Anova

Anova, Montgenèvre: A Michelin Key Selected Alpine Retreat

Anova, Montgenèvre, a property recognized with a Michelin Key selection, offers a "very special stay" for guests seeking a blend of modern design, luxurious amenities, and direct access to the vast "Milky Way" ski area. This boutique hotel consistently garners positive feedback for its prime location and attentive staff, making it a standout choice in the French Alps.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Anova, Montgenèvre is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "fabulous boutique hotel" and a "luxurious haven". Reviews highlight its ability to cater to a wide range of guests, from ski enthusiasts to those seeking relaxation. The hotel is praised for its quality service and good value.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Anova:

• Location: Its "unbeatable" ski-in/ski-out access directly onto the pistes is a major draw for skiers and snowboarders. It's also conveniently located just a 500-meter walk from the historic village center and close to shops.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel features a "modern design & lively" atmosphere, combining unfinished wood with contemporary touches to create a "cosy cocoon". The artwork by painter Philippe Boonen, who regularly adds new touches to the walls, is a unique and appreciated feature. The bar area with its central fireplace and amazing views of the slopes is also a favorite.
• Amenities: The "lovely spa" facilities, including an indoor pool overlooking the pistes, a hot tub, sauna, and hammam, are frequently mentioned as a highlight for relaxation after a day on the slopes. The hotel also offers a ski shop and ski storage lockers on-site, along with free in-room WiFi.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Anova are described as "spacious and stylish", designed as an "invitation to well-being" with a warm and refined ambiance. They feature contemporary designs with parquet flooring, individual decoration, and often include balconies or terraces with mountain views. Amenities typically include an iPod dock and an LCD TV. Guests report "very comfortable beds" and peaceful rooms, although some have noted that room lighting can be poor. The hotel offers various room types, including Standard (20 m²), Superior (25-30 m²), Junior Suites (35-50 m² with mezzanine), and Anova Suites (50-65 m²).

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant and bar are well-regarded. Breakfast is served buffet-style and is described as "delicious, plentiful and varied," offering a mix of local flavors and sweet treats. However, it's important to note that breakfast is generally not included in the room rate and incurs an extra charge (around €20 for adults, €10 for children). Some guests have found the breakfast to be expensive for what is offered, particularly the limited hot selection and machine coffee, though the self-service orange juice machine is a highlight.

For lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers refined cuisine that blends traditional Alpine flavors with Italian influences and a contemporary twist, using fresh, local, and seasonal produce. The dining experience is enhanced by an elegant and friendly atmosphere with views of the snow-capped peaks. A children's menu is also available. While the food quality is praised, some guests have found evening meals in the hotel restaurant to be expensive.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Anova consistently receive high praise for being "exceptionally friendly and helpful". Guests highlight their professionalism and willingness to go "above and beyond" to cater to needs, even assisting with bill revisions and making guests feel welcome despite language barriers. The hospitality contributes significantly to the overall positive guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Anova Hotel & Spa boasts an ideal location "directly on the pistes of Montgenèvre", offering unparalleled ski-in/ski-out access. The hotel is situated in the heart of the resort, within walking distance (approximately 500m) of the historic village center where shops and bars can be found.

For transport, Montgenèvre is accessible by car, with the N94 from Briançon (20 mins) or the SS24 from Turin, Italy (1h30). The nearest train stations are Oulx (Italy, 20 minutes away, served by Paris-Milan TGV) and Briançon (30 minutes away). Major airports include Turin (1h30), Milan, Grenoble (both 2 hours), and Lyon-Saint Exupéry (2h45). The hotel can arrange transfers from nearby stations and airports for a stress-free arrival.

7. Value & Pricing

Anova is considered to offer good value for its quality service and amenities, particularly given its prime ski-in/ski-out location and Michelin Key selection. Typical nightly rates for rooms can range from approximately €156 for a Standard room to €307 for an Anova Suite. Other sources indicate prices starting from around $187 USD to $204 USD per night. Additional costs include:

• Breakfast: Approximately €20 per adult, €10 per child per day.
• Half Board (breakfast and dinner): Around €50 per adult, €28 per child per day.
• Full Board: Around €68 per adult, €43 per child per day.
• Spa Access: Free until 10 am (or 1 pm), then approximately €20 per adult and €10 per child per visit.
• Parking: Around €10-€12 per night.
• Tourist tax: Approximately €0.80 - €1.60 per adult per day.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some recurring criticisms include:

• Cost of Breakfast: Several guests feel the additional charge for breakfast is expensive for the selection offered.
• Room Lighting: Some reviews mention that the room lighting can be poor.
• Towel Changes: There have been comments about towels not being regularly changed.
• Spa Access Charges: The policy of charging for spa access after a certain time (e.g., 10 am or 1 pm) has been noted as a minor irritation by some guests.
• Restaurant Pricing: While the food is good, the hotel restaurant for evening meals can be expensive, leading some to prefer self-catering options if available in town.

Sources

1. ski-i.com
2. trip.com
3. kayak.com
4. michelin.com
5. peakretreats.co.uk
6. anova-hotel.com
7. go-montgenevre.com
8. michelin.com
9. ski-planet.com