We are planning a last minute trip to either Meribel or Val D'Isere (we are already in Europe)in a couple of weeks. We are intermediate skiers.

1) Which do you prefer & why?
2) Where should we stay (3-4 star range)
3) Any restaurant recommedations?

Thanks!

Tifanny-

Since no one has answered your question so far, I'll take a stab at it.

I have only been to Meribel, so I can't compare the two. I only have great things to say about Meribel! If you buy the 3-mountain pass, there are so many slopes for you to choose from to last a whole season!
I went with friends who had been in Meribel before, so I just followed them. We were up in areas where we were the only people on the entire section of the mountain. We skiied down to a different town everyday for lunch.

However, because it is so big, you really need to know the area well. I was fortunate to just follow my friends. But I find the slope signs not all that clear. And if you ski to a different mountain, you need to make sure you have enough time to take the lift and ski back to Meribel before the lifts close. Otherwise, you can very well be stuck in a different town and have to take an expensive taxi ride back to Meribel.
Of course, you can choose to buy just the pass for Meribel if you are only there for a short time.

Cannot help you with lodging or restaurants because we stayed at a full-board chalet.