The Most Gorgeous Hotels to Book in Chamonix

A former farm, this alpine chalet-hotel is run by a husband and wife team, Frédéric and Muriel. The relaxed, warm vibe at this hotel in Chamonix feels somewhat similar to staying with friends. Rooms are decorated in light wood panelling and are surprisingly spacious for Chamonix, especially once you move up from the Standard room. Some of the Superior rooms have balconies, which offer vistas of the valley.

Les Balcons du Savoy is a casual Chamonix accommodation option split into rooms of various sizes, from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Notably, every room includes a sizeable private balcony (hence the name). The apartments are simply and cleanly decorated and feature individual kitchens. With the spa, steam room and indoor pool, there are plenty of amenities to contrast the simplicity of the rooms.

In the centre of the town, and a few minutes’ walk from the ski lifts, you’ll find this elegant, upscale Chamonix hotel. Over a century old, it combines traditional Alpine style with modern touches. Dive into the outdoor pool year-round, or book a treatment at the on-site Clarins spa. Le Matafan restaurant is a white tablecloth affair, serving dishes such as octopus risotto and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Enjoy an aperitif with friends in the bar to finish the night.

This hotel has been a Chamonix fixture since 1840, and it’s no wonder that it’s lasted so long. The 30 rooms have been recently renovated and are tastefully decorated with individual style. Riverside rooms provide expansive views and are a good choice for romantic breaks, while the wellness centre is the perfect way to relax your muscles after a hard day’s skiing or hiking.

Planted at the foot of l’Aiguille du Midi, Hôtel L’Oustalet is a pleasant, family-run Savoyard hotel. With only 15 rooms and suites, it’s a small hotel, but this also means guests gain individual attention. Rooms are simple and homely, and some of the family rooms have bunk-beds that kids are sure to enjoy. Don’t miss pastries in the garden tea room mid-afternoon.

Set in its own landscaped garden, Hôtel Hermitage Paccard really feels like a hermitage, tucked away in a quiet area. However, while the ambience can be quiet, it doesn’t have to be. A few steps from the town centre, it’s well located for shopping and dining. As an addendum to the skiing and hiking, the Chamonix sports centre is just opposite the hotel, so there are a host of additional activities on offer.

Sadly, and a little ironically, this hotel in Chamonix is not green in colour. Instead, it is in fact a small sports hotel offering boutique accommodation for sports enthusiasts. The bar and restaurant are a great place to meet like-minded extreme sports fans. Rooms are reasonably spacious, but the active clientele at this hotel are unlikely to be spending much time there. Free buses to the ski areas run from outside the hotel, and skiing, snowboarding and even paragliding can be organised for the guests.

Within easy reach of the pistes of Argentière, this mountainside Chamonix hotel is away from the buzz of downtown Chamonix, but it faces Mont Blanc, so choose one of the aptly named Mont Blanc suites (with an in-room whirlpool) for a romantic stay. Rooms are warm and rustic, and the lounge also reflects this aesthetic, with a fireplace and pool table, giving it a homely feel.

Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons describes itself as a real-life social network. Renovated in 2017, Aiglons is a trendy (verging on hipster) lodge in the middle of Chamonix, always bubbling with conversation. The terrace faces Mont Blanc, and you can grab a drink in an old cable car, which turns into a DJ booth on certain nights. Rooms are simple but use wood to stylish effect, and the cuisine is hearty – try the beef tartare, knife cut with French fries.

The not-so-little house of La Prairie dates back to around 1905. It was originally owned by mountain guide Henri Claret-Tournier, a man with 99 summits of Mont Blanc to his name (in an era when it took one full week to climb the mountain). Henri would lead guests up the mountain, while Aline, his wife, would prepare food for the guests. Now run by Henri’s great granddaughter Geneviève, the hotel has maintained that family feel and focus on the personal, alpine hospitality.

A five-star retreat in Chamonix, the Hameau Albert 1er offers ultimate tranquillity in the heart of the town. No matter how gnarly your day up the mountain, the Carrier family and their prestigious spa are waiting to pamper you upon return. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa facing Mont-Blanc, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. They make their own black pudding, and the pike dumplings with crayfish are particularly flavourful.

A modern, trendy chalet at the base of l’Aiguille du Midi, this hotel prides itself on its Nuxe spa, which is unsurprising given its quality. Picture a glittering array of steam rooms, ice caves, jacuzzis and an illuminated indoor lap pool. Rooms offer large beds in a modern, grey-and-white colour scheme. Some only have bathtubs, so make sure you specify if you want a shower.

This riverside hotel in Chamonix’s town centre has a pretty unique theme – it’s a converted mill from the 18th century. The attached pub offers lovely views of the river, a breakfast buffet and occasional live music. The mill has managed to keep a lot of its antique charm, while the interior is modern and comfortable. This hotel is one of the most famous buildings in Chamonix, and you’ll almost certainly recognise it from the tourist guides.