The Wi-Fi password is ‘hangover’.
Which is a strong clue to one of the priorities at hotel Fahrenheit Seven in the superb, ultra-lofty ski resort of Val Thorens – partying.
The other clues are the bar in the ski locker room, the daily DJ sets at the 300-square-metre restaurant terrace and the decor, which comprises, on the whole, hangover-friendly hues – dark greens, blues and greys abound.
But families with young children should by no means be put off – my partner and six-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoy our two-night April stay, and anyone whose priority is skiing and snowboarding and enjoying a world-class resort will have a grand time here.
To begin with, the property is in a breathtaking ski-in, ski-out location, with magnificent views in all directions.
From the front guests look down at the 2,300m- (7,545ft) high resort and the valley beyond. Our fourth-floor room offers a view up the runs behind the property – partially obscured by buildings, but still mesmerising.
The decor, meanwhile, is in keeping with the rest of the hotel – dark and funky, with neo-vintage flourishes.
I love the brown oversized ribbed headboard (with plus-points-earning built-in sockets), the bedside pendant lights and the swish bathroom with black-and-white geometric paintwork.
Size-wise, it’s a bit of a squeeze for three and the 70s-style modernist cube cupboards don’t offer much in the way of storage, but it’s comfortable and eye-catching, so we conclude a thumbs-up is warranted.
The thumbs remain pointing skyward for the restaurant, where crowd-pleasing dishes are distributed at bank-manager-pleasing prices, from flank steak (38 euros/£32) to sea bass ceviche (28 euros/£24) and from steak hache burger (28 euros/£34) to mozzarella pizza (18 euros/£15).
Service is with a smile – and the smiling dispositions return for the breakfast, served in the same room and a pleasingly hearty affair.
A substantial breakfast is vital in a ski hotel, to reinforce the tissues against biting winds and strength-sapping slopes – and this one offers plenty of fuelling-up options, with a buffet bristling with pastries and fruits, cooked options and coffee that’s promptly deployed.
And post-piste, it’s impossible not to feel utterly content, drink in hand, on the vast terrace, soaking in the view of one of the world’s most breathtaking ski domains.
TRAVEL FACTS
Ted was hosted by hotel Fahrenheit Seven and the Val Thorens tourism office. Visit www.fahrenheitseven.com/les-destinations/hotel-val-thorens and www.valthorens.com.
Rooms at Fahrenheit Seven start from around £444 ($500) a night.
Pros: Funky decor; comfy rooms; amazing views; superb ski-in, ski-out location; friendly staff; epic terrace; great for partying; decent food; good for families.
Cons: Room a bit of a squeeze for three.
Hotel rating out of five: ****
GETTING THERE
The best way of reaching Val Thorens from the UK is via Eurostar, which runs a ski train service to the French Alps that departs on Saturdays and returns on Sundays.
It stops at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains (for Val Thorens), Aime-la-Plagne, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Visit www.eurostar.com/uk-en/train/france/ski-train#Journey.
If that’s booked out, take a Eurostar to Paris and then a TGV from Gare de Lyon.
Eurostar fares from London start at £39 each way in Standard, or £70 in Plus.
