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Flims/Laax/Falera is a ski resort that is made up of the small spa towns of Flims and Laax, as well as the picturesque village of Falera. Together these resorts make up the area know as the white arena. They are all linked by the efficient Arenashuttle bus service.
It really is possible to find inexpensive accommodation and in Flims as well as 5-star luxuries. Compared to many resorts, Flims offers good value and genuine Swiss service. One of the cheapest options is to stay in the hostel at nearby Laax that is located right on the slopes. The overnight charge includes half-board, lift pass and access to the sauna.
Families:
Alpenhotel Flims is a family friendly, all-inclusive hotel at the edge of Flims Dorf on the main road into the village.
Cuisine:
The 4-star Hotel Adula is run by the local Hotz family. It offers quiet, comfortable rooms and a superb restaurant that has been awarded 14 GaultMillau points.
Location:
Diagonally across the street from the lift station in Flims Dorf is the Arena Hotel. Being so centrally located it has easy access to everything you might need in the village.
Budget:
Backpacker Deluxe Hotel Capricorn is a 1-star hotel halfway between Laax Murschetg and Laax Dorf, directly opposite a bus stop that will take you to the ski lifts or to the village.
Apartments:
Alpen FeWo is a local Flims based apartment rental company covering Flims and Arosa. The company offers 3 apartment buildings in Flims.
Flims Dorf 1100m
This is the centre of the action, as the majority of lifts go from here, as well as having the majority of amenities, so it can be an excellent choice for families. One of the good things about the resort is that it is still a working mountain village, not just a winter sport destination. This gives it a distinct local character that can be quite down to earth.
Flims Waldhaus 1300m
Around one kilometre south of Dorf is the much quieter and slightly larger area of Waldhaus, which dates back to 745AD. This is where the majority of the hotels are located, in the beautiful, serene surroundings of pine forests. It is not exactly an apres-ski destination, however, but a short bus ride will take you to the action.
Flims Fidaz 1180m
This is a tiny resort above the main part of Flims with great views, which is 10 minutes from the main lifts in Flims Dorf by bus.
Laax Murschetg 1100m
Known as a mecca for the snowboarding scene, the apres-ski here is a bit livelier, and accommodation caters slightly more to the budget end of the market. Slightly larger than Flims, which is 5 kilometres away, this is an old farming village with loads of charm still remaining.
Laax Cons 1030m, Laax Salums 1020m
Located between Laax Murschetg and Laax Dorf, these two small villages are within easy reach of the lifts via a short bus ride.
Laax Dorf 1020m
A five minute bus ride away from the base station in Murschetg, Dorf is a more relaxed, less frenetic place to stay, and is ideal for families
Falera 1220m
This small hamlet is linked to the Sogn Gion sector, and though there is not much here, it is a lovely, peaceful place to stay, with all the benefits of one of Switzerland's largest skiing areas on its doorstep. A chairlift will take you right from the village up into the ski area.
Chalets
For many, the beauty of catered chalet holidays is the food - breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with free wine - and someone to cook it and wash up afterwards. You have the freedom of your own space rather than the more formal environment of a hotel which can be great if you are with a group of friends and can take over the whole chalet.
Hotels
Hotels tend to be the more luxurious option, often with welcome facilities such as steam rooms, swimming pools and on-site bars (although check out the luxury chalet operators too). They are often the best option for short breaks but at peak times even they may demand a minimum stay of one week.
Self-catering
If you prefer to be your own boss then you should think about self-catered accommodation. You have to be fairly organised to shop and cook after a full day on the slopes and eating out every night can add up, although take-aways are an option, and you have the chance to check out some of the local restaurants too.
