Pashmina

Pashmina, Val Thorens, stands as a beacon of luxury and refined alpine hospitality in the "roof of Europe," Val Thorens. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently garners high praise for its blend of contemporary design, exceptional service, and prime ski-in/ski-out location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Pashmina, Val Thorens, is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "absolutely excellent" and "one of the nicest hotels" they have experienced. It boasts a "Wonderful" rating of 9.3 out of 10 on Booking.com based on 119 reviews, and an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from over 600 reviews on TripAdvisor. Guests appreciate its "luxury in its truest form" and its ambiance as an "enchanting luxury lodge." Many consider it a "new & design hotel with amazing service", often highlighting its clean, recently renovated facilities that exceed five-star expectations. The hotel cultivates a warm, welcoming, and almost "second family" atmosphere, where guests feel treated like friends.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Pashmina for several outstanding features:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff is frequently described as "amazing," "excellent," "cheerful, welcoming and helpful," and "warm and attentive." Their personalized and near-perfect service often includes remembering guest names.
• Location: Its prime "ski-in ski-out" access directly to the slopes of the Three Valleys, the world's largest ski area, is a major draw. Situated at 2,350 meters, it offers an ideal base for mountain adventures.
• Design & Ambiance: Pashmina redefines alpine chic with a "modernist reinvention of the lodge style," combining contemporary elements with traditional comforts like wood paneling and fireplaces. The design emphasizes lighting and space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Amenities: The hotel features a superb L'Occitane Spa, spanning over 400 sqm, complete with an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna, steam room, fitness center, and solarium. It also houses two restaurants, including a Michelin-starred establishment, a ski shop by Goitschel, and a cozy bar with a fireplace and live music. The unique "Igloo-Pod" experience on the roof is a notable highlight. The hotel was awarded "France's best boutique hotel 2025" at the World Ski Awards.

3. Room Quality

Pashmina offers a diverse range of accommodations, from cozy doubles with balconies to spacious suites and multi-bedroom "Cosy Homes." Rooms and suites can range up to 70 sqm, while "Cosy Homes" provide more expansive living areas from 60 to 153 sqm, featuring one to four bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a living area with a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Many accommodations boast "beautiful views" and come equipped with modern comforts like wood paneling, fireplaces, glorious bathrooms, dishwashers, mini-bars, refrigerators, hairdryers, microwaves, and ovens. Some larger units also include steam rooms or Jacuzzi baths. A standout offering is the unique Igloo-Pod bedroom on the roof, providing an unforgettable experience.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features two distinct dining venues: Les Explorateurs and Le Base Camp, in addition to a Lounge Bar.

• Les Explorateurs: This is the hotel's acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, awarded its star in January 2017. It offers "Haute Cuisine Alpine" with inventive dishes that highlight mountain produce through balanced flavors and textures. Guests describe the experience as "absolutely exquisite gastronomic," with "creative menu with wonderful flavour combinations" and "quality ingredients prepared with care." Average prices for menus at Les Explorateurs range from €130 to €180 per guest.
• Le Base Camp: This casual full-service restaurant, where breakfast is also served, offers delicious gourmet fare curated by award-winning Romuald Fassenet, with a relaxed dining vibe.
• Breakfast: Described as "excellent" and a "good large spread," breakfast is served buffet style with a wide variety of pastries, danishes, and the option to order eggs made to personal preference, along with various coffee choices.
• Half-Board: The half-board dinner offers a daily selection and frequently includes a generous dessert buffet featuring tarts, mousses, a chocolate fountain, and a selection of cheeses. While some individual main course portions in the half-board menu have been noted as potentially small, the dessert buffet often compensates.
• Lounge Bar: The warm and elegant Lounge Bar, complete with live music and a fireplace, is a perfect spot for post-ski relaxation and offers an exceptional cocktail menu.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Pashmina is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests frequently praise the staff as "amazing," "excellent," "cheerful, welcoming and helpful," and "warm and attentive." Reviewers often mention the staff's professionalism, attentiveness, and ability to make guests feel like part of a "second family," providing a level of service that honors the hotel's luxury standing without being stuffy. Attendants are noted for their nearly "perfect" service, proactively accommodating wishes and remembering guest names. A dedicated concierge service is also available to assist with activity planning.

6. Location & Accessibility

Pashmina boasts an exceptional location at 2,350 meters altitude in Val Thorens, often referred to as "the roof of Europe." Its "ski-in/ski-out" accessibility directly to the slopes is a significant advantage, providing direct access to the vast Three Valleys ski area. The hotel is conveniently located near Val Thorens Ski Resort, La Folie Douce, and Bowling de Val Thorens, yet maintains a calm and preserved atmosphere close to the city center. A free shuttle service to the village is also available. Transfer times from nearby airports include approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from Chambéry, 3 hours 45 minutes from Geneva, and 55 minutes from Moûtiers.

7. Value & Pricing

While Pashmina is a luxury five-star property, guests generally rate its "Value for money" favorably, with an 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com. Pricing reflects its high-end offering and exceptional amenities. A 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $573 (March 2026), with average nightly rates around $1,188, though some rooms have been found for as low as $422. Package deals, including accommodation, flights, and private transfers for a 7-night stay, can start from around £2,395 per person. The half-board option is considered "worth it" by some guests, with the dinner menu priced at approximately €55 per person.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring issues have been noted:

• Noise Levels: Some guests have reported that the noise level in the restaurant and spa areas can occasionally be "a bit too high," particularly when large groups are present.
• Wi-Fi Reliability: The "Free Wifi" received a comparatively lower score of 5.5 out of 10 on Booking.com, suggesting potential inconsistencies or areas for improvement.
• Half-Board Portions: While the half-board dinner is generally well-received, some guests found the main course portions to be on the smaller side, though the dessert buffet was seen to compensate for this.
• Restaurant Service Speed: During busy periods, service in the multi-tiered restaurant could be slower for guests seated on the upper and lower levels.

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