Regular TLE readers will know that Megeve is a firm favourite of mine when it comes to snow holidays. Megeve is a medieval up-market village located in the Alps of south eastern France, in the Mont Blanc massif. Although a relatively low resort, we have also been lucky with the conditions, albeit some days we hear more crunch than that of soft swoosh powder, we have never missed a day of boarding in the seven years we have been visiting.
We usually stay in a cute little apartment right in the centre of town conveniently owned by my brother-in-law, however this year we thought we would do Megeve with a touch more luxury and booked ourselves into Le Lodge Park for the duration of our five-night stay.
In previous trips, we have often called into Le Lodge Park for a cosy drink by the fire in it’s (as you would imagine) lodge-style setting and absolutely loved the ambience here which is why this was our hotel of choice for this holiday.
Le Lodge Park is a four-star hotel located in a quiet ‘rue’ right in the heart of the Megeve; only a few minutes’ walk to the ski lifts with the village square, stunning Christmas tree and a host of bars and restaurants just around the corner. Ten out of ten for location.
Le Lodge Park is one of the properties within the Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet portfolio. This was the label’s third property opened in 1996 and has now firmly established itself as the ‘chic trendy trapper haunt of Megève’ favoured by celebrities and mere mortals alike.
Arrival
We arrived into Megeve late Friday evening and had arranged our own transfer from the airport to the hotel although this could be arranged by the hotel should you choose to do so.
Our private transfer vehicle was already waiting for us at the airport and the driver was extremely professional on both our inbound and return journey. I’d highly recommend Alps2Alps if you require this service.
Check-In
Greeted by name, the concierge swiftly relieved us of our luggage and board bags which were whisked up to our room whilst we checked in. Check-in was quick and simple and the team were very friendly, ensuring we knew all the essentials such as breakfast timings, spa opening hours and what to do if we wanted the log-burning fire lit in our room.
As we arrived on a Friday night and the hotel bar, popular with hotel residents as well as locals and other visitors, was bouncing with a really good atmosphere. I instantly knew we were going to have a great stay!
The Room
Inspired by the Scottish Highlands the room décor was slightly twee (tartan, wood, sheepskin) but perfectly in-keeping with the entire look and feel of the hotel. Although the communal areas such as the bar, spa and restaurant area were slightly more contemporary and each space combined captured the idea of an ‘International Lodge’ – the principal upon which the hotel is based.
The bed was enormous and extremely comfortable whilst the log-burning fire and beautiful fire-place really finished off the cosy feel to the room. We were in a classic room and there are family rooms and three different tiers of suites ranging from 39m sq. to 75m sq.
Welcome refreshments comprising of local sweet cakes, apples grown at the sister establishment Les Fermes De Marie, water and some Altitude Spa tea were all laid out for us.
The heavy wooden shutter door opened to a small balcony perfect for sitting and catching the sun or watching the world go by.
There was a mini-bar with a selection of highly priced drinks and nibbles but no in-room coffee facilities.
A separate walk in wardrobe area with a good number of shelves and hanging space helping us keep all our different kit organised and shutting it off from the rest of our living quarters.
The bathroom was small but had everything you needed including a walk-in shower, sizeable bath, excellent basin area and a separate WC. The basin area included useful features such as soap bar holder, shaver holder and shaving mirror, retro makeup lights and a more period wash hand basin which are less common in the more minimalistic contemporary hotels.
The amenities of choice are Pure Altitude (same as the Spa) and they were replenished as frequently as requested. As to be expected plush bathrobes and slippers were also hung on the heated radiator ready for our arrival.
My only comment was that the room was really dark, this was excellent on a night and early morning allowing for some of the best zzzzzzz’s I’ve had in a long time but not so great when trying to get ready.
Facilities
A boot and ski/board room is provided for guests and is conveniently accessed via cute stone steps into the basement of the hotel where the small fitness centre and spa are also located.
The small fitness centre has all the essentials required for a basic work-out in a beautiful alpine setting. I didn’t once see anyone using the facilities but I guess everyone was working out on the slopes instead!
The Pure Altitude Spa is the essence of ‘Nordic chic’ where Canadian cedar, natural stone and bubbling water creates completes tranquillity. A sauna, Hamman, Jacuzzi, small pool and a range of well-being treatments can be enjoyed by guests; the spa is not open to the general public.
For more info on the spa please read our review here.
