spotty at times…. but honestly? I'm not complaining. It was good to be offline and just *be* for a while. So, not really catches, more like… minor inconveniences.
How do I book this place? I'm already reaching for my credit card…
Do it. Book it. Right now! I'm not kidding. Seriously, before it gets booked out for the next decade (which is entirely possible). Check the website. Look for the availability calendar. Figure out your dates. And then… *do it*. Because trust me, the regret of *not* booking this chalet will be far worse than the brief pain of seeing your bank account weep. Honestly, I'm slightly tempted to book it *again* myself, even though I just got back. Don't judge me.
Is it good for kids? Because, well, kids.
Okay, here's the thing about kids. They're... *kids*. I didn't go with kids, but I'd say it's potentially amazing *or* a total disaster, depending on your children and your tolerance levels. The place is spacious enough for them to run around and hopefully tire themselves out. The views could distract them for a while. But the stairs? The fireplace? You've got to assess your own tribe. Think about whether *you* want a relaxing vacation, or a non-stop game of "don't touch that!" Personally? I'd go for the relaxing vacation. Maybe leave the little darlings with Grandma... Just a thought.
What about the location within Alpe d'Huez? Are you, like, miles from everything?
Okay, I'm not going to lie, I'm absolutely useless with distances. But no, you're not marooned. It's up high, obviously, because you're in the Alps, but the slopes are easy to get to via a ski lift or a bus. The center of town is doable with a short, and pretty scenic, ride. There are restaurants and shops nearby, but you're also far enough away from the noise for a bit of peace and quiet. Honestly? Perfect balance. I really liked that you felt like you were in the middle of nowhere, in a good way, yet still, like, connected. I'm sure there are more details on the website (probably with actual distances in sensible units) but trust me: it's a good location regardless.
I'm afraid… What if something goes wrong? What's the support like?
Okay, fear not, fellow traveler. I’m a worrier, so I get it. I actually had a minor issue – I couldn't figure out the TV remote (technology, am I right?). The support team was fantastic. Quick to respond, super helpful, and I swear, they were genuinely lovely. They helped me with the remote. They even offered suggestions for local restaurants and things to do. So, even if you manage to somehow break something (it happens), you won’t be left stranded. Phew.
Would you really go back? Honestly?
Do you even have to ask? Yes. YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. I'd sell my car, my shoes, and maybe even my slightly embarrassing collection of novelty mugs to go back. It was that good. It was that relaxing. It was that… *unbelievableOcean By H10 Hotels
