Refuge du Fioux

I had somewhat low expectations going to this Refugio based on some of the negative comments, but I am glad I went. This was our first night on the TMB and what a nice surprise. The view was outstanding and my husband and I thought the service was great. Catherine, the French woman in charge of the Refugio was quite friendly (exact opposite of what other reviews stated). Her English is not that great, but she always had a smile on her face and tried to get her point across. She manages a lot with all the hikers arriving around the same time (instructions on the sleeping arrangements, house rules , showers, and dinner). Given this is one of the first refugio’s staying on the TMB if going counter-clockwise I can see how some hikers may expect more if this is their first time at a refugio. These are not hotels they are mountain huts and they sometimes have quirks like the lack of hot water, creaky boards, mediocre food, etc. However, if you embrace the fact you are in a beautiful place in the mountains (only reached by hiking) than you can relish that this is special place and not focus on the little things. My husband and I also hiked the Dolomites and completed the TMB and in terms of view, cleanliness, food, and service this Refugio was high on our list.

We had booked a private room as we were coming to the endof our Tour du Mont Blanc. We were told that check-in was at 2pm but others checked in before us and, when we were shown to our room, we were being placed in the middle bunk of a 3 bunk room. We showed our booking confirmation for a private room but the lady in charge told us all the rooms were full and there was nothing she could do. We did not feel welcome or valued and felt uncomfortable staying there. We have stayed in many refuges on the TMB, mostly in mixed dormitories....the welcome has always been the most important thing for us...we can cope with basic facilities and bunk rooms but, sadly, we did not feel wanted here. They did give us our deposit back. Thankfully, we had the option of a loooong hike down to St Gervais so we were safe but it was a sad end to our TMB. Maybe we caught them on a bad day....and the refuge is in a lovely situation. We have loved staying in refuges on our TMB but feel let down by refuge du Fioux and can sadly only give it the 2 stars. I hope others have a better experience.

no wifi, showers, laundry, lockers or credit cards (all as advertised) but one rude french woman second to last day of the TMB hike, no cash left paid the reservation 100% in advance, but she needed her "tourist tax" she asked at dinner for payment so i gave her my credit card. Immediately yelled at me in french in front of the whole table & told them "he has no money" Thankfully strangers helped me out to get the 2 euros fee... later blocked my exit of the room yelling at me in french. woke up the next day and my hiking poles and crampons were gone, i believe she took them or they were stolen, wish i would have stayed 5 mins up the road at the hotel.