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Premium apartment holidays

7th April 2010, by Wendy King

More living space

Apartment holidays are evolving, and these days you’ll find that many of the new ones are branded luxury accommodation focussed more on hotel-quality experiences. One of the biggest providers of such residences in France is Pierre & Vacances.

The Premium Package

With the acquisition of two major Intrawest developments in 2009, Pierre & Vacances re-categorised its holidays and launched PV Premium. As well as the Intrawest duo (Arc 1950 and Flaine Montsoleil) this new brand also incorporates the majority of the ‘Residences MGM’ properties offered by PV – representing the company’s top-of-the-range accommodation and, notably, special services. There are 19 residences, of which 12 are in major French ski resorts. So what do you get?

Comfort comes as standard

All ‘premium’ lodging includes a 4-star level of comfort and spaciousness, with pools and leisure facilities as standard. Also standard is a non-stop reception and concierge service (8am-8pm), free wifi internet, TV in the lounge and free baby kits. Kitchens are well equipped with all mod-cons and a welcome pack, beds made up on arrival and end-of-stay cleaning included (in the old days you’d have to tidy up, or pay extra!)

Relax by the pool

Offering you more

As well as the quality of lodging, a wide range of pre-bookable facilities defines the ‘premium’ concept; all are designed to enhance your stay. For starters, staying in an apartment no longer means you must self-cater: one of the key attractions of the premium package is the catering service.

Selected residences offer a full breakfast delivery, or bakery option. You can pre-order evening meals, have shopping dropped off to your apartment or choose a half-board option. The new ‘Chef at home’ service brings a chalet-style flavour to your holiday, with a personal cook.

Wellness and relaxation is a key element too; in addition to the free access to pools and saunas, guests can book a number of body treatment packages – Algotherm Spa, for example. And the brand has incorporated more family facilities, including cots and high chairs for toddlers. Play areas have been created and reception staff can organise baby-sitters.

Where are they?

PV Premium residences are located in 11 of France’s top resort bases, so you’ll find them in Flaine and Les Carroz (Grand Massif), Chamonix, Les Arcs (Arc 1950 and Arc 1800), La Plagne (Aime), Tignes, Courchevel (1850), Les Menuires, Méribel and Méribel-Mottaret.

About Pierre & Vacances

The Pierre & Vacances Group is a major company with over 45,000 apartments in Europe. Their first ski development opened in Avoriaz over 40 years ago, and they will shortly unleash new upscale properties (the Amara) there for the first time in those 40 years – the centrepiece of which will be one of the largest spa and water parks in the Alps.

www.pv-holidays.com

For more about smart apartments in France, the differences and improvements, check out our two other features: French apartments: a new era and Smart apartments

For more about the WTSS Prize Draw to win a week in a PV Premium residence, read our news item here>>

Picture yourself here …. Les Menuires, better looking than it used to be!

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