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PopAlp La Plagne review: Is this the coolest new ski hotel in Plagne Centre?
PopAlp La Plagne has arrived. But is it any good for families?
There’s a bold new hotel in town, and you literally can’t miss it. Right in the heart of Plagne Centre, PopAlp La Plagne is a ski-in, ski-out hotel with a difference. With balconies made from old skis, eye-popping murals, and interiors straight out of a Pop Art gallery, this place is worlds away from the usual wood-and-stone chalet vibe.
But let’s be honest: when you’re planning a family ski trip, good design is only half the story. You want to know: Is it practical? Comfortable? Close to the lifts? Good with kids? And crucially, is it worth the price tag?
In this post, I’ll give you a proper look at what PopAlp is really like. From room types and ski facilities to food, location, and all the little details that make (or break) a family holiday. If you’re considering staying here this winter, here’s what you need to know, straight from someone who lives here and gets what families actually need.
Hotel, apartment or chalet? Which is best for your ski holiday?
Not sure whether to book a hotel, self-catered apartment or catered chalet? In this video, I explain the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the type of accommodation that best suits your family, budget and holiday style.
What most family ski hotels get wrong
Let’s face it. Not all ski hotels are created equal. Especially when you’re travelling with kids.
Too many places go heavy on Alpine charm but forget that families need functionality. You book a “family room” only to find there’s no space for your luggage, let alone a buggy. The ski rental shop is a 10-minute walk in ski boots, and dinner means dragging tired children through icy streets after a full day on the slopes.
And then there’s the decor. Generic, beige, and somehow stuck in the 90s. It doesn’t feel like a treat. It just feels… fine.
That’s why PopAlp immediately stood out. It's playful, practical, and purpose-built for people who want more than just somewhere to sleep. But is it actually family-friendly? That’s what I set out to find out.
Inside PopAlp: What you get (and don’t)
Hotel Design & Atmosphere: Bold, Bright and Unapologetically Fun
Walking into PopAlp feels more like stepping into a gallery than a hotel lobby. But in the best possible way. The entire place is a love letter to Pop Art, with giant murals, statement lighting, and vibrant colours at every turn. Even the balconies are made from old skis — a nod to its alpine setting with a playful twist.
This is not your standard wood-clad mountain hotel. It’s modern, quirky and designed to stand out. For families with teens or anyone tired of cookie-cutter ski hotels, it’s a refreshing change.
That said, if your idea of a ski break is roaring fires and rustic charm, this won’t be your cup of tea. But if you love bold design, Instagrammable corners, and a hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, PopAlp nails the brief.
Location, location: right on the slopes of Plagne Centre
You honestly couldn’t ask for a better spot. PopAlp is bang in the middle of Plagne Centre, just steps from ski hire shops, ski schools, supermarkets, and bars. All making life so much easier when you’re travelling with kids.
Even better? It’s genuinely ski-in, ski-out. You’re right next to the Becoin and Lovatière chairlifts, so there’s no morning stress hauling kit across town. You can literally click in and go.
For today’s guests, it means all the perks of a brand new hotel but with a location that’s been tried, tested and loved by British skiers for decades.
The only downside? There’s no on-site parking, so if you’re driving, you’ll need to book a space in one of the nearby covered car parks. Not a dealbreaker, just something to factor in.
A personal throwback: my first season in La Plagne
PopAlp might be shiny and new, but this building holds a lot of memories, especially for those of us who’ve been around La Plagne for a while.
Before its makeover, this was the Hotel Christina. The Christina was one of the first buildings in La Plagne in the 1960’s. Flash forward to the late 90’s and early 2000’s and it was one of the most iconic Mark Warner properties in the Alps. It was a proper British chalet-hotel, loved for its cosy feel, prime location, and buzzing bar scene – RIP Scotty’s. Generations of guests came back year after year. Sadly, it was one of the many hotels that didn’t survive the pandemic.
And this is where it gets personal. Because this is the hotel where I worked my very first ski season in La Plagne. I arrived with a rucksack, zero ski experience, and no clue what I was getting myself into. But that winter changed everything. It set me on the path to becoming a local, raising my family here, and eventually starting That’s La Plagne.
And if you remember Scotty’s Bar, you’ll know exactly the kind of energy this place used to have. Scotty’s was legendary. A proper après spot with live music, wild nights, and even wilder ski reps. We don’t yet know what the new lounge bar inside PopAlp will be like, but there’s a definite buzz of curiosity among locals. We’re all watching to see if it can live up to its past.
For me, seeing the building come back to life feels like a full-circle moment. A new chapter, with a nod to the old one.
Room types: from cosy doubles to family penthouses
PopAlp’s room options are more varied than you might expect — which is brilliant if you’re travelling as a family or group and don’t want to squeeze into a standard hotel room.
Rooms are bright, modern, and still carry that bold Pop Art style. Think colourful feature walls, graphic prints, and practical touches like blackout curtains, Chromecast TVs, and fast WiFi — all ideal when the kids just need a bit of downtime.
All together, there are 50 x 2 – 4 bed rooms, most of which have balconies. Then there are 7 apartments sleeping up to 8 people – some of these are penthouses if you’re feeling fancy!
