Sowell Hotels le Parc & Spa

A group of 13 of us have just returned from a stay here, for a week skiing in Serre Chevalier. We were "all-inclusive" with Crystal Ski, though it's worth noting that it's not a hotel exclusive to Crystal - the rep does visit sometimes, but there's nothing like a welcome meeting (despite the sign) or an info board. It was great to have a multi national hotel rather than just "brits abroad". We were all very impressed with the hotel, the location was a worry, but it's a very easy walk (5 mins) to the gondola, and there's a lift down the steep part. We paid to store our skis and boots at one of the hire shops - so had heated boots and could walk there in our normal boots, which made it so much easier. The ski area is amazing, it's huge! But worth noting this is the first town/city along the valley, if the gondola up is off they give you a free bus ticket to get along to the middle valley. On our last morning, there was so much snow they had to scrape each carriage, so it was a very slow start. The hotel is probably the nearest to this lift, but is in a bustling working town, so can be a bit noisy outside. The bonus is the walk up to the walled old town, which has quirky shops and restaurants, we loved this. The rooms were comfortable if a bit dark - not enough lights. The bed was good for me, and I like a firm mattress. The toilet is tiny.... hard to close the door on it. We used the sauna most nights, but the pool is freezing, just braved it once. brrr. Our group on the whole loved the buffet food arrangement, you are encouraged to make a packed lunch at breakfast to take for lunch. They supply boxes, bags and cling film for this, and it saved us so much money. The free bar and soft drinks is also a bonus, and wasn't abused, just a welcome bonus. There are 2 rooms with tables and chairs used as lounges, but with hard plastic chairs, it's very much a 6th form common room feel. The bar area is just the hotel entrance, with a couple of tall tables and chairs. It could really benefit from a cozy lounge to relax and play games etc. My biggest issue was the evening meal though, I'm a vegetarian (no fish), and at the buffet, there were only two nights with a hot meal I could eat, plain rice and chicory which was very unappealing. There was plenty of salad and soup, but no hot protein options. The staff offered plain pasta (without sauce) on 2 occasions and, on one night after we spoke with the rep again, I was given six veggie burgers at once. Despite raising concerns, options remained poor, while meat and fish choices were abundant. Given we noted this at booking, a basic vegetarian option should have been provided. My evening meals were very disappointing. But all of the others in my group really enjoyed the choice, Despite this, I had the best week away, but the lack of a good evening meal was such a pity.

Just returned from a week all inclusive here, and the hotel is good for the most part. It 100% isn't a 4* spa hotel, but it's clean, the staff are friendly and it's fairly close to the gondola (about a 5ish minute walk in ski boots). The hotel only has 1 very slow lift, so at busy times you might have quite a long wait. Our room was on the first floor, and was sadly above a local snack bar, so we had the smell of cooking in our room most days, even with the window closed, as it didn't seal properly, so there was always a lingering smell. Having the window open was a complete no-go as the smell was really strong. We did mention this to reception, but were told they were full and couldn't move us. We were given a 'superior triple room', which was a good size for 2 adults, but the armchair in our room would have been the 3rd bed, and it would have made the room feel very small if you were 3 adults sharing and needed to use the sofabed. The toilet and bathroom are seperate and the toilet room is very snug. If you're tall, you'll probably have to leave the door open. Great shower with plentiful hot water and good pressure, and the provided hair and body wash smelt really nice. The room had a lack of lighting, and the provided Krups coffee machine was a great touch, but we had to use the torch on our phone to see what we were doing, as there isn't a light near it 😂 The bed is by far and away THE most uncomfortable thing I've had the misfortune of spending a week on, it had the feeling of a mattress topper on a plank of wood and don't even get me started on the "pillows". Small square pillows of what was seemingly loose cotton wool in an oversized pillow case. ZERO support whatsoever. The Crystal info before booking said the spa would be €10 per use, but it's actually free to use if you're all inclusive, which was a nice surprise. The sauna needs to be booked in advance at reception in 20 min slots, and I'd advise booking on your way out in the morning as it fills up pretty quickly. You can also request a towel robe to use in the spa at reception, we learnt this from another guest, as we were weren't told on check in. The spa itself is very small, with 1 sauna and a small pool (which is cold, even though it says its 26°). All drinks except premium alcohol are included at the bar, including spirits and mixers, which the Crystal info didn't mention, so again, pleasant surprise. The bar is located in the main reception of the hotel, which is a bit odd, and there's minimal seating nearby, although there are 2 rooms nearby with additional seating and drinks machines for soft drinks and tea/coffee. This room is also where you'll find the afternoon snacks. The food was nice, but it's an odd medley each night, with what's on offer not always going together to make a meal as such, but the staff are great at keeping it topped up, and you can help yourself to as much as you want, which is fab after a day on the slopes. Lots of puddings and cold cu

July 2024 Arrived for an emergency. A family memb er had an accident and was hospitalized. I arrived to hotel. Front desk gave me a room immediately. (Better to make a reservation ahead of time as hotel fills up full) Amadou from hotel not only directed me to nearest bus to hospital but rode with me on bus. Upon return to hotel Loic at front desk helped me book an airplane ticket for over an hour. The help that I received was kind and professional. I would rate the front desk 110% excellent. Come try this well situated hotel. I took the least expensive room and found it to be clean with everything someone needed for a night or two. Easy walking to restaurants, shops, bank machine, ice cream. I did not have time to try pool, sauna or massages. Book massages ahead of time when making reservations at hotel. I would return if in the area. Elizabeth from New York.

Hotel is ok. People are nice which is important. Think pretty hot on the room and no airco (at least my room).

Super friendly staff, very helpful! This hotel is particularly well located, 15 minutes walking distance from the historical center, and 5 minutes from the cable car to the mountain top (2600 m. alt.) Comfortable rooms although they are not the largest I have ever seen. We had all inclusive, with a generous buffet type. Brunch type of breakfast allows you to prepare your pic-nic sac provided for your convenience. If yoou are sensitive to noise, ask for a room viewing moubntain side rather than city view.

Stayed with a group of friends whilst skiing for the week. Dont believe all the negativity on here. Yes the rooms are small, the pillows not great and the bar area small. However overall its a great place to stay. Its 5 minutes from the ski lifts, surrounded by lovely coffee shops and bars and is overall very good value for money. The staff are excellent, the food is overall good and the fact the hotel offers unlimited tea/coffee/juice/cakes and a packed lunch for slopes is a real bonus. We'll definitely be back when in serre chevalier !