Escape to This Stunning Rustic Chalet in the French Alps! (Dishwasher Included!)

Rustic chalet with dishwasher, in the High Vosges Le Thillot France

Escape to This Stunning Rustic Chalet in the French Alps! (Dishwasher Included!)

Escape to This Stunning Rustic Chalet in the French Alps! (Dishwasher Included!): My Honest, Messy, and Wonderful Review

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from the French Alps, and I'm still riding the high. We're talking about the "Stunning Rustic Chalet" – the one with the dishwasher (Hallelujah!) – and let me tell you, this review is going to be less pristine, more… well, me. Expect rambles, some f-bombs (because sometimes you need them for emphasis!), and a whole lot of honest-to-goodness truth.

First Impressions: The Arrival (and the Altitude!)

Getting there? Well, the chalet boasts airport transfer – a definite plus after a long flight. The drive up was… breathtaking. Literally, considering the altitude! The air is so crisp, and the scenery? Forget your social media filters, because reality is already a masterpiece. The car park is free of charge, which is a win, because those parking fees can sneak up on you. Valet parking is an option too, if you're feeling fancy.

The exterior? Rustic, as promised. Think charming wooden beams, snow-dusted roofs, and that quintessential Alpine feeling. The exterior corridor aspect? I didn't really notice. Okay, maybe I did notice the freezing wind a few times. But hey, character, right? They also have CCTV outside the property for security, which is reassuring.

Accessibility: A Word to the Wise…

Now, this chalet does have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is a huge plus. However, I didn’t personally need to use them, so I can’t give a detailed account of the accessibility. But its inclusion is already a good sign! Remember though, the French Alps in general can be challenging, so be sure to confirm all specific needs with the hotel before booking!

The Room: My Alpine Sanctuary (with a Few Quirks)

Okay, let's talk about my room. Oh, sweet, glorious room! It had everything. And I mean everything.

• Wi-Fi [free] – Essential for staying connected, even in the face of stunning scenery. Praise the internet gods! The Wi-Fi in all rooms! was FAST!
• Air conditioning – In public areas not in the rooms. I'm not sure why. But with the windows that open, it wasn't even necessary.
• Blackout curtains: Needed for the super early sunrise!
• Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxuriously lazy mornings!
• Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: My morning ritual! And let’s be honest, there was always a fresh pot brewing.
• Hair dryer: A lifesaver after a day on the slopes.
• Desk, Laptop workspace: For pretending to work while staring at the mountains.
• Mini bar, Refrigerator: Stocked with goodies. (Important note: the mini-bar prices… are a thing.)
• Safe box: For keeping your valuables safe.
• Toiletries: Nice quality! (Although, I always pack my favorites).
• Additional toilet: A definite plus!
• Extra long bed: Good for someone my size.
• Seating area, Sofa: Perfect for cuddling up and reading a book.
• Separate shower/bathtub: A true luxury when you get back from a day of skiing!
• Alarm clock: Unless you want a rude awakening!

Okay, now for the slightly less perfect stuff. The carpeting… let's just say it's seen some action. And the soundproofing… well, let's just say I heard the couple next door. Yikes. The window that opens… it’s essential.

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound

Look, especially these days, safety is paramount. The chalet takes it seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offer the option for Room sanitization opt-out, you know, if you prefer less chemicals. There's smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher. Feeling safe and secure is huge. They also had a First aid kit. I didn't need it, but you know… just in case.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!

Alright, the food. This is where things get really interesting.

• Breakfast [buffet]: They had one and it's good! It's a Western breakfast!
• Soup in restaurant: Always ready for a hearty meal.
• Bottle of water: Kept me hydrated after a hard day of… you know… existing.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential to start the day.
• Poolside bar: A divine place for drinks.
• Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those lazy nights!
• Snack bar: I made multiple visits.
• Restaurants: They definitely have multiple.
• A la carte in restaurant: Wonderful dishes.
• Desserts in restaurant: I am a dessert person and they where so good!
• Happy hour: It happens!

The chalet has a Vegetarian restaurant (a lifesaver for my friend!) and even serves Asian cuisine in restaurant, which was a pleasant surprise. The Safe dining setup gave me peace of mind. They even offer a Breakfast takeaway service.

