Having just received its fifth star, the recently upgraded Grand Hotel des Alpes delivers on true, personable hospitality in the heart of Chamonix.
Location
Just an hour by car from Geneva airport, Grand Hotel des Alpes couldn’t be more conveniently located, situated right in the centre of Chamonix and within easy reach of the bus stops that travel up to the various ski slopes throughout the day. Private and shared airport transfers can be arranged by the hotel starting at 35€ per person per way. Alternatively, several bus companies offer services from €15 throughout the day until late. Five ski areas are within 10-30 minutes of this summer and winter outdoor sports destination.
Design
Once one of the largest hotels in Chamonix previously taking up two buildings on the Rue du Dr Paccard, from which it gets its name, Grands Hotel des Alpes, whilst maintaining its original splendour, is now a petite maison and home to thirty rooms which are still as grand and as opulent as ever. There are four room categories: Classic, Brevent, Riverside, Mont Blanc. Each vary in size, but all similar in design with classic wood panelling and plush, palatial interiors, grand marble bathrooms and wonderful mountain and riverside views. There are three huge suites, but the The Old Tower Suite and Honeymoon Suite situated right at the top of the tower offer something slightly different with their cosier, chalet-style design; gorgeous wooden beams and rustic furniture make for an incredibly romantic setting and unrivalled views that look out on to the breathtaking Mont Blanc and Brevent Mountain.
Facilities
After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind in the hotel’s soothing, subtly lit wellness area where they’ll find a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and stream room which is open until 9pm and can be used at no extra cost. There’s also a halotherapy salt wall known for treating respiratory conditions and one treatment room where massages, body scrubs and mani and pedicures can be booked separately. To make getting around easy for guests, the hotel also provides a free shuttle service to and from the Chamonix ski slopes which is available on request, subject to availability. Children are most certainly welcome but there are no specific facilities and they can use the swimming pool at certain times during the day.
Dining
Although there isn’t a restaurant at Grand Hotel des Alpes, a vast breakfast buffet is provided each morning in the hotel’s breakfast room and offers everything from fresh omelettes, crepes, wonderful salads and croissants to an array of cheeses, hams and cakes. All served with a smile by the delightful breakfast team Silvia and Salta who are a joy to be around and go above and beyond, including personalised latte art. During the winter season guests are treated to a complimentary buffet in the cosy lounge and bar area twice daily with a selection of teatime treats served at 4pm and appetizers from 6pm. For dinner, there are number of fantastic restaurants just steps away from the hotel including Le Monchu and Le National where you can enjoy traditional Savoyard cuisine such as raclette and pierrade.
USP
It goes without saying the hotel manager Katia along with the front house team Fiona, Guilia, Morgane, Jerome and Chris make Grand Hotel des Alpes incomparable. In stark contrast to hotels nearby, this is where five -star means personalised service and a perfectly pleasurable stay. Flawless.
Prices start from 230€ based on two people sharing. To book, visit the website.