Club Med Val Thorens Sensations Reviews

Where do I start?! We booked Club Med Val Thorens Sensations in February 2014 and then visited Val Thorens in March. Having paid a substantial amount of money we were shocked and a little concerned that the Hotel was still a building site with just foundations. A little worried on returning to the UK I called our booking agent who assured us that it would be finished. We were booked for New Year. We arrived Sunday 28th December and upon entering the reception area was really impressed, not just by the decor and architecture of the Hotel but the warm welcome we received. I was ever so slightly stressed as my ski boot bag had been lost by the airline but Daniel Guimaraes the Chief of the Village was so helpful from the moment we arrived and really seemed to want to try and do everything possible to get my bag back. As we arrived late we went straight to dinner. In the meantime our bags were taken to our rooms. The service on the first night was wonderful (clearing of tables and bringing of wine) but it did go down hill a little in the middle of the week and we had to ask a few times for them to clear the tables. I am not going to go on about this as the Hotel had only been open for two weeks and we understood that there would be teething problems. This didn't distract from the fact the the food was World class. Unlike other Club Med resorts (Val D'Isere, Alpes D'Huez, La Plagne and Peisey Vallandry) it wasn't a free for all for food. In the past we have found that certain Patrons of other Club Med resorts pile their plates full of all the King Prawns and lobster, leaving nothing for others. The thing we loved about Sensations was there was portion control and a very personal touch. We found that the food was the best food and best variety we have had in any Club Med resort. We really couldn't complain in the department. Hearty breakfasts, fantastic lunches and classy dinners with a huge choice. After our dinner we proceeded to our rooms. At first it is a little confusing as we were staying in room 334 and you had to go up to the 4th floor to then go back down to the 3rd floor to get to our block. I have to say that our room was fantastic. For a basic Club room it had everything. Space, storage, a bath, double sink, tea/coffee facilities, places to hang your coats and a fantastic balcony overlooking the valley. Next the beds. I struggle with beds and stay in many Hotels. These beds were absolute bliss! After a long day on the slopes you want comfort. Perfect temperature, perfect comfort and the pillows were fantastic. I can honestly say I slept like a baby for the week! The other thing was that we never heard any noise from other Patrons. It was so quiet. Anyway with my boot bag being lost I needed to get a new pair of boots and our previous experiences of hiring anything in Club Med has been a nitemare! No not in Sensations. The staff were helpful, efficient, caring and friendly. There were no long queues. I was in and out within 10 minutes and thats boots and skis sorted! This place is literally ski from the back of the boot room. The pictures speak for themselves. I would like to say a huge thank you to Kevin (the Manager of the boot room), Marco (so friendly and great source of information if you want to visit quieter ski areas), Cindy, Zach and Valentijn. Fair do's Sensations has done a wonderful job with their recruitment process. Definitely the right people for the job. Next the bar and entertainment area. Service at the bar was exceptional and very quick and all bar staff were fantastic particularly Diane. They have a great little shop which not only has some fantastic fashion items but any toiletries that you may need. There is also a Supermarket next door. A special mention to the gorgeous Aurelia who was so helpful and smiling from morning until night. So apart from my ski boots going missing (airline lost them) I would definitely revisit Sensations! The only two negative things would be that they need to stay on top of the service in the restaurant but as I said its early days and we accept teething problems. The other thing was that to charge 300 euros for the outside jacuzzi (included Champagne) was a little bit too much. We paid a lot of money for the trip and would have loved a jacuzzi after a long day skiing. Again we understand the exclusivity of this but it should be included. All in all, well worth waiting for it to open and be first to experience it. We travelled in a group of 19 and I got everyone else's feedback and we all loved it. Thanks Daniel (Chief of the Village) you are doing a wonderful job and we hope to see you in the near future. (P.s.) forgot to mention the awesome climbing wall in reception area! Wow!!!! Oh and great entertainment and awesome live band! Go Sensations! Room Tip: Room 334E awesome view and very quiet

Apres-Ski 5/5
Accommodation & Value 5/5

Jayne Lloyd-Lewis

Amazing location to come 'home' to after a hard days ski and the decor is a re-definition of modern luxury for Club Med and yet their helpful staff (GO's) supports the relaxed and fun environment. Rooms were impeccably clean and mine offered a stunning view out to the mountains. Food was exceptional leaving me spoilt for choice at every meal with plenty of good wine available

Apres-Ski 4/5
Accommodation & Value 5/5

Richard Downs
Iglu Staff

Excellent facility - love the modern design, and the relaxed atmosphere. Either enjoy the lively upstairs bar, or relax in the tapas bar / lounge downstairs. Never experienced such a good system for skiing to and from the property - it's effectively a pit stop half-way down a run, a big open space right outside the ski room of the property, with Club Med staff on hand, a bit of music and light refreshments, so popping in and out for lunch literally could not be any easier.

Apres-Ski 4/5
Accommodation & Value 5/5

Guy Simpson
Iglu Staff

Stayed here at the start of December. Being the highest resort in Europe it was the obvious choice for early season. Ski in and ski out - there is a piste which runs straight past the ski room door. Really friendly and helpful staff combined with great food makes this a must visit hotel. The bedrooms are modern and spacious, with most of them overlooking the slopes. All the bedrooms are designed so that they face the sun, great for relaxing in the early evening after skiing, especially if you book a balcony room. I always have an amazing time at the Club Med hotels, but this one has to be my new favourite.

Apres-Ski 5/5
Accommodation & Value 5/5

Mr Philip Wright
Iglu Staff

Loved it. Modern design, well thought out if a little quirky in some of the spaces – although I liked it. The rooms are a generous size and have ample storage and good facilities. The food is some of the best I’ve had at Club Med and the location is unbeatable, with the piste literally running underneath the hotel. Very hard to fault and an extremely popular hotel with our customers, for good reason.

Apres-Ski 5/5
Accommodation & Value 5/5

James Box - Head of Ski Product at Iglu Ski
Iglu Staff