Hotels in Ax-les-Thermes

Mercure Ax Les Thermes worked well for our family: the family room had air-conditioning, a private bathroom and free WiFi, so everyone slept comfortably. The year-round outdoor swimming pool was the kids' favourite, steaming in the cold mountain air. We parents enjoyed the spa facilities and the fitness centre. Dinners at the French restaurant were relaxed and tasty, and the bar was handy for an evening drink.

Hôtel Le Chalet in Ax-les-Thermes felt cosy and welcoming. Our room had a private bathroom and a view over the garden and mountains, plus free WiFi and TV for the kids' wind-down. The buffet breakfast featured local specialities, which we loved trying each morning. After skiing, the hot tub in the outdoor seating area was the perfect way to relax, and the sun terrace and garden were lovely on clear days.

Hôtel Le Bellevue is a simple, friendly hotel in Ax-les-Thermes, and our family room had parquet floors, a private bathroom and a view of the mountains. The continental buffet breakfast was enough to set the kids up for the slopes or a morning at the thermal baths in town. In the evenings we sat on the terrace or had a drink at the bar while the children played. Free WiFi throughout kept everyone happy.

Résidence Le Grand Tétras is a three-star in Ax-les-Thermes whose name states that spa access is included, which is why I would book it for families who want a pool and spa without extra planning. Family rooms have balconies, private bathrooms and mountain views. The indoor swimming pool suits children, while the sauna, hot tub and fitness centre are there for parents. Breakfast comes continental, buffet or à la carte, and room service plus a 24-hour front desk help with young children.

Les Trois Domaines sits in the heart of Ax-les-Thermes, and the buildings blend nicely into the natural surroundings. Our spacious apartment had a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen, so we cooked family meals and saved on eating out. The free heated outdoor swimming pool was the kids' favourite way to end a day in the mountains, and we all slept well afterwards. A simple, roomy base for a family break.

Le Domaine de la Vallée d'Ax is genuinely family-friendly. Our family room had a kitchenette, a balcony and a private bathroom, so we could prepare snacks and simple dinners. The daily continental buffet breakfast got everyone going, and the swimming pool with a view was the highlight for our kids. The sun terrace was perfect for relaxing on bright afternoons, and free private parking made arriving by car easy.

Résidence Goélia Les Grands Ax is in the centre of Ax-les-Thermes, right at the foot of the ski lift, so the kids were on their way up in minutes. Our apartment had a fully equipped kitchenette, ideal for family breakfasts and simple dinners. The indoor swimming pool was a daily hit, and the gym was handy for us. The sauna costs extra but was worth it once or twice, and the ski lockers made mornings painless.

Résidence Natura is just 100 metres from the cable car up to the Bonnascre ski station, so the kids could walk there in boots without fuss. Our self-catering apartment had a kitchen, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and, best of all, a washing machine and tumble dryer, a real gift with wet ski gear. With the town's thermal baths nearby, we treated ourselves to a soak on our rest day.