Owned by the super-smart (and super-expensive) Hotel Le Kilimandjaro (1850) and completely refurbished at great expense last season, Le Seizena enjoys a plum location in Courchevel 1650 - being the width of the road from the escalator (!) which takes you to the main Ariondaz lift, and right in the thick of the bars, restaurants and shops of this lively resort. For anyone wishing to start his or her day's skiing from Courchevel 1850, the 5-minute bus ride begins right outside the front door.

The 20 rooms and suites are very tastefully decorated in an understated, modern style and share balconies with either a village or valley view. All rooms benefit from very chic en-suite bathrooms and each has wi-fi access and plasma screen.

There is also a private lounge for guests' use, small gym and Hammam steam room – perfect for relaxing in after a hard day on the slopes.

While accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, the hotel does have its own restaurant serving a delicious - and well-priced - range of international cuisine and with great views over the valley. There is also a very cosy fireplace to simply relax by with a drink from the bar.

In short, Le Seizena is ideal for anyone slightly put off some of the pricing of the village's upstairs neighbour, Courchevel 1850, looking for affordable grand style a minute from the piste and wanting the flexibility to sample some of the great restaurants this lively but under-rated resort has to offer in the evenings.