Le Hameau Albert 1er, Chamonix, France

The last of a dying breed: a high-class hotel in Chamonix. This is a must, both for the restaurant, the winner of the Clef d'Or from the Gault Millau with a record 18 points, and for the charm of the hotel itself. With good paintings on the wall and an overall elegance, it has a country house manner, with snoozy, private lounge rooms and a luxurious yet understated ambience. The hotel has two restaurants, one gastronomique and the other serving regional cuisine in a delightful, typical rustic interior. An artfully frescoed wooden ceiling at the entrance contributes to the Alpine feel of the interior. The best room to reserve is an antique chalet in the middle of the compound known as Le Hameau, which can sleep six people. Several other authentic chalets stand nearby in this small hamlet. The only negative is a slightly snooty management.