The Three Valleys ski resort has plenty of accommodation options. But have you thought about renting a luxury apartment. Alpine Residences has a selection of stunning apart-hotels in the Courchevel 1650 region just a few minutes’ walk from the village’s ski lifts.
ALSO READ: Top 10 things to see and do in France’s Three Valleys
I checked into Le C Residence in Courchevel 1650, which is on a quiet residential street. A ski butler met me on arrival to whisk away my skis and boots, leaving me at leisure to explore the apart-hotel and relax.
Who for
Apartments at Le C Residence are designed for families or groups of friends to stay together. Each apartment sleeps between four and 10 people in a combination of double rooms and cabins, and there’s plenty of space for cooking and socialising, which makes it a great choice if you don’t want to eat out every night.
Accommodation
Le C Residence has a strong Scandi feel to its design: there’s plenty of exposed wood, monochrome furnishings, sheepskin, and thick woollen throws. Light pours into the rooms through French doors and large windows, and on a fine day you can throw open the doors between the main living room and terrace to enjoy your morning coffee or pre dinner drink outside.
All of the rooms — doubles and cabins alike — have en suite bath or shower rooms, so even with a full house, you won’t be competing for the bathroom in the morning.
Everything is brand new and gleaming; the thick Egyptian cotton towels and L’Occitane shower products add a hint of luxury. In the double rooms, the beds are deep and supportive, with crisp sheets and carefully designed lighting so you can read without disturbing your bed fellow. The cabins have bunk beds and are aimed predominantly at children and teens, but they’re big and sturdy enough to comfortably accommodate all but a large, rugby playing adult.
Bedrooms in the apartments are accessed from the open plan living area, which encompasses a well equipped kitchen, dining area, and lounge. There’s plenty of seating, glassware, and crockery, and they’ve thoughtfully fitted both a dishwasher and a washing machine.
Food and Drink
Breakfast is served every morning at the time of your choosing, and is delivered on a tray to the room. You have the choice between “sweet” (bread, pastries, and jam) and “savoury” (cold meats and cheeses) or a combination of the two. Both are accompanied by bottles of freshly squeezed orange juice, tea, and coffee capsules for the Nespresso machine.
Bistrot-Le C Restaurant
Le C Residence’s restaurant, Bistrot Le C, is on the ground floor and open to walk-in guests as well as residents. It’s a lively place in the evening, and often there’s a jazz singer and band. The sophisticated menu of dishes are all beautiful presented: the cod on a bed of seafood risotto is served in a bowl made from a whole artichoke, for example. The restaurant’s waiters are charming and knowledgeable about local wines, so do ask for their recommendations if you are interested in food and wine pairings.
Facilities
In the basement of Le C Residence you’ll find the private spa and wellness area, which is equipped with a jacuzzi and steam room. If you’re stiff after a day on the slopes, you can also book treatments with the masseuse.
Skiers are just as well taken care of as when staying in one of Courchevel’s five star hotels. The ski butler mans the ski locker room in daylight hours, delivering boots and skis to the front door when you need them, and drying and warming them for you overnight. If you’ve forgotten your goggles or fancy upgrading to a new piece of kit, Le C Residence has its own ski shop on site, too.
Wi Fi Available?
Yes
Room Rates
A two bedroom apartment at Le C Residence starts from €215 per night.
What’s Nearby
Le Residence C is in the middle of Courchevel 1650 and right next door to the escalator which takes you up to the ski lifts and down to the Aquamotion swimming pool and wellness complex.
The principal reason for staying here is the skiing and snow sports, however. Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys, the largest connected ski area in the world.
Ski area
The village has a number of well positioned chair lifts and cable cars to get you straight up to the higher peaks, and is also home to Moriond Racing, a 3km tobogganing track.
Courchevel 1650’s options for apres ski are varied and conveniently located. Fahrenheit 7 has a particularly glorious outdoor terrace at the bottom of the slopes, plus two funkily decorated indoor bars for later on in the evening once it gets cold.