Residence Villa Frejus in Bardonecchia

Just like the mythical phoenix, I believe the only way to find the reception at Residence Villa Frejus (RVF) manned would be to set the place on fire and watch them arise from the ashes. Let me start by saying I have nothing personal against the staff; they were friendly enough during the grand total of three times I actually saw them over a two-week stay. The advertised reception hours are a suggestion at best. Even upon arrival—after our rep called ahead—the place was deserted. I waited an age before another guest informed me the owners are "free spirits" who turn up whenever they fancy. I eventually found a sign on the door instructing me to call a number. Thankfully, I’m with O2, so the international call didn't cost me, but having to use my own mobile just to check in is ridiculous. After finally getting hold of someone, we had another hour's wait for the room in a dated, dismal seating area. When we eventually got inside, the "surprises" continued: The Room: A total joke of a layout. A double bed, sofa bed, and roll-out bed were all crammed into a tiny space. The kitchen had zero prep space, and the fridge whined and groaned all night long, making sleep nearly impossible. Cleanliness & Maintenance: We found black mould in the room and black and brown grime all over the bottom of the shower doors that would actually flake off while you showered. The doors themselves were next to useless; the bathroom flooded nearly every time we showered and had to be mopped. There was also a broken plug socket (be aware: these are Italian 3-pin, not standard EU 2-pin), which left us with one working socket that would often spark and come loose. A genuine fire hazard. Storage & Comfort: A hallway full of closets but only five hangers per wardrobe? It felt pointless. As for the bed, it was extremely uncomfortable; we both left with aching backs. The Facilities & "WiFi": The sauna itself was decent, but privacy is non-existent. You change in a communal locker room that anyone can walk into. One guest nearly did, but the receptionist (a very young girl) stopped them just in time. You then have to trek across a public room—which also serves as the "Gym"—just to get to the sauna. Then there is the "free WiFi." To get the details, you have to scan a QR code, meaning you essentially need the internet to access the internet—unbelievably daft. Even when connected, it drops in and out constantly. We tried to watch one episode of a show and found it impossible. They might as well not offer it. Ski Storage & Safety: The locker room is left wide open on cleaning days with no one around. My expensive ski gear was easily accessible to anyone wandering into the underground car park. Furthermore, the walk down a concrete car park slope in ski boots is a death trap—I nearly ended up on my **** three times. The Noise: The walls are paper-thin. We heard the guests above us talking, moving, and even using the toilet. While collecting my gear, I could clearly hear people