The luxury ski hotel with film-star appeal

the Barrière group, which gutted and transformed the former Les Neiges hotel into a warm retreat with a style that takes its inspiration from cosy chalet interiors and cinema. Moody blackand-white Studio Harcourt shots of glamorous film stars (Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Halle Berry) decorate the walls, while vintage cameras and film reels are on display in reception and public spaces.

Service & facilities 8/10

Spa Diane Barrière has seven treatment rooms decorated in calm, neutral shades plus a hammam area and a 20m pool within a sultry space where subtle lighting reflects in coloured glass partitions and mirrortiled columns. Massage treatments start at €190 (£165) for 60 minutes. Other facilities include an in-house screening room for guests’ use and a children’s playroom. The piste-side ski and boot room is spacious and airy, with a young, enthusiastic team who offer a slick service and an all-day sideboard of hot drinks and fresh cakes for skiers. Service can be slow, especially at breakfast, but we visited during the opening weekend and any soft-launch glitches should iron out as staff settle.

Rooms 9/10

The 42 rooms, including 20 spacious suites, range Curtains, lighting and services are controlled by iPad at Hotel Barrière Les Neiges, above. Left: Fouquet’s mountain restaurant

Food & drink 8/10

BFire offers Argentinian cuisine by the two-star Michelin chef Mauro Colagreco with lunches (grills, pizzas, slow-cooked lamb and sugary churros) served from the brazier on the south-facing terrace or red dining room in asado or shared style. The inside dining room combines rich red walls with natural woods. Alternatively, Fouquet’s, a mountaintop version of the iconic Parisian brasserie, serves classic French cuisine and hearty Savoyard dishes. The intimate, low-lit room

Family-friendly?

Family suites and connecting rooms are available, also babysitting, equipment and a playroom. There is a personalised reception for children and activities for those aged four years and older.

The details

422 Rue de Bellecôte, Courchevel, France (0033 (0) 970 818501; hotel-lesneigesbebarriere.com). For a guide to the best hotels in Courchevel, see: telegraph. co.uk/tt-courchevelhotels