Hameau Albert 1er, Chamonix, France - Explore & Book

"Chamonix is one of the few big ski resorts that lives up to its hype. The town buzzes most of the year, Mont Blanc looms with wild beauty, and Hameau Albert 1er continues to develop new levels of luxury for mere mortals to enjoy. It is a remarkable hotel, built in 1903 to welcome the arrival of the railway, and it has remained in the same family ever since - Perrine and her father are the 5th generation to take the helm. At its heart is exceptional food by chef Damien Leveau, but add a fabulous spa and some breathtaking rooms and you have the full monty - a hotel that spoils you rotten at every turn.It is a hotel that does nothing by halves. When Perrine and her father decided to build a spa, they bought 3 ancient mountain farmhouses, dismantled them, brought them to Chamonix and reassembled them in the garden. The bedrooms are now split between one of these, La Ferme (divinely traditional), and the main house (strikingly contemporary); most have terraces or balconies, several have woodburners, all have lovely bathrooms. For families and groups there are apartments and chalets (sleeping 2-6). As for Chamonix, you’ll find big skiing and excellent après-ski in winter, and mountain biking and hiking when the snow's melted. Don’t miss the Panoramique Mont Blanc cable car in summer, either; a magical 5km ‘flight’ across snowy mountain tops. Highs The skiing. Tremendously long runs, stunning views and challenging off-piste. There's a free shuttle service to and from the slopes and staff can arrange lift passesThe spa with its indoor/outdoor heated pool in the shadow of Mont BlancThe Restaurant Albert 1er: Michelin-starred food may be expensive, but it sure tastes good. There's also a bistro restaurant for more relaxed fareThe romantic rooms in La Ferme - cool mountain chic like never beforeThe middle of town is a 5-minute stroll away, with buzzing bars and clubs Lows A buffet breakfast with cold bacon and eggs is not what you expect of a hotel with a Michelin star. It's not included in the rates and it's priceyAs are the bigger rooms - the ones you really want to be in Deposit and cancellation policies vary according to the hotel's occupancy; you'll get full details when you enquireChamonix’s slopes suit expert skiers better than average ones and queues at lifts are commonNo air con in the La Ferme rooms - not ideal in summer - but others do, including the chalets and rooms in the main house" - Tom Bell