Planibel Hotel vs Planibel Apartments: Which Is Better with Kids?

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Planibel Residence with Crystal Ski

We’ve stayed in the Planibel Apartments several times in La Thuile, and our friends have stayed in the Planibel Hotel, so we’ve been able to see both sides. Both share the same great location — ski‑in/ski‑out proximity to the lifts and ski school — but the experience is slightly different depending on what your family needs.

Space & Family Comfort

🏠 Planibel Apartments (Residence) — Our Choice

We stayed in the Superior 1‑bedroom apartment, which worked really well for our family of three (Joshua slept on the pull-out sofa in the living area). The apartment had:

• A separate bedroom for adults

• Living area with a sofa bed for kids

• Two bathrooms (shower room + bath/shower combo)

• Fully equipped kitchenette

• Space for ski boots, jackets, and backpacks

We loved the extra space and privacy, especially after a full day on the slopes. Evenings were quieter, and it was easy to keep ski gear organised.

💡 Pro tip: Bring a tea towel and a washing-up cloth— these aren’t provided.

For our Pro's & Con's see 👉 Planibel Apartments La Thuile Review

🏨 Planibel Hotel — Our Friends’ Experience

Our friends stayed in the hotel and enjoyed the half-board option, which meant most meals were taken care of. The rooms were comfortable, and they appreciated not having to cook after long ski days. They also found it easy to meet up with us for drinks or dinner in La Thuile town since both accommodation types are nearby.

The hotel was slightly smaller on space compared with the apartments. However, having meals included removed a lot of stress, especially for families with younger children.

Cooking & Mealtimes

🍳 Apartments — Flexibility

Staying in the apartments gives you freedom:

• Make your own breakfast and lunch (cost saver)

• Pack snacks for the slopes

• Eat on your own schedule

We usually bring breakfast staples like porridge, baked beans, and pancakes, plus tea and coffee, which saves both money and hassle.

🍽️ Hotel — Half Board Convenience

The hotel’s half-board option takes away cooking completely, which can be a huge relief if you want to relax after skiing or have younger children. Our friends said it was perfect for them — though it does require some planning if you have a bigger family or want to eat at peak times.

Want to know more about eating our in La Thuile see 👉 Where to Eat in La Thuile with Kids

Sleeping & Noise

• Apartments: Quiet and spacious, ideal for families with early-bedtime kids or those who prefer to unwind at their own pace.

• Hotel: Convenient and cosy, but rooms near lifts can be noisy. Our friends sometimes had to ask for quieter rooms, but the staff were helpful when approached.

Cost Considerations

• Apartments: Often better value if you cook most meals and make your own snacks.

• Hotel: Half board adds cost but removes meal planning stress — handy for families who prefer a simple, fuss-free approach

The Hotel is approximately £200 per person more expensive than staying in the apartment, this includes your breakfast and dinner. For our family of 3 that would be an extra £600 with lunches and drinks on top. To put it in to context on average we spend approximately £500 a week for food and drinks across all our meals. I caveat this can go up if the hubby goes a bit wild on the beers!

If you want more a more detailed breakout of what we spent you can see 👉 We Thought Doing It Yourself to La Thuile Would Be Cheaper – We Were Wrong

Apartments Are Best For Families Who:

• Prefer self-catering and flexibility

• Want extra space for kids and gear

• Value quieter evenings

• Have early bedtime kids or multiple generations

Hotel Is Best For Families Who:

• Prefer half-board and fewer meals to worry about

• Don’t want to cook after skiing

• Like having amenities like the pool and bar nearby

• Are happy with smaller sleeping areas

Final Thoughts

Both the Planibel Apartments and Hotel work well for families, depending on your priorities. We prefer the apartments for space, flexibility, and privacy, but the hotel is a solid choice if you want meals included and a fuss-free stay.

💡 Tip: Whatever you choose, La Thuile offers plenty for kids on and off the slopes — check out our guides on fun winter activities with kids and an outline of what to expect when skiing in La Thuile