Car Parking is available should you make the journey by car.
Food and Drink
Breakfast was included with our rate and when I glanced at the room service menu doubts as to how much I would enjoy breakfast kicked in. It didn’t look that impressive. How wrong could I be! The following morning, we joined a few other guests in the restaurant area where a delightful buffet comprising of a selection of sweet breads, pastries, fruit, nuts, yogurts, cereals, cold meats and fish, bread, cheese and a selection of fresh pancakes, waffles and eggs cooked to order awaited. And my new-found favourite ‘riz au lait’ – who knew how amazing rice pudding could be…..and for breakfast too. I enjoyed mine with prunes soaked in orange and cinnamon and stewed apples. Oh, how I miss that! Coffee was freshly brewed to each guest’s individual request. Breakfast usually is my favourite meal of the day and here I really could eat if for every meal.
Le Lodge Bar here has a great atmosphere and does decor the ‘New England’ way with wooden architecture, log tables, fur and hide seating. In addition to the indoor bar the outdoor area extends the space to be at one with nature and patio heaters keep guests warm in the winter months.
There is also an extensive outdoor space with an outdoor pool to the rear of the hotel where summer BBQ’s are hosted during the warmer season.
As I previously noted we even come to Le Lodge Bar when we’re in Megeve and not staying at the hotel as do many others. A good selection of cocktails and spirits, wine too but not so much on the beer front. The first round of drinks is served with olives and salty pop-corn which I always enjoy.
Expect to pay from €5 for a coffee, from €12 for a glass of wine and from €15 for a cocktail
Top tip: if you want to guarantee as seat in the bar book in advance, it is popular (not to the extent that it is uncomfortable by any means) but if you don’t you will be seated by the bar. We like the bar stools but if there is a group of you then the more lounger seating areas would be better.
Beef Lodge is the hotel restaurant and as the name suggests specialises in a great selection of quality cuts of beef. The Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet label has partnered with La Ferme de Joseph to offer the finest cattle, raised in harmony with nature and the Beef Lodge is proud to offer the first and only Wagyu beef reared in Megève. The Ferme de Joseph cattle are fed an exclusive diet of whole flaxseed and beer to produce ideal tenderness and earthy flavours. Chef Christophe Cote, the resident chef, cooks the meat known for its tenderness and quality, to absolute perfection – with his own individual twist. Although the house speciality is beef there are other meat and fish choices too, which I caught a glimpse of as they were being served and they looked equally as delicious as the dishes we chose. I must say I did struggle to decide as so many options appealed to me.
We both chose crispy and spicy Black Tiger prawns to start with, I then opted for the beef brisket which had been marinated in ginger, spices and maple syrup and slowly cooked, served with seasonal vegetables and potato puree. Absolutely delicious! The beef simply melted in my mouth. Simon chose the 450g Ribeye marinated in Jack Daniels and fries. This was set alight upon presentation and was extremely impressive. Not much fills up Simon but this beast did!
Greedy people that we are we could not resist dessert. Apple tart with salted butter ice-cream topped with candy floss and chocolate whipped cream and Swiss meringue were our desserts of choice. Both of which sent our taste-buds to a whole new level on the dessert deliciousness scale. Words cannot describe how good they were. My description and that on the actual menu do not do them justice.
We enjoyed the house wine Luberon, Domaine de Marie N°1, Famille Sibuet, which is produce on the vineyards owned by the Sibuet family. I opted for white (criminal I know when enjoying beef but I still cannot handle the dark side!) whilst Simon chose Red. Both options were very easy to drink with a good after taste.
Starters start from €19 with mains from €29. A glass of house white is €12 and red €14 (correct at the time of writing this).
Top Tip: Again, I recommend making a reservation well in advance to ensure you secure a table during your visit. Unless you have ridiculously BIG appetites consider sharing a dessert!
Final Thoughts
I LOVE it here. It’s not the fanciest hotel in Megeve but it certainly has, in my opinion, one of the most welcoming and creates that feeling of ‘I feel right at home here and I don’t ever want to leave!’
Even if you choose not to stay at the hotel I highly recommend popping in for a drink and dining at Beef Lodge – both definitely Megeve must-do’s!
Prices and Contact Details
From €480 per night.
This depends on seasonality and prices were correct at the time of publishing. Please contact the hotel directly for rates and availability.
Web: en.lodgepark.com
74120 Megève, France
