Crystal club hotel La Totem

We went to La Totem, Flaine for Christmas 2008. We booked last minute deal and paid a fraction of the full price. So our experience was positive one as we read the reviews and expected minimum. However, the food was very good. Our 12 months old son was in crèche whilst we enjoyed snowboarding. The crèche staff were very helpful. The kids had 5.30 dinner with generous home cooked portions of two-three choice of dishes. Generally, the hotel has a dated dÉcor, yet clean, with ski-room and nice sitting/ bar area to chill or socialise. Our room wasn't particularly attractive but comfy enough (again for the price we paid), there was enough room for a cot. The bathroom was actually very decent and overall there was nothing that would spoil our holiday. Perhaps, the season just started and staff did made an effort. To be fair with some TLC it could be a good base for family ski holiday.

We booked this 3 night weekend ski break without children for the skiing but mostly to catch up on our previous sleep. But after arriving at midnight we got to our room and heard the loudest noise everytime someone used the lifts. This went on all night and started more frequently at 5.30am with everyone leaving. The staff refused to move us and started getting incredibly rude everytime I asked to be moved. The cleaniness of the room was disguisting, there was mould round the window, up the wall and on the ceiling. Some of the staff were so ditzy it was funny but food was ok. Best bit was the skiing which was great, Flaine is a great resort.