Alps: Méribel’s most beautiful hotels

Le Coucou | Méribel's most daring 5-star hotel

Méribel's latest 5-star hotel, Le Coucou (Maisons Pariente collection) took to the skies in December 2019, immediately establishing itself as the boldest hotel in the prestigious Savoyard resort. The hotel is distinguished first and foremost by the originality of its contemporary decor, designed by Pierre Yovanovitch. The interior designer has created a colorful, whimsical universe, full of winks (snowflake-style carpeting, armchair legs in the shape of bird's feet, icicle-like hanging lamps) and at odds with classic Alpine aesthetics. But what also sets Le Coucou apart is its myriad facilities and services.

A vast ski room directly connected to the 3 Vallées slopes (ski-in/ski-out access), two restaurants (the Beefbar, featuring exceptional meats, or the Biancaneve, a convivial Italian cuisine restaurant), a spa in collaboration with the American brand Tata Harper, renowned for the quality of its organic products, the two swimming pools, the jacuzzi or the hammam will undoubtedly delight parents. But the youngest guests are not forgotten either. A Kids Club for 4 to 9 year olds (run by Petit VIP, a specialist in the field) and Teen's Lab with table soccer, ping-pong and karaoke (available for 10 year olds) make Le Coucou a perfect address for families, especially as 70% of rooms are interconnected.

What do we like best?

• A true ski-in/ski-out hotel, on the mountainside and connected to the 3 Vallées ski area
• The wellness area, one of the finest in the Alps: Tata Harper treatments in the 6 spa cabins, splendid indoor pool and outdoor pool surrounded by snow
• The comfort of spacious, bright rooms, all with balconies or terraces with views, a true luxury in the mountains
• The premium welcome reserved for families: Kids Club, dedicated space for teenagers and even spa treatments for the youngest!
• The sleek, singular aesthetics of the interiors designed by Pierre Yovanovitch.

Where is it? On the heights of Belvédère in Méribel, a chic, sporty, family-friendly Savoyard resort developed by Scottish entrepreneur Peter Lindsay in the 1930s and popularized by architect Charlotte Perriand, who had a regular habit there.

The room to book? A Superior Suite (like the 905) with a lovely living room separate from the bedroom, a XXL-size balcony and unobstructed views over the valley. For tribes, Le Coucou offers the luxurious intimacy of two private chalets in Méribel (3 floors spread over nearly 600 m2, 4 bedrooms and as many bathrooms, butler service, gigantic living areas, private pool, spa and ski room...) while enjoying the 5-star services of Le Coucou.

Good to know? Behind this ambitious 5-star hotel is the Pariente family: father Patrick, former head of Naf Naf, and his daughters Leslie and Kimberley. Their young hotel collection, Maisons Pariente, can be found in Saint-Tropez (bohemian chic atmosphere at Le Lou Pinet), Provence (Hôtel Crillon Le Brave at the foot of Mont Ventoux) and in Paris (Le Grand Mazarin open in the Marais district in 2022).

Le Coucou Méribel
From 460€ per night.
464 Route du Belvédère 73550 Les Allues Méribel

Hôtel Le Savoy | A 4-star hotel in the heart of Méribel

Just 50 meters from the slopes, right in the heart of the village, ski enthusiasts can pack their suitcases at Le Savoy, an unpretentious 4-star hotel: a wooden chalet with a refined, colorful and contemporary decor, with rooms that offer breathtaking views of the valley, south-facing windows and, for the most part, a terrace or balcony. After returning from the slopes, guests can choose between sipping tea or reading a book in front of the fireplace in the large library, or taking a trip to the spa, which features a Finnish sauna combined with a hammam. For dinner, there's a cosy restaurant with the feel of a chic mountain bistro, where you can choose between large tables...or smaller, more intimate corners for two.

After the meal, linger at the Bar du Savoy for a cocktail prepared with care by the mixologists, with an astonishing selection of hot cocktails including La Potion Médicinale (gin, Saint-Germain, cranberry, lemon juice, verbena liqueur, fresh mint). For a snack, the bar will be the haven of children and their parents with its plates of homemade mignardises of the moment.

Good to know? Everything has been thought of to minimize the inconveniences we all know about-ski rental, endless queues-with a ski pre-booking service, cab service from Moûtiers, shuttles, packed lunches..

Hôtel Le Savoy
From €290 per night.
435 Rue des Jeux Olympiques, 73550 Les Allues

Le Kaïla | Luxury at the foot of the slopes

At the foot of the slopes, this 5-star chalet offers guests the ultimate in family ski holidays, with a warm, classic decor featuring exposed beams, light wood, slate and large picture windows. The 39 rooms and suites feature the soft ambience of raw materials and natural light, the comfort of thick carpets, and bathrooms some equipped with Jacuzzi and hammam shower. And let's not forget the Nuxe spa with its luminous pool, and Erin the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, run by chef Laurent Azoulay, who has worked in the kitchens of Oustau de Baumanière and Pierre Gagnaire.

What makes the difference? The hotel's distinctive features includeprivate elevator access to the ski slopes, and an in-house ski shop.

Le Kaïla Hôtel
From €750 per night.
124 Rue des Jeux Olympiques, 73550 Les Allues

Hotel Alpen Ruitor | A touch of Austria

Arguably the resort's most authentic 4-star. One of Maison Fenestraz's many hotel pearls, the Alpen Ruitor boasts a décor designed by the owner herself: wood panelling, leather, furniture created by local craftsmen, ceilings adorned with flowery frescoes. A warm, enveloping atmosphere prevails everywhere, right down to the 44 rooms with balconies or terraces overlooking the peaks. In the early hours of the morning, you can enjoy breakfast on the large outdoor terrace, before gathering around the fireplace in the late afternoon for a hearty snack.

Good to know? The hotel is the starting point for many other activities: snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling..

Alpen Ruitor Hotel
From 300€ per night.
200 Chemin des Bleuets, 73550 Les Allues

Le Refuge de la Traye | A one-of-a-kind luxury refuge

Never has a refuge been so aptly named. In a setting of just 7 rooms, this establishment, renovated in 2019, welcomes ski enthusiasts and other lovers of snow-covered peaks. With a layout that gives the impression of being alone in the world, and a sober, discreet decor - solid wood, warm hues ranging from chocolate to dark grey and beige. Outside, there's a magnificent spa, a sauna offering panoramic views of the peaks, and an outdoor Jacuzzi where you can take a dip after a day on the slopes. For several years now, the establishment has been committed to an eco-responsible approach: water management, electric transport, renewable materials, or how to preserve the environment without compromising on comfort

Good to know? Le Refuge de la Traye has teamed up with the ultra-luxury Airelles collection (Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Gordes and soon Versailles) to offer exclusive packages with the brand's Alpine palaces.

Le Refuge de la Traye
From €9,300 per night, minimum 3 nights in season, for the entire refuge, all inclusive.
Plateau de, 73550 Les Allues