Where to Stay in Serre Chevalier

areas compared · 4 properties reviewed · Prices for 2025/26

4 properties reviewed
Prices for 2025/26 season
Updated 2026-02-28

Where to Base Yourself

Serre Chevalier has distinct areas, each with different trade-offs. Pick the wrong one and you'll spend your holiday on shuttles or walking in ski boots.

Editor's Take

First-timers book Serre Chevalier for the massive ski area (250km) and authentic village bases. They see Chantemerle is the biggest village and closest to the main gondola, so they book there. Big mistake. Chantemerle is a soulless ski station — think 1970s concrete apartment blocks and car parks. Zero charm. They should've booked Monêtier, the beautiful village at the far end with thermal baths, real Alpine character, and the best hotels. Yes, it's quieter and slightly less convenient for skiing, but you're on holiday — you want to actually enjoy where you're staying. Spend 20% more to stay in Monêtier or save 15% by staying in authentic Briançon old town and taking the free shuttle. Just don't stay in Chantemerle unless convenience is literally your only priority.

Our Top Picks

We've stayed in or inspected every property on this list. These are the ones worth your money — and the ones to avoid.

Rock Noir Our Pick

Rock Noir

4★ Boutique Hotel · Le Monêtier-les-Bains · 200m to Bachas gondola
{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

The best hotel in Serre Chevalier, tucked in the charming village of Monêtier at the quiet end of the valley. Gorgeous design mixing Alpine tradition with contemporary style, excellent restaurant, small but beautiful spa. Monêtier has thermal baths and village character that the other bases lack. You're 15-20 mins from the biggest lift stations but the quality of life here is vastly superior.

200m to lifts Free cancellation 9.1/10
From
£240
Peak week: £380
Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price
Grand Hôtel & Spa Best Value

Grand Hôtel & Spa

4★ Hotel · Le Monêtier-les-Bains · 350m to Bachas gondola
{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

Solid 4-star option in Monêtier with larger spa than Rock Noir and better value. More traditional Alpine style, less design-forward but comfortable. Pool, spa, and direct access to the village's famous thermal baths. Restaurant is decent if unexciting. Good for families who want village charm without Rock Noir's price tag.

350m to lifts Flexible 8.6/10
From
£145
Peak week: £240
Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price
Hôtel Plein Sud Ski-In/Ski-Out

Hôtel Plein Sud

3★ Hotel · Chantemerle · 50m to Chantemerle gondola
{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

Classic ski hotel directly opposite the main Chantemerle gondola. Rooms are basic but clean, breakfast is adequate, location is unbeatable. Chantemerle is the busiest, most convenient base in the valley but has zero charm — it's a functional ski station. You're trading village atmosphere for lift access. Fair trade if skiing is your priority.

50m to lifts Limited 8/10
From
£105
Peak week: £175
Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price
Les Chalets de Villeneuve Budget Pick

Les Chalets de Villeneuve

Apartment · Villeneuve-La Salle · 120m to Fréjus lift
{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

Good value apartments in Villeneuve, the small village between Chantemerle and Monêtier. Less convenient than Chantemerle, less charming than Monêtier, but 30% cheaper than both. Apartments are simple but well-maintained. Free shuttle to lifts runs regularly. Best for budget-conscious skiers who don't mind a 5-min shuttle ride.

120m to lifts Flexible 7.7/10
From
£70
Peak week: £130
Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price

Hotel vs Apartment vs Chalet

Hotels

Best for: Convenience
Price range
£–£/night
  • Breakfast included (usually)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Often have boot rooms
  • Less flexibility on meals

Best for: Couples, first-timers, those who hate cooking on holiday

Apartments

Best for: Groups & Value
Price range
£–£/night
  • Kitchen saves on eating out
  • More space per £
  • Split cost across group
  • No daily cleaning

Best for: Groups of mates, families, budget-conscious

Chalets

Best for: Premium Experience
Price range
£–£/night
  • Catered option (meals included)
  • Hot tub, sauna common
  • Private, exclusive feel
  • Book whole property

Best for: Groups celebrating, couples splurging, families wanting privacy

What a Week Actually Costs

Per person, per week, including accommodation only. Add £200–400pp for lift pass, ski hire, and eating out.

Budget £340pp/week
Budget
Basic apartment in Chantemerle — Studio £55/night, needs renovation but ski-in/ski-out
Mid-Range £650pp/week
Mid-Range
3★ hotel in Briançon old town — Hôtel Vauban £95/night, charm but shuttle required
Comfortable £1050pp/week
Comfortable
4★ hotel or renovated chalet — Grand Hôtel & Spa £155/night in Monêtier
Luxury £1850pp/week
Luxury
Boutique hotel or luxury chalet — Rock Noir £270/night, best in valley

Booking Tips

1
Saves Quality of life

Choose your village for lifestyle, not skiing

All villages are well-connected to the ski area. Monêtier has charm and thermal baths but quieter nightlife. Chantemerle is convenient and lively but soulless. Briançon is the most authentic but requires daily shuttles. Village choice defines your week more than skiing access.

2
40% cheaper

Apartments are outstanding value

Serre Che has excellent apartment stock, many recently renovated. We found 3★ apartments 40% cheaper than equivalent hotels. With decent restaurants in every village, self-catering makes sense.

3
Beware

Book Monêtier thermal baths package

Many hotels include discounted/free access to the Grand Bains thermal complex. These natural hot spring pools are the best après in the valley. Check if it's included or buy a multi-day pass for €45 (vs €12/visit).

4
35-40% cheaper

January is the sweet spot

Serre Che is high (1200-2800m) and north-facing, so January snow is excellent. Prices are 35-40% lower than February half-term. First two weeks of January are uncrowded and well-priced.

More Serre Chevalier Guides

Ski School

Prices & providers

Beer Prices

What drinks cost

Lift Pass

Daily & weekly rates

Getting There

Transfers & flights

🏔️ Planning your ski trip to Where to Stay in Serre Chevalier?

Find Accommodation on Booking.com

Compare hotels, chalets & apartments