1861 Châtel Hostel

“Best quality vs price ratio in the area”

Clean, friendly, confortable, well suited for individuals, couples and group of friends. The kitchen is spacious and has everything you need to prepare your own food. Whatever the season this place is ideal for people seeking some mountain fresh air for a few days.

“A good base”

We stayed here for 5 nights during the UK half term. It was busy with other families but not as young as our kids (3&6). The kitchen is well stocked and the communal areas clean and social. We had a family dorm with a double bed and bunks, with a shower and sink. It was quite spacious and beds reas… Mais

We stayed here for 5 nights during the UK half term. It was busy with other families but not as young as our kids (3&6). The kitchen is well stocked and the communal areas clean and social. We had a family dorm with a double bed and bunks, with a shower and sink. It was quite spacious and beds reasonably comfortable. It was noisy, but not after hours, and people were respectful of our little ones if they knew they were there. The staff were fabulously helpful. There's a nice stream nearby and an area the kids can play - snowmen and sledging. We'd recommend the hostel, but it might be better suited to families with children over 6.

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“3 days in Chatel 1861 - ski holiday”

My friend and I arranged a short ski holiday through sunweb over the New Years period - we could only go on specific dates so choice was limited. Skiing (and apres ski) was the priority so provided we got those things and a roof over our heads, we were sure it would be fine. Having said this, the… Mais

My friend and I arranged a short ski holiday through sunweb over the New Years period - we could only go on specific dates so choice was limited. Skiing (and apres ski) was the priority so provided we got those things and a roof over our heads, we were sure it would be fine. Having said this, the holiday was, interesting, mainly because information and guidance were just not available. Therefore this review, I hope, will help others staying at Chatel 1861. Firstly, the accommodation is great - absolutely no frills - but clean with friendly staff and even a decent breakfast. However the location is NOT. Chatel 1861 is 2 miles from Chatel where everything is and there are no busses back from the town after 6pm. I didn’t see a single taxi so we were left with no other option than braving the 2 mile walk. For us it wasn’t too bad as the weather bearable (chilly but no snow), however the walk does take 45 minutes even at a brisk pace. A lot of the journey is walking on the road with no pavement. Anyone booking with sunweb, be warned that your lift passes will not be at the accommodation (as normally happens) or at the central lift station (as is described in the paperwork) so make sure you get in touch with your rep asap to track it down. Leonie (our rep) was actually based out of another hotel (2 miles from Chatel 1861) and was unable to drop our passes off to us. We had to get over to him prior to skiing on the first day which ate into skiing time (and not the greatest customer experience). In between Chatel 1861 and the village of Chatel is the Linga lift station, but be warned there is basically nothing going on here after 6-7pm (apart from a pizza place called the Sno cafe which opens late. Although this place is slightly strange as when we popped in on our mammoth walk home on night three, I was sent away as it appeared I had interrupted a family dinner despite the bar being open!!) The main bar in Chatel is the avalanche bar which was pretty uninspiring, no happy hour, no live music, and the beer selection was like a central London pub (camden pale ale, Stella and Guinness). The busses from Chatel 1861 are a bit confusing so make sure you grab a timetable from one of the “ligne A” busses. We found information about where and when they go, very hard to come by. Portes du Soleils is a great ski area but just be aware that a holiday at 1861 will involve a lot of walking and a lot of contusion!!

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“Ski trip with sons”

Just stayed here for 3 nights for a boys ski trip. Excellent value for money but very basic and shared facilities. If you want to ski on a real budget then this is ideal. Ski bus stops just outside and couple of good restaurants are a 15 minute walk away. After 5.30 no shops or bars to visit re… Mais

Just stayed here for 3 nights for a boys ski trip. Excellent value for money but very basic and shared facilities. If you want to ski on a real budget then this is ideal. Ski bus stops just outside and couple of good restaurants are a 15 minute walk away. After 5.30 no shops or bars to visit really unless you go to other side of town which is a good 50 minute walk.

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