Most Inspirational Moment
The walk on the second day to Lac Blanc was probably the best and the weather was at its kindest then.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Oliver did work hard considering that he met us from the airport, did all the driving, helped with evening meals and did the guiding of walks. We were unlucky with weather. I did find the pace too slow, particularly on the wet days, although I accept that on group holidays you need to adapt your pace to that of the group. Oliver made good recommendations about activities for the day off and for eating places. In particular Hotel Eden was a great place for dinner on the night off.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking is very leisurely, which would be fine in good weather. On the whole the mountain refuges were good about us eating our packed lunches out of the rain in their premises and just buying a coffee. The Chalet Savoy is best described as adequate. Rooms are small and bathrooms tiny. The dining room is cramped. Breakfast was disappointing with only a choice of 2 over sweet cereals and hard boiled eggs every day. I would have liked the option of porridge or at least a sugar free museli and an alternetive to the hard boiled eggs such as cheese and continental meats. The picnic lunches were good and the daily cakes were wonderful. Evening meals were hearty rather than exciting, though the tarteflette on the last night was best I have tasted. So food a bit mixed. Considering our poor weather and need for hot showers, we never ran out of hot water (that has happened to me in the past) Also the drying room was excellent.
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Reply from Exodus
In the trip notes the Chalet Savoy is described as homely. The bathrooms are small because it is an Alpine Chalet and not a purpose built hotel. However, unlike a hotel the Exodus group has exclusive use of the property and with a lounge, fireplace room and dining room, we feel there is sufficient space for our groups. As mentioned in this review there are great facilities in the chalet including drying room, plentiful hot water and guests love the views from the chalet, the relaxed atmosphere and the free coffee and tea and internet. As mentioned in the trip notes a cooked breakfast is not offered and porridge is rare in French hotels, however the breakfast does include a good selection of cereals, yoghurt, eggs and croissants. Many of the reviews on this page comment on Elaine’s delicious cooking, in particular her filling cakes and packed lunches.
We are sorry to hear that Ms Coutts experienced folliculitis. The hot tub at the Chalet Savoy has been installed for 5 years now. Chemical levels are checked on a daily basis, the water frequently changed and guests urged to have a shower before using it. This is the first instance of someone registering a problem from it. We have been advised that Folliculitis is quite a common skin disorder and there are many causes other than from a hot tub. You will see from the reviews below it is very popular as guests enjoy relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of the Chamonix Valley at the same time.
