Review: Le Coucou

_Location: Le Coucou is at the foot of Le Rond Point des Pistes in picture-perfect Méribel in the heart of The Three Valleys. The ski-in ski-out hotel has direct access to a blue run from its equipment hire facility, and plenty to keep guests entertained even when they’re not skiing.

_{First impressions:} Guests are met by the hotel’s concierge and guided to reception, which immediately delivers the wow factor thanks to its dome structure and striking owl mural. From here, guests can enjoy a drink and bite to eat in The Bar des Pistes, before being shown to their rooms, which is where the work of architect Pierre Yovanovitch really shines through.

The French interior designer has put his own quirky twist on a traditional alpine feel to brilliant effect. Each room is designed like a classic ski chalet with wood and stone contrasting with wool and leather to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but there are modern flourishes such as eye-catching green and yellow geometric doors and plates with emojis printed on them in the restaurants. The overall result is elegance and luxury combined with eccentric charm, ensuring Le Coucou steers away from pretentiousness.

_{The facts:} Le Coucou is part of family-owned French hotel collection Maisons Pariente. It has 16 rooms and 39 suites all with balconies, plus two chalets each with four en suite rooms. For skiers looking to unwind after a busy day, the hotel has a spa, an inside and outside pool, sauna and steam room.

_{Ideal for:} The hotel appeals mainly to couples and families, with a Kids’ Club for children aged between four and nine and Teens Lab for 10 to 15-year-olds with table tennis, table football and karaoke.

_Explore: Le Coucou could not be better positioned for skiers of all abilities, with the slopes of Méribel on its doorstep and Courchevel and Val Thorens close by. The journey from Le Coucou to Courchevel alone makes the visit worth it, with chairlifts that take you to a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic mountain views – including a clear sight of Mont Blanc’s summit – before you descend into the quaint resort.

_Wow: Le Coucou is a foodie’s paradise, home to three top quality restaurants. Meat lovers will be in their element in Beefbar, which serves a wide range of the finest cuts of meat such as black Angus prime, wagyu WX and Kobe beef alongside fresh grilled fish, ceviche and carpaccio, which guests can enjoy on the terrace. Biancaneve serves authentic Italian dishes, while new restaurant Le Fumior, intimate in style with just 16 covers, offers an indulgent menu of alpine favourites including cheese fondue.

_{Book it:} Rooms start from £640 a night.
lecoucou.com