Hôtel les Bruyères

Have to go this way as Belambara is never answering any of our mails nor calls. We bought our skipasses through them, and could not ski for 4 days because of weather. While our friends who went directly to the skipass shop got refund back then, we are still without any answer from Belambara whil they owe us 200 €!!! This is the worst service ever seen, real thieves. Dont ever go there, or any other belambara.

We had a 2 person room , half board. Room was clean, bur small. Bed was 2 twins pushed together (which is fine). Bathroom is nice. Small fridge in the room which is handy. Gym.. barely there. Contains a rower, static bike, and elliptical trainer , not even a token kettlebell. Would really like to see a few dumbbells and a treadmill! Breakfast was ok. Plenty choices. Only thing, I’d have liked more bread and full size croissants. Dinner, was good for non vegetarians. Definitely not good for non meat eaters. Ski room is tight, bar is nice. Overall enjoyed our stay.

There were three of us staying at Les Bruyeres sharing a room. The room was small but clean and comfortable and was sufficient for our needs. The breakfast was the same daily but the beans were pretty tasteless. As mentioned previously by other guests, there was a microwave to reheat food if required. I thought the breakfast area was crying out for a omelette station but I guess with all the guests breakfasting at the same time it would be mobbed. The staff were hard working, rooms were clean and the evening meal portions were always generous. Most of the guests were French and the catering was focused on that taste, though we enjoyed what was on offer and never lacked for food. The wine was nice as well with carafes provided to fill yourselves for white, red or water. The salad bar was popular with a good variety including pate' as was the sweet selection. I have to agree with the comments with regard to the Apres Ski and say that there were not a lot of other local establishments in Les Bruyeres with one other nightclub in easy distance but there were other nice restaurants and pubs nearby as well so a trek to Les Menuires would be required unless you got the local bus service. The bar upstairs and sun terrace was under used and a few times there was no-one manning it on our return from a day on the mountain. We were there for the skiing though and found the location great for getting up the mountain on Bruyeres 1&2 or across to Pointe De La Masse, Doron and Masse1 though an early start is advised to beat the ques. The Ski Boot Room was warm but restricted access with some rude fellow guests, again we got there early and hauled out all the equipment in 1 go as far as possible to the outer foyer and booted up there. Seeing what other places charge we thought the value was fair to good and we found our stay comfortable, staff were helpful and friendly, enjoyed the food and avoided some of the huge morning ques at Val Thorens or Les Menuires. We really enjoyed our stay and would consider returning.

Went for a week in January. Great location straight onto the pistes. Rooms are bit smaller than they look in pictures but comfortable and nice hot showers. Friendly reception staff and good upstairs bar and small gym which we used. The hotel is about 15 minutes walk from the main part of les menuires which is fine if you want to get home from some apres after lifts close but plenty of pubs right next to the hotel as well. I had informed the company we booked with I was a vegan prior to arrival. Incidentally, I am vegan not by choice but because I get allergic reactions from dairy and a milder reaction to eggs. On arrival, restaurant staff stated they did not know I was vegan. They served me spaghetti with cheese on top and vegetables which I had to return until I got plain spaghetti and vegetables (and despite the spaghetti is normally made with eggs I relented on this as it was easier and my egg reaction is tolerable). Restaurant manager was rude during that exchange. I asked the rep to speak to the hotel and on the second night had lovely ratatouille. Third night I waited an hour for food and despite explaining again I was vegan when my food eventually arrived it was served dripping in cheese. That night there were 6 salad options only one without meat or fish so not great for vegetarians either. I spoke to the restaurant manager again who stated I could have plain rice or spaghetti (which he seems oblivious is made with eggs) and the salad bar. When I pointed out the salad bar only had one option I had exhausted for a starter he was still rude and dismissive and stated they ‘might’ have something tomorrow. I got upset and left the restaurant hungry. My partner challenged the restaurant manager who was again very rude and on leaving the conversation called my partner who is of Caribbean descent by the N word. Never have I ever experienced such rudeness and racism on a ski holiday. We have stayed in Belambra hotels before and never had an issue with food or relationships and only compliments for the hotel chain. Complaint has been submitted to Crystal ski while in resort and Im told is ongoing but no communication to us so far. We left the hotel the following day and booked an apartment in Val Thorens at our own expense as felt too uncomfortable to stay there any longer. If you’re white and eat meat and fish you should be fine.

