Hotel Clair Soleil

I must admit that I had hesitated for the past couple of years about booking a ski holiday as the prices always put me off. To ring in 2015 I decided, with a few friends (and a fairly limited budget) to organise a five day ski trip to the Pyrenees without breaking the bank. And so after a four night stay in Hotel Clair Soleil I am writing my first ever Trip Advisor review because it was everything I could have asked for and more. A very quaint, vintage, chalet hotel nestled in the mountain range only 5 minutes by shuttle bus to the slopes. The hotel owners welcomed us upon arrival and went above and beyond to make our stay as comfortable as possible. They were always on hand to help with any queries, provide us with any information about renting ski equipment, evening activities etc. Despite our woeful French, they were very kind to speak to us in English, always with big smiles and a great deal of enthusiasm! Getting off the slopes at the end of each day, we were all eager to get back to the hotel and flop into the big armchairs by a roaring fire (with a few drinks just before dinner...). The hotel’s intimate restaurant which features a stunning view overlooking the mountain range serves a range of classic French dishes that acted as a true reward for a long days exercise! Though we did not travel with children, those that we saw during our stay seemed also very happy with the warm atmosphere and traditional charm that the hotel provided. In the evenings we had great fun in the state-of-the-art bowling alley and arcade just a couple of minutes down the road. A great plus for families! Though it wasn't quite the season, we did see that the hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool which would be fantastic for those tourists keen to visit the region in the summer months. In short- a truly wonderful, little gem of a hotel, that is simple in presentation but excels in all the essentials people look for in a hotel! We will be back next year for sure!!