I have to confess, the Happy hour was… a staple. Especially since I was so damn cold from all the skiing and needed to warm up.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Slopes to Spa

Okay, the real reason you're coming here: the activities. Buckle up, because this place delivers.

• Swimming pool [outdoor]: The view from the pool? Unforgettable.
• Spa: A must. I had a massage that melted me.
• Pool with view: The outdoor pool, again, with a view.
• Sauna, Steamroom: After a day on the slopes, total bliss.
• Gym/fitness: I may have skipped this one.
• Body scrub, Body wrap: Pampering at its finest.

The Pool: My Defining Moment of Glorious Excess

Let's talk about the pool. I’m not a huge pool person. Give me a roaring fire and a book any day. But this pool… this pool. It's heated, outdoors, and the view? Oh. My. God. Imagine yourself, submerged in warm water, snowflakes gently tickling your face, and the colossal, majestic Alps rising before you, bathed in sunlight. It was the kind of moment that makes you want to pinch yourself, just to make sure it's real. I stayed in that pool for hours! I felt like a god.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter

They have everything. Seriously.

• Concierge: Super helpful for booking tours and arranging things.
• Daily housekeeping: My room looked immaculate every single day.
• Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Essential for keeping your ski gear (and yourself) presentable.
• Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
• Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Business facilities, Wi-Fi for special events: Perfect if you're planning a corporate retreat or a wedding.
• Convenience store: For those midnight snack attacks.
• Luggage storage: Always a relief.
• Elevator: A must-have.
• Front desk [24-hour]: Always a friendly face.

For the Kids: Family Friendly Vibes

I didn't travel with kids, but they seem to have it covered. They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Family/child friendly.

Getting Around: Making it Easy

• Airport transfer: Essential.
• Car park [free of charge]: Huge win!
• Taxi service

Overall Verdict: Go. Just Go.

Look, the "Stunning Rustic Chalet" may not be perfect. It has its quirks, its imperfections (ahem, the soundproofing thing!). But you know what? That's what makes it real. Those imperfections fade away the moment you take that first look at the view, or the moment you plunge into that divine outdoor pool.

This place is about the experience. The freedom. The beauty. The escape.

Would I go back? Hell YES! I'm already pricing flights. Go, book it. You won't regret it. And tell the dishwasher I said hello. 😉

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Rustic chalet with dishwasher, in the High Vosges Le Thillot France

Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your perfectly polished, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the real deal - a tale of a rustic chalet in the High Vosges, France, a dishwasher, and a whole lotta "what the heck were we thinking?"

The Great Vosges Adventure: Or, How I Learned to Love Gruyère and Question My Sanity

Day 1: Arrival & "Oh, Dear God, Did We Pack Enough Socks?"

• Morning (6:00 AM, London Heathrow): The alarm, a cruel mistress. Coffee. Panic-fueled last-minute packing. Did I remember the adaptors? The mosquito repellent? (Spoiler alert: No on both counts. France, here I come, mosquito-bitten and powerless.)
• Afternoon (1:00 PM, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport): Swiss efficiency: the airport is spotless, and everything works. My inner control freak is momentarily appeased. Then, the rental car - a tiny, terrifying hatchback that should never attempt a mountain road. Pray for me.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM, Le Thillot): Found the chalet! "Rustic" doesn't even begin to cover it. Think "Swiss Family Robinson meets Pottery Barn (on a budget)." The view, though… oh my god, the view. Emerald hills, pine forests, a sky so blue it hurts. My breath literally caught. This is why we do this, isn't it?
• Evening (8:00 PM): The dishwasher… finally. I'm in love. Unpacked, a mad dash to the local supermarket. I was sure I'd find the perfect Gruyère. Then I was overwhelmed by the cheese section; I stared for a good 10 minutes, before the kindly french woman pointed me to the correct section.

