Hotel Koh-i-Nor, Val Thorens, Review.

Hotel Koh-i-Nor offers absolute luxury within the world’s largest ski resort, and sits at the highest altitude of any hotel in any ski resort in the world.

Overall rating: 9/10

This luxury five star hotel is at the top of the town in the uber trendy Val Thorens ski resort, sitting at the highest point in the Alps, and there are regular skiers who say it forms part of a small group of hotels in the alps that are some of the most luxurious.

The best news is the ski season in Val Thorens goes right through until the end of April, is it is not too late to go.

Koh-i Noor was named after what was once the most spectacular diamond in the world, and is a spectacular five star hotel with ski-in, ski-out facilities, a sensational spa area, gourmet breakfasts, a ski hire shop on site and apartment-style rooms decored in an upscale alpine theme.

Style and character: 9.5/10

This modern 5 star hotel attracts the fashion set who are moving into Val Thorens in ever-increasing numbers. Think Russians, Americans and people who like a bit of style and a touch of glamour during their stay.

Val Thorens once was the ugly duckling of the French ski fields, but today it has been renovated, rebuilt and developed into a sophisticated resort catering to both the discerning luxury traveller and the 20-somethings looking for serious fun on and off the slopes.

Location: 8.5/10

Koh-i Nor is the highest hotel on the mountain, so has spectacular, panoramic views from the rooms, looking right across Val Thorens as well as from both the reception and bar.

Rooms: 8.5/10

The property is about six years old, so still feels fresh and the rooms are spacious and well designed for ski life. The whole place is family-friendly.

There are 35 spacious apartments as well as hotels rooms. There is a master bedroom with a balcony overlooking the views, and a smaller room with two single beds, ideal for a family. The bathroom has a generous separate bath and large walk-in shower and luxurious diamond products from the hotel’s branded spa.

There is a large entrance to the room with lots of storage for ski clothes and skis. Although they are actually able to be stored in a room right next to the ski exit, making life easy and leaving rooms free from ski paraphernalia and spacious.

Staff even empty your car and set up your skis and boots within the ski room upon arrival if you drive in.

The spa area is exceptionally luxe and includes two large pools, a Himalayan salt room, spa, outdoor and indoor dry spa, wet spa and a small but sufficient fitness centre.

Food and Drink: 9/10

The Breakfast buffet is decadent, a welcome relief before a day skiing. It is European and includes meats, salmon, cereal, an array of bread to toast or eat fresh, scrambled eggs, and cook your own boiled eggs.

There are juices, baked goods such as gourmet cakes with raspberry and chocolate pieces, natural and flavoured yoghurts and more.

There is even unlimited champagne by the glass. The bar area is a lovely place for a pre-dinner drink or coffee during the day. The hotel also has a section with apartments and a hotel branded shuttle moving around the village continually.

Instagram Opps: 9/10

One of the best things about Val Thorens is that it caters for people who don’t ski with alternative activities like snow hiking, dog sled rides, fabulous day time dining options accessible for non-skiers including Alpen Art, The Creperie & Breakfast, Bellville Diner and more.

Insider Tip: Koh-i Nor is a fabulous, upmarket stress-free place to stay in Val Thorens. The ski out slopes are rather steep for a beginner, next time I would catch the bus and not attempt them first thing, but for moderate and advanced skiers there is no issue.