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Where to stay - Morzine - France

Morzine Chalet - CH BorreauMorzine has everything from studio apartments to picturesque alpine chalets, so you should be able to match both your needs and your budget. If you are planning to ski in high season you should book as early as possible. However, for people on a tight budget, the more flexible you are and the later you book, the more likely you are to get a bargain, particularly at the beginning and end of the season.

Nestling in a tree-lined basin at the head of the valley the old working town of Morzine has retained its alpine charm, with wood-fronted buildings and slate roofs from the local mines. Accommodation in Morzine tends to centre on the vast number of independent chalet companies and self-catered properties. The town centre contains some good French-owned hotels but the outlying hamlets all contain British-run chalets and self-catered properties to let.

Due to the spread-out nature of the town guests will not find many ski-in, ski-out properties, but with Morzine having several sectors you are likely to need transport to ski them all and to link into the wider Portes du Soleil circuit. Most chalet operators provide shuttle services and the free bus services are very efficient, so don’t be put off by accommodation options that are just outside the town. They may be even more convenient for other lift stations.

Best for


Location
The 3-star Les Airelles is very popular due to its town centre location so try and get in early.

Luxury
The Chalet Philibert is a beautifully constructed hotel at the luxury end of the market. The attached restaurant is internationally renowned and the ground floor houses a popular bar.

Budget
Le Renardiere is a good choice for people wanting a budget hotel. Typical French rooms, some lacking in space, but nice bar area and helpful staff.

Facilities
L'Equipe boasts excellent fitness facilities including swimming pool, weights room, sauna, Jacuzzi, table tennis and squash courts.

Peace and quiet
Le Petit Cheval Blanc is a small, cosy, family-run 2-star hotel just outside town in a quiet spot. Reasonable prices and good children's reductions.

The villages


Morzine

Morzine remains a working town throughout the year, with an agriculture-based economy outside its tourism industry. Skiing is divided into several sectors - the principle street runs from the village centre to the foot of Le Pleney, and this is where many of the hotels are located, but the various lift stations are linked by free buses and a road-train. Bear in mind that unless you only ski one sector, you will be using the bus to get around anyway, so don't expect too much by way of ski in, ski out accommodation. Morzine has a range of hotels to suit all budgets, as well as having self-catering apartments and chalets.

Les Gets

Les Gets is a pretty little farming village full of Savoyard chalets dating back to the 12th century, and perfect for families, with much by way of chalet accommodation and a laid back atmosphere. It is only 6km away from Morzine by road, and is linked to it via 1550m Pleney.

Accommodation


Chalets

For many, the beauty of catered chalet holidays is the food - breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with free wine - and someone to cook it and wash up afterwards. You have the freedom of your own space rather than the more formal environment of a hotel which can be great if you are with a group of friends and can take over the whole chalet.

Hotels

Hotels tend to be the more luxurious option, often with welcome facilities such as steam rooms, swimming pools and on-site bars (although check out the luxury chalet operators too). They are often the best option for short breaks but at peak times even they may demand a minimum stay of one week.

Apartments

If you prefer to be your own boss then you should think about self-catered accommodation. You have to be fairly organised to shop and cook after a full day on the slopes and eating out every night can add up, although take-aways are an option, and you have the chance to check out some of the local restaurants too.