Le Grand Coeur hotel in Meribel is a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property which offers ski-in, ski-out access to the ski slopes of Meribel and the Trois Vallees area beyond. Occasionally Scout gets a little stumped by the star classification used throughout Europe and usually that's due to the facilities required to grant it a 5 star rating. Le Grand Coeur is one of those that feels like it bats well above it's four star rating. In our option it is well worthy of five stars, even if it doesn't match the offical criteria.
From the minute you walk through the heavy, wooden front door there is a feeling of luxury, warmth and tradition. If you're after a hotel that feels distinctly and genuinely French, then Le Grand Coeur makes a perfect choice. Once you step inside the large lounge area is super inviting, making you want to sit back and sink into one of the oversized sofas and enjoy a hot chocolate (or aperetive, depending on what time of the day it is) while flicking through one of the many books from the bookshelves.
The hotel is situated in a quiet part of Meribel, meaning you can access the village in a short walk but yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of town. The same relaxed feeling eminates inside - Le Grand Coeur is relaxed and quiet, with a quiet buzz.
There are a range of bedrooms from smaller standard rooms to large suites with extra living space or family "apartments". The rooms and sites are styled one of two ways - contemporary or traditional. Either way, you're getting an elegant, sophisticated bedroom that will be hard to leave each day.
While Le Grand Coeur provides stylish bedrooms and quality facilities - as you would expect of a four (or even five) star hotel - it still retains its charming family-run feel. There are always plenty of staff on hand to assist you and you’re likely to meet the owner M and Mme Ruchti during your stay.
The restaurant and bar at Le Grand Coeur not only serves up hot and cold breakfast options but also provides guests with a delicious selection of afternoon tea treats for when you return from the slopes; a range of pre-dinner drinks that you can enjoy in front of the fire; and a great a la carte menu for evening dining.
To help you unwind and soothe your muscles, Le Grand Coeur has an on-site spa with hammam (steam room), sauna and Jacuzzi facilities.
