MIL8

MIL8, Avoriaz: A Comprehensive Review of this Michelin Key Selected Property

MIL8 in Avoriaz stands out as a highly-regarded, Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receiving excellent feedback for its prime ski-in/ski-out location, contemporary design, and exceptional staff. This 4-star hotel offers a blend of luxury and comfort, catering to families, couples, and friends seeking a memorable alpine experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for MIL8 is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "amazing," "exceptional," and a "gem in Avoriaz." The hotel scores highly across various metrics, including location (9.7), cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.3), with an overall superb rating of 8.9 based on numerous reviews. While recognized as an expensive option, many guests feel the experience is well worth the cost and express a strong desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise MIL8 for several standout features:

• Location: Its genuine ski-in/ski-out access and central position within the pedestrianized Avoriaz village are major drawcards.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a warm, stylish, and contemporary design, blending natural materials like wood with soft fabrics and leather, all enhanced by ample natural daylight. The lounge area with its cozy fireplace is particularly appreciated.
• Amenities: The stunning outdoor heated infinity pool, often glass-fronted to maximize mountain views, is a highlight for many, providing relaxation after a day on the slopes. A well-equipped ski room with heated lockers is also a valued amenity. The hotel also offers a spa and wellness center with a sauna, fitness center, and massage rooms.
• Service: The friendly, welcoming, and super helpful staff are frequently highlighted as a key factor contributing to a fantastic guest experience.

3. Room Quality

MIL8 offers 42 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites, many of which are interconnecting and feature private balconies with beautiful mountain views. The rooms reflect the hotel's modern alpine aesthetic, incorporating warm wood accents and large windows. Each room is well-appointed with amenities such as a work desk, mini-bar, flat-screen smart TV, Nespresso machine, kettle, hairdryer, safe, and free WiFi. Soundproofing ensures a peaceful stay, and the beds are noted for their comfort, with showers receiving praise as wonderful after a day of skiing. However, some guests have noted that the toilets can be very small.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, La Table du MiL8, is celebrated for its creative and generous cuisine that emphasizes locally-sourced produce.

• Breakfast: Described as a "gourmet healthy buffet" and "the best we have had so far," breakfast is a strong point, with the staff receiving commendation for their attentiveness.
• Lunch: A brasserie-style menu is available at the piste-level dining room and terrace, offering options like cured meats, cheese platters, and local specialties.
• Dinner: In the evening, the restaurant transforms into an intimate bistronomy setting, serving refined dishes, local meats, and indulgent desserts with a modern twist on traditional cuisine. Special, healthy children's menus are also available.
• Bar: The lounge bar with its cozy fireplace provides a perfect setting for après-ski, offering homemade cakes, hot chocolate, and a wide selection of cocktails and platters to share.

Some guests have expressed a desire for more choice in the restaurant.

5. Service & Staff

The service at MIL8 consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "super friendly and welcoming," "exceptional," and "super helpful at all times." From the reception team to the bar and restaurant staff, the hospitality is a significant contributor to the positive guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

MIL8 boasts an "incredible location" right in the center of Avoriaz, offering genuine ski-in/ski-out access directly to the slopes of the Portes du Soleil, one of Europe's largest ski areas. Avoriaz itself is a pedestrianized resort, which can be explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or on skis. The hotel is very close to the arrival drop-off point, as well as restaurants, shops, ski hire outlets, and the lift pass office. It is also conveniently located next to the French Ski School (ESF), making it ideal for families with children taking lessons. Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest airport, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes away by transfer.

7. Value & Pricing

MIL8 is considered an expensive hotel, but many guests feel it offers excellent value for the high-quality experience provided, with some even re-booking despite the cost. Pricing can vary significantly by season and room type. For example, in late December to early January, a double room can range from €616 to €737 per night, while a family room can be €891 to €1095. Junior Suites are typically between €704 and €1012, and "Suite Dreams" can range from €935 to €1276 per night during similar periods. Prices generally include breakfast.

8. Common Complaints

While feedback is largely positive, a few recurring issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Wellness Facilities: Some found the pool to be too cold, and noted that the sauna and pool are on separate floors, which was seen as inconvenient. The overall wellness facilities were sometimes described as "poor" or "a little small." Additionally, the massage room's proximity to the lift and corridor could lead to noise, impacting relaxation.
• Room Issues: A few guests reported very small toilets in their rooms. Some rooms were found to be very hot, leading to the need to open windows, which then exacerbated noise from vehicles outside, especially on lower floors.
• Dining Choice: A lack of choice in the restaurant menu and breakfast being a "disappointment" were mentioned by a few individuals, contrasting with the generally positive dining reviews.

Sources

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