Courchevel chaos?

The hotel scene in Courchevel, France’s most stylish and glitzy ski resort, is currently in a major state of flux. Those who haven't been to Courchevel 1850 for some time will be amazed at the changes.

The resort’s flagship Byblos des Neiges is changing ownership, but the deal has not yet gone through so, for the moment, this prestigious property is unable to take any reservations for the coming winter. Apparently, it is to be bought by the Alp’Azur group (owners of such Courchevel favourites as the Carlina, the Bellecote and the Ducs de Savoie , as well as the Mont Vallon in neighbouring Meribel).

Rest assured that as soon as the squabble is sorted out, Courchevel Solutions will be able to reserve rooms for you in what will probably be renamed La Palace des Neiges and will doubtless remain one of the most sumptuous hotels in the Alps.

Elsewhere in Courchevel 1850, Les Airelles is rumoured to be changing hands and will be transforming some of its rooms into several new suites. La Caravelle, formerly a three-star has become a four-star luxe in the form of Le Cheval Blanc, part of the Tournier family empire. The same dynasty has transformed the three-star Aiglon into another four-star luxe, Le Saint Roch with just 15 rooms or suites, making it the smallest of the luxury hotels in the resort, complete with pool and spa.

Lower down in 1650, the former three-star Le Floride has been rebuilt as the four-star Manali. Nor is that the end of hotel developments in Courchevel. Courchevel Solutions knows of at least four hotel projects for the 2008/09 season and three more for the season after that.

Courchevel Solutions, part of Ski Solutions – the UK’s leading ski specialist travel agency - can tailor-make holidays to the hotels mentioned above as well as a wide range of alternatives. See Courchevelsolutions.com for expert advice.

Lizzie Norton, Managing Director of Ski Solutions, “Those who haven't been to Courchevel 1850 for some time will be amazed at the changes. As one of our most important resorts, it is essential for us to keep up to date with the comings and goings in town. That's why over the next couple of months we will be sending our hotel team out to resort to see things for themselves.”