Review of Le Hameau Albert 1er, by Christoph Hargreaves-Allen

The last of a dying breed: a luxury 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. An artfully frescoed wooden ceiling at the entrance to the luxury hotel contributes to the Alpine feel of the interior.

The facilities

There are two restaurants at the luxury hotel, one gastronomique and the other serving regional cuisine in a delightful, typical rustic interior. Located in a popular skiing destination, relaxation amenities are a must. There is a heated swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, jacuzzi and wellness center. Visiting in the summer or winter, guests at the luxury hotel can always feel laid back.

The rooms

The luxury hotel has 33 rooms, each carefully decorated. In all the high point is definitely the views of the surrounding mountains. 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.