Sowell Residences Pierre Blanche

This place is quite interesting, I have two tips: 1. If you are browsing this accommodation as an option then move on. 2. If you have booked, then bring the following: a. A sense of humour; b. Cleaning products; c. Mattress covers; d. Earplugs; and e. Low expectations. The experience in February 2022. This 4 star accommodation is above the resort. There is an unreliable and pokey funicular thing that is used to get from resort level to the accommodation, or a long walk, or maybe even a taxi. I shall be frank and state that this way of accessing the accommodation is at first novel and amusing, but after a few apres trips out hugely frustrating and a single reason to not bother with this place. However, if you can see beyond this and you do come here then after your long journey and your first experience of the funicular you will have the pleasure of checking in. On my arrival to the reception (which is modelled on a custody suite) I joined the back of a queue. Now being British a queue is not something to shirk away from, especially if there are only 5 other people in front, but 1 hour and 20 minutes later I had the room keys in my hand. A queuing duration only equalled in pleasure / theme parks and on that basis I should have had the most enjoyable stay in this accommodation. I was disappointed that 4 star reception chose not to be available 24 hours a day, as I often felt the need to not be helped by them at any time during the day and night. I was allocated an apartment on floor 6. An option of stairs or a lift to get from bottom to top is expected for 4 star accommodation, so I should have been excited about a continuation of these high standards. The standards did indeed continue, there was a locking door to the apartment. It was once I opened the door that the other 4 star elements were in fact discretionary. Hygiene and cleanliness, the 'do it yourself' approach was kind of unique for a 4 star, and when I had finished the initial cleaning I was proud that I could personally raise the accommodation up a further star. The carpark view was nice (I like cars). The kitchen facilities had everything one could need, except a work surface. The bedroom was missing the 4 star ensuite, or maybe I was just unlucky. The bathroom was functional, I especially liked the built in foot bath that was a feature of the shower tray, and this foot bath didn't even need a plug! One of the televisions worked, which is all a couple really needed anyway. Once I was acclimatised though (and when I tried really hard to ignore how much this cost) it was OK. If not the 4 star room that I may have paid for. The accommodation is ski in and ski out. This is a massive bonus when set against my apartment being on floor 6, the ski / boot room on floor 2 and the exit to the walk to the snow on floor 1. Actually, forget the ski / boot room as it was more of a store room for laundry, with no heated boot storage and questionable security, resulting in

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Cette résidence est bien située dans la station des ménuires (très chouette station) proche de la croisette. On accède à la croisette via un ascenseur et nous sommes quasi au pied des pistes. Notre appartement était dans le bâtiment le cret volant qui est un peu plus difficile d'accès car nous devons emprunter un escalier métallique. Cependant, l'appartement n'est pas très optimal. Il y a une très mauvaise isolation, il n'y a pas assez de rangements pour 6 personnes. L'agencement de l'appartement n'est pas terrible et l'équipement de la cuisine est trop léger (une petite poêle pour 2 dans un appartement pour 6).

La première chambre n'était pas faite et elle était sur le parking. On nous a donné une 2ème chambre qui était sale, le lit (un canapé) datait des années 70, le réceptionniste nous a dit qu'il avait déjà fait remonter l'information à ses supérieurs mais sans succès. La piscine était l'une des raisons de notre choix d'hôtel, elle c'est avérée sombre, froide et sale. Les draps et les serviettes sont fournis à l'accueil, donc on est obligé de les porter jusqu'à la chambre en plus de nos valises. De plus il faut les ramener sales à la réception lors de notre départ (très hygiénique). Pour résumer, nous avions réservé 2 nuits, nous sommes partis après la première. Je ne recommanderais pas cette hôtel.