Le Portetta, Courchevel 1650, French Alps - Explore & Book
"Les 3 Vallées' reputation as the world's largest linked ski area has long attracted the rich and famous. Courchevel 1650 (also known as Moriond) is the most modest of the local glitzy resort towns but offers access to the same great skiing as its better-known neighbour Courchevel 1850, and stunning chalet-style hotel Le Portetta has nailed the prime piste-side position, just a stone’s throw from the children’s ski school. Run by the owners of Lime Wood, it caters to couples, friends and families alike, with 38 rooms and 6 penthouse lofts sleeping up to 6. Interiors throughout have been designed to the highest standard, with large open fireplaces and elegant furnishings – think alpine-chic with a warm, laid-back vibe. Delicious Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant, and there's a top-notch ski hire shop with heated boot room and ski storage. Our skis were ready and waiting for us outside the shop when we arrived, so we wasted no time in hitting the slopes! On our return, we saw in the evening at the lavish spa, the well-equipped gym and the alfresco bar with the sunniest terrace around, where the après atmosphere is unbeatable. If you're looking for first-class quality and convenience, Le Portetta is Courchevel's finest. Highs A ski-in, ski-out hotel, suited to everyone; you're a few steps from great beginner slopes, while experienced skiers can access the higher, more challenging runs of Courchevel 1850, Val Thorens and Méribel Courchevel 1650’s predominantly blue and green runs are wider, longer and less crowded than others in Les 3 Vallées – ideal for children Accommodation to suit everyone: double rooms, family rooms with bunk beds, and lofts with 2-3 bedrooms Flexible meal arrangements, too – all rates include breakfast, and those in the rooms can also go half board. Those in the lofts have kitchens to self-cater the rest of their meals The south-facing terrace – the perfect spot to relax around a firepit with some vin chaud Lows The hotel's main focus is skiing, so it's closed April-December There’s a strict 7-night minimum stay, with Saturday-Saturday bookings only Courchevel 1650's nightlife is rather low-key, and the swish bars of Courchevel 1850 aren't easy to reach in the evenings Rooms vary in size, with some on the snug side. It’s worth paying extra for the piste view options, which have balconies (though the valley views are lovely)" - Imogen Cox
