TH La Thuile - Planibel Hotel

This expansive resort stands out for its direct ski-in/ski-out access, positioning guests immediately at the foot of the slopes and main gondola, making it an unparalleled choice for skiers and snowboarders. The hotel is a comprehensive destination, particularly well-suited for families with its dedicated kids' club and ample amenities, as well as large groups and conference attendees due to its vast facilities and capacity. Guests frequently commend the recently renovated rooms for their comfort and modern appeal, alongside the generally high-quality food offerings. While the overall staff service is often praised, some guests note inconsistencies at reception. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main square to mitigate potential noise from evening entertainment, and be sure to leverage the convenient on-site ski rental and storage facilities.

Facilities & Amenities
The SPA area is frequently highlighted as new, pleasant, and well-organized, providing a relaxing experience with professional massage services. However, some guests found it impersonal or noted long waits, with mixed comments regarding additional fees for towels and the requirement for a swim cap. The swimming pool is generally appreciated for its size and cleanliness, though some found it outdated or overly busy, requiring prior booking via the hotel app. Elevators are a recurring point of concern, often described as slow, outdated, and prone to long waits, leading many guests to opt for stairs. The bar area receives mixed reviews; while some find it well-stocked, many describe it as excessively loud, especially in the evenings, and lacking comfortable seating. The ski room is convenient for its proximity to the slopes, but its access can be challenging due to slow elevators and a lack of heated boot dryers. The dedicated kids' club is a significant draw for families, keeping children engaged, though it is closed on Sundays. On-site shops and a supermarket add to the convenience. Wi-Fi connectivity is a common complaint, often reported as weak, slow, or unreliable. Evening entertainment, including live music, is popular, but its high volume can be disruptive to rooms located nearby.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be modern, spacious, and well-maintained, often noting recent renovations that contribute to a comfortable stay. Many appreciate the ample storage and the warmth of the rooms, with some even featuring a balcony or convenient ski storage. However, some guests report issues with initial cleanliness, mentioning dust or hair in the bathroom, though daily housekeeping is generally thorough. Bed comfort receives mixed feedback; while some praise the comfortable beds and restful sleep, others find the mattresses too hard and pillows too low. A significant concern for many guests is the noise level within the hotel. Rooms, particularly those facing the main square or located near the bar, are frequently affected by loud music and entertainment until late at night, as well as noise from corridors due to poor soundproofing. Some guests also reported issues with a sewage smell in certain rooms or a flashing light from the fire alarm. While family units often include two bathrooms, some residence apartments were noted to lack basic kitchen items.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience generally receives high praise, with many guests commending the restaurant for its excellent food quality and wide variety offered through a buffet system. The buffet is often described as spectacular, well-managed, and organized into islands, which helps to minimize queues even during busy periods. Guests appreciate the continuous replenishment of dishes until closing time. The breakfast buffet offers a good selection, including various egg preparations, meats, cheeses, cereals, and excellent pastries, with fresh coffee available from a barista, though queues can be long. For dinner, the selection is extensive, featuring delicious pasta dishes, cooked meats, and salads, with the menu changing regularly. Most guests find the food to be of high quality and freshly prepared, highlighting local specialties. However, some guests have had very negative experiences, describing the food as vile or mediocre, and noting that dishes were not always hot enough. Some families found the late opening hours problematic for young children, and a few mentioned a lack of consistent vegetarian options or basic cutlery.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, being practically on the slopes and just meters from the main gondola and chairlifts. This direct access makes it exceptionally convenient for skiers, allowing for easy ski-in/ski-out experiences and quick access to the vast ski area, including connections to the French side. The hotel is also within walking distance of La Thuile town, typically a 10-minute stroll, offering a small selection of shops, bars, and restaurants. For those looking to explore further, a free winter bus service to Courmayeur is available nearby. Parking is offered, with a covered garage available for a daily fee, which some guests found to be good value, though others noted it lacked a direct internal connection to the hotel and required a steep walk with luggage. Navigation within the large complex can be challenging due to poor signage and a confusing layout, leading some guests to report difficulty finding their way around initially. Despite some concerns about the immediate surrounding area, the hotel's prime position for mountain activities is undeniable.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed, yet many guests commend the overall helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism of the hotel team. The restaurant staff consistently receives high praise for their kindness, efficiency, and willingness to assist, with many guests highlighting their positive interactions during meals. The housekeeping team is generally described as friendly, thorough, and proactive, ensuring rooms are kept clean and well-maintained, though some initial cleanliness issues were reported. The kids' club staff are also frequently lauded for their dedication and ability to engage children effectively. However, the reception team receives significant criticism; many guests report experiences of unfriendliness, rudeness, and a lack of guidance, particularly during the check-in process, which is often described as slow, disorganized, and leading to long waits. Some guests felt a general lack of flexibility or willingness to accommodate requests from the front desk. Despite these inconsistencies, the commitment of many staff members to providing a positive experience is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel, while a large and established structure, has undergone significant renovations in recent years, resulting in modern and comfortable interiors, particularly in the rooms. However, some guests note that the exterior and common areas still show signs of age, with mentions of dilapidated facades and broken tiles in the courtyard. A recurring and significant issue highlighted by guests is the hotel's management of noise, particularly from evening entertainment in the bar area. Many reviews indicate that loud music often continues until midnight, severely impacting the comfort and sleep quality of guests in nearby rooms, with some feeling the hotel does not adequately address these concerns despite complaints. The hotel is frequently utilized for large groups and conferences, which contributes to its bustling atmosphere and can sometimes lead to crowded common areas. Guests should be aware that while the hotel offers many amenities, some basic items like kitchen cleaning supplies are not provided in residence apartments, and there is a general policy of not allowing charges to the room, requiring direct payment for services.