Here’s what you can choose from:
- Standard Double (20 m²) – Best for couples or solo travellers
- Superior Double (25 m²) – A bit more space, still good for two
- Standard or Superior Triple (25–30 m²) – Ideal if you're travelling with one child or a teen
- Junior Suite (30 m²) – A more spacious layout, some with sofa beds
- Duplex Suite (60 m²) – Two levels, perfect for families who want separate sleeping areas
- Apartments (from 64 m²) – These include a proper kitchen, separate bedrooms, and a terrace with Mont Blanc views. Great for 4–6 people
- Penthouse (160 m²) – Sleeps up to 8 with loads of space, panoramic views, and a kitchen — a proper treat for bigger families or group holidays
From a parent’s point of view, the duplex suites and apartments offer the best mix of space and flexibility. You’ve got room to spread out, cook if you want to, and still enjoy the hotel vibe downstairs.
My top tip? If you're staying more than 3–4 nights with kids, the apartments give you that breathing room and access to a terrace means space for snowy boots and soggy gloves to air out without wrecking the room.
Food & dining: casual, colourful and kid-friendly
One of the perks of staying at PopAlp is that you don’t need to drag your kids across town for dinner. The hotel has its own on-site restaurant called POP Restaurant, which matches the hotel’s colourful style with an easygoing, welcoming vibe.
Breakfast is buffet-style, with fresh pastries, fruit, cereals, and hot options. Ideal for fuelling up before a ski day. It’s included in most stays, and it’s self-serve, so the kids can grab what they like (within reason!).
During the day, the restaurant offers lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. The food leans towards French mountain favourites with a modern twist. So you’ll find things like burgers, charcuterie, cheesy pasta, and lighter bites, but done with flair.
The bar area is also part of the same space, with cosy corners and a relaxed vibe. Great if you want a drink while the kids crash out with their iPads.
They’re set up to serve families with high chairs available and space to park buggies, but I haven’t yet seen a dedicated kids' menu online. If that’s a deal-breaker, it’s worth dropping them a line or asking when you arrive. From what I’ve seen locally, the staff are friendly and happy to adapt.
Also worth noting: there’s room service available (with an extra charge), which is a game-changer when someone’s too tired or cold to make it down to dinner. Been there, done that.
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Ski facilities & family-friendly extras
PopAlp doesn’t just look the part, it’s fully set up for skiers too, which makes a huge difference when you’ve got kids in tow and zero time for faff.
First up: there’s an on-site ski shop and rental service, so you can sort your kit the moment you arrive. No trekking across resort with tired kids and armfuls of ski boots. It’s all right there, in the hotel. You can book your gear in advance (often at a better rate), and staff will fit it for you on arrival. Handy if you want to get straight out on the slopes.
There’s also secure ski storage, with racks and (from what I’ve seen) a heated boot room, though I’d recommend checking that in person if warm boots are a deal-breaker for you.
If you haven’t sorted lift passes yet, the reception team can handle that too. They offer concierge-style support for things like ski school bookings, airport transfers, and resort tips. Great if you’re planning your first family ski trip and need someone local (as well as me!) in your corner.
One thing to note: while the hotel has a lovely lounge/bar space, there’s no spa, hot tub or wellness area which some families might miss after a long day skiing. But the trade-off is you’re paying for a well-located, design-forward hotel with real ski convenience, not a high-end spa resort.
That said, if you're after relaxation, I can point you to some brilliant spas and massage options nearby.
Is PopAlp worth it for families? My honest verdict
If you’re after a hotel that’s central, cool, and completely hassle-free, PopAlp absolutely delivers. It’s ideal for families who want to be close to everything: lifts, ski school, shops, food. Plus if great for those who love the idea of a hotel with personality.
It’s not the cheapest, but you’re paying for location and convenience. Which are 2 great reasons to pay a little more! With the range of room options, especially the family suites and apartments, there’s something for most budgets.
Who it’s great for:
- Families with older kids or teens
- Parents who want ski-in/ski-out with no compromise on design
- Anyone booking their first trip and looking for simplicity + support
Who might want to look elsewhere:
- Larger families who need multiple separate bedrooms
- Guests travelling by car who need guaranteed parking
- Anyone prioritising a full spa or wellness experience
For me, it’s a big yes, especially knowing how chaotic family ski trips can get. PopAlp has been designed to take the edge off that stress, while still giving you a base that feels like a treat.
And if you’re a former Mark Warner guest feeling nostalgic? This is the glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
How to book + extra tips from a La Plagne local mum of 3
You can book PopAlp directly via their official site, through ski package providers like Crystal Ski, or my favourise, Peak Feeling Ski who will also give you 15% off ski hire when you pop my name on the referal form.
If you’re booking independently, I recommend:
✔ Booking early, this one will sell fast during school holidays
✔ Renting gear in advance (via their ski shop or SkiSet) for better prices
✔ Grabbing my Family Ski Planner to map out your week
✔ Checking availability at the different La Plagne parking options if driving in
And of course, join my email list for weekly ski planning tips that actually make your life easier.
