Chic and comfortable with gourmet restaurants, on-trend decor and luxury spas... the French Alps’ fresh glut of winter accommodation could almost have you shunning your skis. Each hotel, residence, club, apartment and chalet has its own special character, situated across France’s greatest resorts: Val d’Isère, Tignes, Les Saisies, Megève, Méribel, Courchevel, Les Arcs and Alpe d’Huez. Here’s everything you need to know about them before your next mountain getaway.
For privacy: Hôtel Airelles - Mademoiselle 5*, Val d’Isère
Already present in Courchevel, the Airelles group is opening its second address in the French Alps this winter – this time in Val d’Isère, the legendary Savoyard resort connected to Tignes’ ski area and its 300km of pistes. The ski-in ski-out hotel is a cosy nest of only 41 rooms and suites, and for even more privacy, guests can opt for one of the five apartments, available with butler service. At an altitude of 1,850 metres, the Mademoiselle has an enormous terrace, a spacious Guerlain spa and a space for children called La Forêt de Brocéliande, all set at the foot of the slopes. Schuss!
For indulgence: the Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’Or 5*, Megève
This hotel isn’t just super cosy – it also ensures its guests eat extremely well. Head chef Flora Mikula serves delicious dishes based on carefully chosen, quality mountain produce. There’s no fuss, just typical Alpine specialities, subtly revisited and shared at large tables and more intimate spaces, so guests feel totally at home – and famous chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin is also based at the hotel, meaning temptation is everywhere. There’s nothing like a homemade hot chocolate or chocolate tartine after a day on the slopes, before heading to the spa or the panoramic champagne bar overlooking Megève.
For club spirit: Club Med, Alpe d’Huez
Welcome to a families’ and groups’ paradise, positioned on the slopes at 1,850m. Club Med has completely renovated its village in Alpe d’Huez, which reopens its doors with a four-trident rating, endowed with deluxe rooms and suites. With maximum comfort on all floors and extensive facilities, the Club Med Alpe d’Huez looks after children and teens aged from four to 17, as well as older guests with its indoor and outdoor pools, Payot spa, steam room and gym. All this at the heart of Alpe d’Huez, which boasts 250km of slopes, 2,223 metres of vertical descent and a reputation as one of the French Alps’ sunniest resorts.
For a Three Valleys hideaway: Hotel Coucou 5*, Méribel
Perched on the Rond-Point tracks in Méribel, this new five-star hotel gives access to the 600km of slopes across the Trois Vallées ski area. From your room, suite or one of the two private cabins, the mountain views are spectacular. After a day on the snow, relax at the Tata Harper Spa or take a dip in the open mountain pool, before having an Italian dinner at the Beef Bar. It’s a decidedly chic retreat whose décor combines bare wood and cosy colours, and it’s superbly attentive to families with its clubs dedicated to children and teenagers. There’s no doubt the Hotel Coucou will be talked about this winter.
For admiring Mont Blanc: Residence Amaya 4*, Les Saisies
The newly renovated Residence Amaya plays on the sobriety of raw wood and natural materials in Les Saisies. Situated at 1,650 metres at the heart of the Beaufortain area, the resort is known for its incredible view of Mont Blanc. You can ski the Espace Diamant with its 192km of tracks directly from the residence, which combines the amenities of an apartment with a multitude of services including ski hire and delivery, grocery delivery and private chefs. A Montagnes du Monde® spa and wellness area complete the package.
For a home from home: Chalet Izia 5*, Val d’Isère
Having already taken up residence in Val d’Isère with Chalet Skadi, Village Montana has opened a second establishment, the five-star Chalet Izia. There are 51 large apartments at the foot of the slopes ranging from 60 to 135 square metres, and a complete wellness area with indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and Cinq Mondes spa. For children, water games and a dedicated space have been created. Guests can buy ski passes on site, as well as hire equipment and arrange train station transfers, and even have breakfast delivered each morning.
Read about our top 5 Alpine resorts for spa lovers here.
For splashing around: Hotel Ecrin Blanc 4*, Courchevel
The new four-star Ecrin Blanc is a great addition to Courchevel’s hotels for this winter, boasting 127 rooms right next to the Les Grandes Combes ski lift, allowing guests direct access to the slopes of the Trois Vallées. Through a private tunnel, you can also reach the largest high-altitude water park, Aquamotion, with its nine pools, surf wave, spa and cryotherapy service. It has rooms for two to eight people and the kids’ club welcomes children from four to 17 years old. Ideal for family tribes...
Looking for other water parks in the French Alps? Click here.
For independence: Résidence L’Hévana, Méribel
A new five-star residence in Méribel in the Three Valleys, L’Hévana leaves guests to their own devices in apartments of two to four rooms, designed as individual chalets with contemporary decor, at the heart of the resort. Enjoy breakfast in the sun as the large windows open onto wooden balconies and flood the apartments with light. The range of ‘Exception’ apartments offers more space, a sauna and a fireplace to complete the mountain experience. Extra facilities include a spa and indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar.
For the kids: Mercure Arc 1800 Hotel, Les Arcs
In the immense domain of Paradiski which unites the slopes of Les Arcs and La Plagne, the Mercure hotel reopens this season after a complete renovation. Guests can use the excellent facilities including a brand new indoor pool and wellness area with sauna, steam room, gym, jacuzzi and massage suite. Children aren’t left out: a climbing wall and playground have been installed in the reception hall. Situated just 500 metres from the centre of Arc 1800, the hotel even has a ski equipment hire shop on site.
By Caroline Revol-Maurel
Journalist passionate about wild nature, travel and rock. As happy to write about bearded vultures as Lou Reed. Often accompanied by my two best critics, my daughters.
