The simple Alpine aesthetic and charm (think lots of honey-coloured pine, gabled roofs, and delicate floral sprigged bedspreads) of Le Portillo Hotel & Residence goes some way to disguising the fact that Le Portillo is actually a top notch ski hotel, complete with full spa and relaxation facilities, in the ever popular Savoie ski resort of Val Thorens. Perfectly situated in the middle of town, the office for ski passes is just next door to the hotel, while a good selection of shops is to be found in the immediate vicinity, including a Carrefour supermarket, ideal for self-catering guests staying in the hotel’s apartment complex.
Complete with an incredibly easy ski in ski out facility, Le Portillo Hotel makes it supremely simple for guests to tumble straight out of bed and on to the slopes, and being able to return in the evening, unclip your boots, and head straight to the sauna or steam room (or the bar) is another reason that staying in Le Portillo makes sense. With balconies, flat screen TVs, wifi, and a host of other modern amenities, the hotel offers more than just a bolt hole on a skiing holiday: it’s a destination in itself. From the hotel cat, Léon, to the golden reindeer which ornaments the hotel foyer, Le Portillo takes care of even the tiniest of details. If you want more than just a room for your stay, Le Portillo also offers spacious studios and larger apartments which are ideal for larger groups. As well as containing separate living rooms and bathrooms, the apartments come with fully equipped kitchenettes, making them ideal for longer stays. With coffee makers, dishwashers, oven, hot plates, fridge and utensils all included, guests are comfortable on extended breaks in these cosy homes away from home.
Ski storage is well taken care of, too, with lockable ski cages to house guests’ equipment, and heated boot racks to make life a little more comfortable for skiers first thing in the morning. The whole property has a quaint, Alpine chalet feel, which only adds to skiers’ overall experience on the slopes: it’s lovely to return from a heavy day’s skiing on the slopes to your own comfortable Alpine lodge, and it’s the authenticity of the experience which keeps guests coming back year after year..
When it comes to dining options, guests are spoiled for choice. Le Portillo boasts 3 restaurants onsite, including a sunny terrace with stunning panoramic mountain views for outdoor dining in good weather; relaxed bar-restaurant La Pause, open for lunch and dinner, serving traditional French brasserie fare in an unpretentious atmosphere; and finally La Grange de Pierette, which serves up delicious local Savoyard dinners. Typical menus might include Savoy trout and beetroot, cheese platters, traditional tartiflette, roasted scallops with truffle risotto, and rose, raspberry, and lychee macaroons. Nothing is brought in ready-made from elsewhere, or prepared out of sight of the dedicated hotel chef: everything is freshly homemade, ensuring a fabulous dining experience for all guests (there is also a full children’s menu).
The Statistics
How many Stars: 3* Hotel
Sleeps: 20 rooms
Closeness to the piste: Ski out, little walk back
Resort location: Rue du Gébroulaz, Top of resort
Style: Rustic
Swimming Pool: No
Spa: No
Michelin Stars: none
Specialness: If you like wood you will love it!
Internet: none
Disabled Facilities: No
Pets allowed: No
Our rating: 3/5