Day 2: Hiking, Heartbreak (Over Bad Baguettes), and the Majesty of a Cowbell

• Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Bad baguette. I could cry. Still, the view. It almost makes up for the cardboard-like bread. We're hitting the trails!
• Late Morning (10:00 AM): Hiking. I was certain I was in shape, but the steepness of these trails. I'm now convinced the Vosges mountains are specifically designed to test my will to live. Gasping for air, I saw a cow with a gloriously loud bell. It was like a Swiss disco party in my ears.
• Lunch (1:00 PM): More baguette. I still did not trust myself to choose the correct one, and it was still bad. We're doomed.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): The trail changed again: I'm now fully embracing the rustic, and feeling a sense of serenity that can only be achieved when one is physically exhausted and staring at a postcard-perfect view. Another cowbell moment.
• Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. I made a valiant attempt at a local recipe. It's… edible? My partner is trying to be supportive about the overcooked vegetables. The dishwasher is a lifesaver again.

Day 3: The Art of Doing Nothing (and Loving Every Minute of It)

• Morning (9:00 AM): I am staying in. The world can go on without me. Coffee on the balcony, watching the mist roll through the valleys. The silence is deafening, in a good way.
• Late Morning (11:00 AM): Read a book. Stared at the view. The kind of view that makes you rethink your entire life and wonder why you spend 9-5 chained to a desk.
• Lunch (1:00 PM): I purchased a new baguette, and it wasn't any better…
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): Took a nap. A glorious, guilt-free nap. Woke up feeling vaguely human.
• Evening (7:00 PM): Stargazing. The sky. Oh, the sky. No light pollution here, folks. Just billions of twinkling diamonds scattered across a velvety black canvas. (I feel like I'm turning into Wordsworth.)

Day 4: Doubling Down on the Local Culture (and Maybe, Just Maybe, Finding a Decent Baguette)

• Morning (9:00 AM): Finally, decided to go to the local market! I was a little weary, but I decided to give it my best.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM): The market. I found it. THE GRUYÈRE. I picked out the perfect loaf, I'm sure of it. It was like love at first sight.
• Lunch (1:00 PM): The baguette. It was awful. But I didn't care, because I paired the Gruyère together, and it was heavenly.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): We explored the local town. More cheese.
• Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. A symphony of cheese and wine. The perfect evening.

Day 5: Au Revoir, Vosges! (And the dishwasher, you will be missed.)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Enjoyed the view one last time. Packed. And, the worst part is, leaving this beautiful place.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM): Final sweep of the chalet. Checked the dishwasher one last time.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport): Flying home.
• Evening (9:00 PM, London): Back in the real world. But the view, the cheese, and the cows with their bells will linger, a reminder of mountain air and a little slice of heaven.

Post-Trip Ramblings:

Okay, so it wasn't perfect. I definitely shed a few tears over that baguette (or five). But the simplicity, the beauty, the dishwasher… it was all worth it. The High Vosges are a place to unplug, to reconnect, and to discover that a bad baguette is just a minor blip in the grand scheme of things. And hey, I learned to love Gruyère. That's a win in my book.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. With a bigger suitcase for the cheese and a serious commitment to finding that perfect baguette. And maybe, just maybe, taking a French language course. (My "bonjours" and "mercis" could use some work.)

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Rustic chalet with dishwasher, in the High Vosges Le Thillot FranceOkay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously un-glossy world of a French Alps chalet. Prepare for some serious real talk, because let's be honest, perfect doesn't exist, and that's what makes life (and travel) interesting.

So, is this place *actually* as stunning as it looks in the photos?

Okay, let's be brutally honest here. The photos are *good.* I mean, they're professional, they’ve got the angles, the lighting, the... well, you get the idea. The reality? It’s still breathtaking. Like, genuinely. The view from the balcony in the morning with your coffee? Forget it. You'll be staring at the mountains until your brain turns into a fondue mixture. There's a certain... *je ne sais quoi* to being surrounded by those peaks. Maybe the photos miss the bit where the air smells like pine and pure, unadulterated freedom. It's stunning, yes. And better than the photos, because photos can't show you how the sun hits the snow at golden hour.

Is the dishwasher truly *included*?! (And does it actually work?)

Oh, the dishwasher. The glorious, life-saving dishwasher. Yes. It is included. YES. And *hallelujah*, it works! I mean, it's not the whisper-quiet, digital-everything model you might have at home. This is a *character* of a machine. It has its quirks. The first time, I swear, I loaded it perfectly, like a jigsaw puzzle champion, only to discover the soap dispenser had a mind of its own and left everything looking like a Jackson Pollock painting of suds. Lesson learned: don't overfill the soap. Second time, glorious, sparkling success! It might be the most beautiful thing ever invented, right after the invention of baguettes and red wine.

