A Family Weekend in Villars at Victoria Hotel & Residence
- Camilla
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
We spent a wonderful family weekend at the Victoria Hotel & Residence, in Villars-sur-Ollon, and it turned out to be the perfect winter escape for our tribe.
Ideally located just a short walk from the village centre, right in the heart of this charming ski resort, the hotel is an excellent base for discovering Villars—whether you ski or not.
Friday Evening: First Impressions & Italian Comfort Food
We arrived on Friday evening and checked into our room, which was impressively spacious. With two large double beds for us and the children, plus a balcony opening onto mountain views, it felt immediately comfortable and family-friendly.
This was also our very first trip with Rocco, our rescue dog, and the welcome he received really made a difference. Waiting for him in the room were a small rug, food and water bowls, and even a little treat—thoughtful details that instantly made us feel at ease.
The hotel offers several dining options: food served at the bar, a Swiss buffet restaurant, and an Italian restaurant called Peppino. For our first evening, Italian felt like the obvious choice. We settled into the cosy trattoria atmosphere and started with a generous antipasti platter to share. The menu is extensive, with pasta, pizza, fish, and meat dishes, and the pizzas—prepared in the open kitchen—were wonderfully authentic.
After dinner, we headed out for a short walk so Rocco could stretch his legs. Seeing the village softly lit at night was lovely and helped us get our bearings for the weekend ahead. Back in the room, we didn’t last long before everyone was fast asleep.
Saturday Morning: Breakfast & a Winter Treasure Hunt
After a great night’s sleep, we were down early for breakfast, ready to fuel up for the day. The breakfast buffet is generous and well thought out, with something for everyone: fresh pastries, cereals, savoury options, and hot dishes like eggs and sausages.
Our day began at the local tourism office, where we picked up a kit for a winter treasure hunt organised around the village. We love activities like this—they encourage exploration, teamwork, and curiosity. The children had a great time solving clues, cracking codes, and hunting for answers as we discovered Villars from a different perspective.
Pool, Spa & a Second Visit to Peppino
Back at the hotel, it was time to explore the pool and spa area. The children were delighted by the warm water and quickly started swimming lengths. For parents, the wellness area is a real highlight: there’s a well-equipped gym, a sauna, and a hammam—perfect for unwinding after time spent outdoors in the cold.
We barely had time to change before lunch and found ourselves heading back to Peppino. There were simply too many dishes we hadn’t tried the night before. I chose a pasta with a creamy truffle sauce, while Jean went for a vitello tonnato—both excellent choices.
Afternoon in the Mountains & Waffles at the Bar
In the afternoon, we decided to head higher up the mountain. We walked to Roc d’Orsay and took the cable car to the summit. One of the advantages of staying at the Victoria Hotel is the guest travel pass, which makes getting around the resort area easy and convenient.
At the top, we stopped for a coffee at the café and simply enjoyed the view. The panorama is stunning, and it’s also a great starting point for various mountain activities. After soaking it all in, we headed back down towards the hotel.
Back at the Victoria, it was impossible to resist the smell of freshly made waffles. We stopped at the bar for waffles and hot chocolate—a perfect afternoon treat.
Saturday Evening: A Simple Dinner in Town
For dinner, we opted for a short walk into town and tried a well-rated Indian restaurant not far from the hotel. After such a full day, everyone was tired, and we were more than happy to return to our comfortable room for another restful night.
Sunday Morning: Slow Breakfast & Snowy Walks
Breakfast on Sunday morning was just as good as the day before, and we took our time planning our last few hours. Villars offers much more than skiing: there are sledging runs, winter walking paths, and beautiful forest trails.
As we were a bit short on time—we had to collect Elio at lunchtime—we chose a peaceful walk with Rocco, heading uphill this time into snowy paths and quiet forests. It was a lovely, calm way to end our stay.
Our Verdict
All too soon, it was time to leave. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Victoria Hotel & Residence. It’s not only an excellent base for skiers but also a fantastic option for non-skiers wanting to discover the region, with plenty of family-friendly activities nearby.
The fact that Rocco was genuinely welcome was a huge plus for us and gave us confidence for future trips with him. Villars itself is a charming resort town with everything you need for a relaxed mountain stay—beautiful scenery, good food, and activities for all ages.
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