Ruben Silva
Google
A Disappointing Stay – Far from a 5-Star Experience
We had high expectations for Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, given its reputation and the price point. Unfortunately, our experience fell far short of what one would expect from a true luxury hotel.
1. A Lack of True Luxury
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the underwhelming decor and ambiance, which did not reflect the level of refinement and sophistication expected of a five-star establishment. At €950 per night, we anticipated a stay that exuded elegance and comfort, yet the rooms lacked the attention to detail and craftsmanship that define true luxury hospitality.
The bathroom design was particularly disappointing, with poor hygiene standards and a complete lack of practicality—each shower left the floor flooded, making it uncomfortable and inconvenient.
The spa facilities were also misleading. The promotional images suggested an inviting and tranquil retreat, but in reality, the space was surprisingly small, offering only a few lounge chairs. With so many guests, there was little opportunity to truly relax. The pool water was uncomfortably cold, making it an impractical option for unwinding.
2. Disorganized and Unaccommodating Service
One of the most frustrating aspects of our stay was the lack of professional service.
Breakfast was extremely limited, offering little more than eggs and bread—far from the lavish selection expected at a five-star resort.
Communication was a struggle, as many of the staff did not speak English. Rather than making an effort to assist us, they seemed frustrated by our requests, which made the experience even more uncomfortable.
The concierge service was ineffective. When we requested a restaurant reservation, we were assured that a message had been sent. However, there was no follow-up, no confirmation, and no alternative suggestions. When we inquired again, we were simply told to go to the restaurant ourselves and see if they could accommodate us—a response that was astonishingly unprofessional for a hotel of this caliber.
3. Lack of Accountability and Guest Care
The most disheartening aspect of our stay was the complete lack of guest care when we decided to shorten our trip due to our dissatisfaction.
We informed reception of our concerns and were told that management would be in touch—yet no one followed up.
The next morning, no one at reception was even aware of our request. When a staff member finally spoke to the manager, he walked past us without a word, displaying a level of indifference that was truly disappointing.
Instead of making any attempt to remedy the situation, the receptionist simply stated that a refund was not possible due to hotel policy, adding a dismissive “Thanks for your understanding.” There was no acknowledgment of our concerns, no offer to improve our experience, and certainly no effort to uphold the service standards of a five-star hotel.
Final Thoughts – A Hotel That Does Not Live Up to Its Reputation
Adding to the misleading expectations, many sources claim this hotel is managed by Four Seasons, yet we learned upon arrival that this is not the case. This only compounded our disappointment, as the level of service and hospitality was nowhere near the standard we expected.
For travelers seeking a seamless luxury experience, this hotel is not the right choice. The lack of organization, poor service, and failure to meet even the basic standards of a five-star property made this a regrettable stay. We had hoped for a refined and memorable experience, but instead, we were left with a deep sense of dissatisfaction.
Would we return? Absolutely not.