Reviews

Disappointing

I want to try to write a balanced review, so will start with what we enjoyed and what was good.

We stayed in Chalet Chocolat, which was comfortable and well located for going into Chamonix. We especially liked having the use of the hot tub in the evening after hikes. Trip organisation was good overall, with smooth transport to and from Geneva. Our group leader, Maria, was kind and personable; we were unlucky with the weather but he did a good job of keeping the mood upbeat and looking after a group of varying fitness levels.

The chalet experience overall unfortunately ruined the trip. I don’t know what was going on with the hosts (I won’t name them as I don’t want to single them out), who have some glowing reviews from previous guests, but it just seemed as though they had had enough and didn’t want to be there. They did what they were required to do but nothing more. Surly, unfriendly and generally as though they couldn’t be bothered and that we the guests were kind of annoying. Perhaps our expectations were too high, I’m not quite sure. Mealtimes were rushed, with it feeling as though we needed to just clear off the table as soon as possible so they could tidy up. One evening they had friends staying and were having their own little social gathering through the kitchen window – on that occasion they were in such a hurry that the main course got slammed down before we had all finished our starters. The food was sometimes nice but on the whole quite uninspiring. My vegetarian options were especially poor and on two occasions given to me burnt, with no apology or offer of an alternative. We had to constantly interrupt them from being on their phones to ask for small things like some more water for the table. One day we ran out of milk – again with no sort of apology, just “here you can have this oat milk instead”. These are all tiny things that it seems silly to complain about, but against the backdrop of the experience everything just mounted up. On the final day, no goodbye or anything, just a request that we be out of our rooms by 8am so that they could start cleaning. Exodus perhaps needs to look at giving their chalet hosts a bit more ground support – this couple seemed deeply unhappy in their job and I would always look to the company in a situation like this to find a way to make things better for everyone!

Honestly, for price point of this trip we expected a much better experience. We have stayed in chalet accommodation previously for far less money and had a lovely time. Based on the experience this time around we are unlikely to book with Exodus again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go into Chamonix and buy snacks and alcohol from the Super U - much cheaper than the honesty bar in the chalet. Multipack crisps are charged at €1.50 per packet and a small bag of fruit and nuts is €3! There is no proper drying room but you can use your bathroom heater to create your own quite effectively. Take a hairdryer if you like to have one - there was one in the chalet but only because a previous guest had left it there.

Reply from Exodus

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review about your recent Exodus holiday, Laura. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the hot tub after your hikes and that the trip organisation, including transport to and from Geneva, was smooth. It’s great to know that Maria was a fantastic group leader, maintaining a positive atmosphere despite the weather challenges. However, I’m truly sorry to learn that the chalet experience did not meet your expectations. Your feedback regarding the hosts’ attitude and overall service is concerning, and I want to assure you that we take this feedback seriously. We share your disappointment in hearing that your experience with the hosts, did not align with the high standards you’ve come to expect from Exodus. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our guests is of utmost importance to us, and it’s disheartening to learn that we fell short in this regard. While we understand that our hosts typically receive positive feedback for their service, it is troubling to hear that their demeanour during your stay felt distant and unfriendly. We recognise that our hosts juggle many responsibilities behind the scenes, and while their busyness may have affected their engagement with guests, it’s certainly not the impression we want to leave with our travellers. Regarding your concerns that the crew seemed unhappy or unsupported, I want to clarify that many of our crew and leaders are longstanding members of our team, returning season after season, which is reflective of the supportive environment we strive to provide for our crew. Please rest assured that these matters will be thoroughly investigated, and we will take the necessary steps to remind our hosts of the importance of actively engaging with guests. We believe fostering a more inclusive and friendly environment is crucial to enhancing our guests’ experiences, and we are committed to addressing this issue moving forward. Thank you once again for your constructive feedback. We are dedicated to improving our tours and providing memorable experiences and hope that you would afford us the opportunity to welcome you back for a journey that truly reflects the high standards we aim to uphold.

Mont Blanc Highlights

Wow! What an amazing trip! Breathtakingly beautiful! Tim expertly led us through some stunning trails. Clare and Liz were perfect chalet hosts.

Excellent!

A huge thank you to our fantastic hosts Sol and Tom as well as to our wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide Tim. This was a great week!

Mont Blanc Highlights

A brilliant week, well looked after by chalet hosts and expert guide.

AMAZING!!!

This week was absolutely perfect. You get to see the best parts of the TMB, and each hike itself was different with a different perspective/landscape! Our hosts, Tom and Sol, did an amazing job making us delicious food and hosting us all week. It was so wonderful staying in the same spot all week!

Mont Blanc Highlights

Very enjoyable week

Breathtaking

The scenery in the Chamonix valley is stunning and this trip is well named as it certainly highlighted the highlights. Our group stayed in Chalet Chapula and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts or chalet companions.
Laura and Gonzalo provided us with excellent meals every day and were very approachable and helpful. Les Houches is a busy but laid back area of Chamonix and a great location to start our walks from.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

An unbelievably beautiful part of the world, crossing corners of three countries each as beautiful as each other. Based in Les Houches, just 20 minutes outside Chamonix, we stayed in Chalet Chalupa, a modern, spacious comfortable chalet with all the amenities you would need and more. Big bedrooms, all with en-suite and most with a balcony. A hot tub outside for relaxing the aching bones after the walks just adds to the luxury.
Whilst we were a bit out of Chamonix, the public bus service was excellent, every 30 minutes promptly. Equally, there is plenty on offer in Les Houches if you want to stay local to the chalet.
Our hosts, Laura and Gonzalo, had treats to welcome us, provided breakfast, lunch (packed) and dinner of excellent standards every day (apart from the free day of course when breakfast is provided but not lunch or dinner). We didn’t go hungry!

Wonderful Walks

I really loved the week. The walks were stunning, and it was great to be able to have to plan nothing, just be taken for amazing day walks. More solo walkers in the group than I had expected which was good for me being one myself (rather than being the odd one out amongst couples) and the group were really good company. I stayed in Chalet Chocolat, the location was great, a 20 min walk outside the lovely Chamonix, or a few mins on the train the station for which is just a couple of minutes away (and you are given a weeks ticket on arrival). The food provided was very tasty (many thanks Sol and Tomas), the bedrooms a bit basic but wasn’t staying for a luxury trip, rather for the walking so that was fine, and they were ensuite which is what matters for me. Highly recommended, I just wish I could do the week for the first time again.

The best of the best

Fabulous day hikes with the comforts of the same bed for the length of the trip.