Lovely staff but be advised if you are staying longer than 4 nights you will not be provided with towels, weirdly if you stay 4 night they are provided! There is no bar or restaurant, this did not affect us but others were complaining as it is advertised as having these. The pool is awesome, take a euro for the locker and flip flops. We stayed self catering and was very disappointed to see there was nothing in the apartment for cleaning so make sure you go buy everything you need. Usually there is a limited starter kit but not here. There is an optional end of stay clean but that doesn’t include anything in the kitchen, on inspection after departure you may be charged if they deem it not clean. We had dirty plates and cutlery in the cupboard when we arrived so clearly it is not inspected very well. Last thing, you have to make the beds up yourself which is fine, just a warning after a long drive. The apartment is lovely, with just a couple of tweaks could be so much better.

Our first summer in Les Menuires and the hotel is beautifully suited for exploring the mountains. We loved this hotel, the bedroom was large with a very large comfortable bed, plenty of storage, a small but useful fridge. The shower over the bath was very powerful, we did upgrade to have the best view from our balcony which was worth the small additional cost. The bar was on the top floor which provided amazing views from the terrace. The food was buffet style, quite basic but there was plenty of choice and very little queuing. We noticed the staff ate in the dining room with us, never experienced this before, but quite liked it. The staff were excellent, very approachable and helpful. We loved our stay and hope to return.

Location: Location could not be better. Les Menuires is part of a huge skiing area and Belambra is situated at the foot of the slopes. On departure you can take the Bruyeres 1/2 cabin located at about 100 meters from the hotel. This brings you to 2850 meters high to the point where you can ski to Meribel or Val Thorens. Or you have the option to ski downhill towards La Masse skilift or Doron. Within walking distance there are restaurants, pubs, ski rental, Sherpa shop, bakery, ...However for après ski till late at night, Les Bruyeres is not the best option if you are into this. Check in: Very efficient and friendly check in Rooms: Very nice and cosy room with a small fridge and safe - not a lot of storage room -comfortable bed with excellent mattresses and bed sheets - great shower where hot water is promptly available and this in a small but warm bathroom - we were lucky and everything was quiet Breakfast and diner: Simple breakfast but with fresh fruit every day, plain cheese, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, croissants, pain au chocolat. You need to clear your own table at breakfast but we do not mind this at all. For dinner, I guess the food cost is rather low but it is well prepared and all staff were very friendly and funny. There is salad every day, soup, pasta and at least 2 warm dishes every evening. Indeed, food is not always warm but they have a microwave so you can heat it if you prefer. We did have more then enough to choose from and plenty of food. I can understand staff eats at the same restaurant and together with the guests but they could make it more clear who is on duty and who not. It is strange that staff are dealing with guests, serving and clearing tables one minute, and the next, they are at the table next to you eating their dinner. Also people of duty are running in and out of the kitchen all evening long. Regarding hygiene, I guess this is not the best way to organise a hotel restaurant. Ski room: Very bad design but there is not a lot they can do about this. During our stay the heating/ventilation system was not working so not very pleasant to put your wet ski boots on in the morning. Bar: No all inclusive system any more this year but we did not mind because the bar was very cold and uninviting. It was more of a gathering place for staff then a cosy place for guests to have a pre and after dinner drink. It was our 3rd stay at this hotel and we will probably return but I hope they drop the policy of not heating the public spaces. I can understand about the hallways and reception area but the ski locker room, bar and dining room should not be freezing. We did see guests with anorak and bonnets, dressed exactly as on the slopes in the bar and restaurant. I was wearing 3 layers just to be able to cope. I understand they want to save energy but guests should still be able to spend a pleasant holiday. I must say it was pretty cold outside in the beginning of the week and at the end of the week, i

Rooms are fine, comfortable beds. Bath in bathroom which is good to relax in. The breakfast food is disappointing, the same grilled bacon and scrambled eggs and cold buffet every day. The staff don’t let you take cups to your room - bring your own cup and you can borrow a kettle. Also bring a plastic cup for water at night. Dinner is average, mass catering. The coffee machines are turned off for dinner for some unknown reason. The bar is good, the ski room a little tight for space. The hotel has a decent gym and a sauna. Location is great, right by the slopes and the shops, bars and restaurants of the village. For the price paid, it’s a fair hotel and value for money.