Our recent family trip to Villard-de-Lans was made extra special thanks to our stay at Le Splendid with Peak Retreats — an apartment-style hotel that blends the independence of self-catering with the comforts of a serviced stay. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Vercors mountains, it felt like the perfect base for exploring the region and spending quality time together.
Le Splendid – Villard-de-Lans
From the moment we arrived, we noticed how well the accommodation caters to families. The spacious apartment gave us room to breathe — no tripping over suitcases or feeling crammed into a single hotel room. The décor is simple yet welcoming, and the large windows fill the space with light, making it feel warm and homely.
One of the standout features for us was the kitchenette. As much as we enjoy eating out, having the option to prepare our own meals was both practical and budget-friendly, especially with the kids. Whether it was a quick pasta dinner after a long day of activities or a relaxed breakfast before heading out, we loved having our own fridge, hob, and cooking utensils at hand.
Speaking of breakfast — Le Splendid does things a little differently. Instead of heading to a buffet or dining hall, a fresh breakfast is delivered straight to your room each morning. Opening the door to find a basket of warm pastries, fresh bread, butter, and jam felt like a small luxury. Pair that with a hot coffee in your own kitchen, and you’ve got the best of both worlds: hotel service with the comfort of home.
The apartment complex also offers thoughtful amenities that make longer stays much easier — most notably, the laundrette. For a family on the move, this was a game-changer. Instead of packing twice as many clothes or hunting down a laundromat in town, we could easily wash and dry everything on-site. It meant less packing stress and more freedom to enjoy the trip without worrying about running out of clean clothes.
Villard-de-Lans
Le Splendid’s location is another big plus. It’s just a short stroll into the centre of Villard-de-Lans, where you’ll find bakeries, restaurants, and shops, as well as easy access to the surrounding hiking trails and ski slopes, depending on the season. After a day of exploring, coming back to our own cosy apartment — where the kids could wind down in the living area while we prepared dinner — was exactly the kind of relaxed atmosphere we wanted.
What makes Le Splendid stand out is that it doesn’t try to be a traditional hotel or a holiday rental — it’s a clever hybrid of both. You get privacy, space, and the ability to cook, but also the small touches that make you feel looked after, like daily breakfast delivery and helpful staff on-site.
For families looking to explore Villard-de-Lans while still enjoying the comforts of home, Le Splendid is a perfect choice. It gave us flexibility, convenience, and a warm base to return to every day — and that’s exactly what made our trip so memorable.
(our stay at Le Splendid was part of press trip with the region. You can see more of what we go up to here)