What’s the deal with the WIFI? Will I be able to actually use the internet? (Because, ya know, work…)

Ah, the eternal question: WIFI. Look, it's the mountains, not Silicon Valley. The WIFI is… adequate. You won't be streaming 4K movies while simultaneously video conferencing with the office. Let's be honest, that's probably a *good* thing. It's strong enough for checking emails, browsing the web, and maybe uploading a few envy-inducing Instagram stories (because, goals). I worked from there for a few days, and, yes, it was doable, but I confess, my productivity was *slightly* impacted by the constant urge to stare out the window. My boss probably thinks I’m still “working”. Ssh! Think of it as a chance to disconnect. Use it to look at the stunning views! Enjoy life!

Are the beds comfy? I'm a princess/pea person.

Okay, look. Bed comfort is subjective. What's considered the height of luxury to one person is a torture chamber to another. The beds here are… fine. They're not cloud-like, but they're not torture chambers either. I slept like a log. But, I wasn't as happy as the princess and the pea. The bedding is fresh and clean. I'd suggest, if you're *super* precious about your slumber (and I get it, believe me, I get it), maybe pack your own pillow, or a memory phone top. But honestly, after a day spent hiking or skiing those mountains, you could probably sleep standing up. Pure exhaustion is a great alternative to comfort.

Is it easy to get groceries? Or am I going to starve?

Grocery shopping is *relatively* easy. There's a decent sized supermarket in the nearest town. You will need a car. Unless you enjoy lugging baguettes and bottles of Bordeaux up winding mountain paths. Which, frankly, might be a fun story, but it's not exactly practical. The store has most of what you'll need, but don't expect the instant availability of the massive stores we might be used to back home. Stock up on essentials before you arrive, and embrace the local boulanger and their amazing bread. Honestly, you’re in France. Starving should not be a concern, French people are amazing.

What's the heating like? Will I freeze?

The heating. Ah, yes. The all-important heating. Look, it's a chalet in the Alps. It’s designed to keep you warm. The type of heating in the chalet can vary based on the building, this should be clarified with the owner or the management. But, generally speaking, it's sufficient. It's cozy, not industrial. Layer up in the evenings, bring warm socks, and embrace the general feeling of being wrapped in a comforting blanket. Also, drinking hot chocolate is mandatory. You'll be perfectly fine. In fact, you'll probably be downright *snug*. There is nothing better than being cold outside and warm inside.

Is there a fireplace? Because, #cozy.

Whether or not there is a fireplace depends on the exact chalet. If there is, use it! Build a fire, get some wood, open a bottle of wine, and relax by the fire. If there isn't, there are still candles and fairy lights for ambiance. It has all the cozy you'll ever desire. If you're lucky, it might have some of those old-fashioned, crackling sounds that make you feel like you've stepped into a Hallmark movie (the good ones, not the cheesy ones). Just remember fire safety, and don't set the chalet on fire!

Are there any drawbacks to the location? Is it remote?

Yes, the location is a bit remote. That's part of the charm, right? Right! You won't be stumbling out of a bar and back to the chalet. You will need a car. And if you’re not used to driving in mountainous conditions, give yourself some time to acclimatize. Don’t expect to get everywhere in a hurry. But the peace, the quiet, the *sheer* lack of crowds? Absolutely worth it. And think of the views! You’re trading convenience for incredible beauty and tranquility. It's a small price to pay, trust me. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure.

Anything I *really* need to know before I book? Like, seriously!

Okay, here’s the raw, unfiltered truth. Pack layers. No, seriously. Mountains. Weather can change on a dime. Bring a good book. Or five. Bring your walking boots. Bring your favorite snacks, because even the most dedicated foodies need a midnight raid on the biscuit tin, especially when it's cold outside. Be prepared to disconnect.Smart Traveller Inns

Rustic chalet with dishwasher, in the High Vosges Le Thillot France

Rustic chalet with dishwasher, in the High Vosges Le Thillot France

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