Hotels

Charming mountain hotels: our best addresses

Because after a day on the slopes, we’re all looking for a little comfort and charm to slip into our slippers, here are five well-thought-out and well-located places to put your suitcases this winter.

1- Hôtel Mont-Blanc | Charming 4-star hotel in Megève

It couldn't be more central. Nestled on the mythical Place de l'Eglise, the Hôtel Mont-Blanc offers the rare luxury of having everything within walking distance: the lively village, the boutiques, the terraces and even the slopes, accessible in a minute thanks to the Chamois gondola. A historic Megève address, it has long attracted the glittering world of the arts and cinema, and has now been restored to its former glory by joining the prestigious Maison Sibuet collection.

The charming hotel in Megève Mont Blanc ©FdMarie

Although the 4-star hotel in Haute-Savoie has been completely renovated, it has retained its period soul, with a chic vintage decor punctuated by artistic and cinematic references: ceramics from Vallauris, creations by Jean Marais, lighting and furniture from the 1950s and 60s. All in a monochrome of soft hues, largely dominated by wood, for a warm, elegant atmosphere.

The 38 rooms and suites (including 3 signature suites and 8 junior suites) of this luxury hotel in Megève continue this revisited fifties spirit. Wood is omnipresent on floors, ceilings and sometimes walls, with vintage furniture, colorful touches and nods to the hotel's glorious past: bright orange curtains, plum plaid cushions, multicolored headboards, old movie posters... A few Alpine accents also recall the surrounding décor, with faux fur blankets and rugs, paintings of skiers and views of the village of Megève. Divided into five categories (Classique, Club, Prestige, Junior and Signature), the rooms all offer comfortable surface areas, from 22 to 44 m², ideal for a short stay or a week in the mountains.

When it comes to dining, the 4-star hotel is all about the art of indulgence. Après-ski naturally begins in the tearoom, with a comforting snack and a hot chocolate made from fine cocoas. For lunch and dinner, Megève's Le Relais Mont-Blanc restaurant offers generous, authentic mountain cuisine, served in a floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled decor. On the menu: polenta sticks, boletus and chestnut soup, diots in white wine, tartifle pie and farmhouse reblochon, not forgetting the inevitable half-and-half Swiss fondue (in which gourmets can even add truffle shavings). The desserts are not to be outdone, with blueberry tartelette, peach Melba with verbena and chocolate mousse. A champagne bar completes the experience, with a fine selection of vintage wines and cocktails based on champagne and Alpine liqueurs.

The charming hotel at Megève Mont Blanc © Melissa Harris

What makes it different? A veritable spa in the heart of Megève. An indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and igloo-shaped treatment rooms let you extend your après-ski time without leaving the 5-star establishment. Pure Altitude treatments draw on the virtues of mountain flowers, plants and minerals for a wellness interlude that's as good for the spirit as it is for the skin, thanks to their many benefits.

Hotel Mont-Blanc
38 rooms and suites, prices from 524 euros

Place de l'Église, 74120 Megève
hotelmontblanc.com

A historic address in Megève, long a magnet for the world of the arts and cinema

2- Le Prieuré in Pra Loup | The spirit of a family home in the mountains

Away from the big, busy Alpine resorts, Pra Loup is a resort on a human scale, surrounded by the unspoilt landscapes of the Ubaye valley, where people really come to ski and spend time with their families in the Alps. It was here that Sophie and Bruno fell in love with Le Prieuré, before deciding to buy it and give it a facelift without altering its original character.

A stay in the mountains at Pra Loup © hotel.le prieure

The result, unveiled in summer 2025, is a hotel in the Alps that has lost none of its soul. Le Prieuré doesn't have rooms in the classical sense, but nine suites, all unique. Spread over two levels, they celebrate natural materials: exposed beams and original stonework, solid wood furniture, tables with a patina of age, curly chairs and comforters to face the cold nights. Bathrooms alternate between walk-in showers and bathtubs, sometimes both, with the added bonus of an open view of the surrounding peaks. Some suites can accommodate up to four people, making them ideal for groups, families or friends.

A stay in the mountains at Pra Loup © hotel.leprieure

At the table, the spirit remains the same: sincere and rooted in the land. The cuisine pays homage to the flavours of Ubaye, with products carefully selected from local producers: Sisteron lamb, smoked trout from the valley, Chambeyron cheeses, mountain honey and seasonal vegetables. Breakfast is well worth waking up for: organic eggs, homemade jams, warm pastries and fresh fruit.

A stay in the mountains at Pra Loup © hotel le prieure

What makes the difference? Easy access to the slopes, just a few minutes' walk away thanks to the Molanès gondola, which provides quick access to the 180 km of Espace Lumière pistes.

Hôtel Le Prieuré - Pra Loup 1500
9 suites, prices from 546 euros

Rue du Prieuré, Les Molanès Pra-Loup, 04400 Uvernet Fours

3- Refuge Chez La Tante | The confidential altitude experience

At 1,850 meters above sea level, in the Saint-Gervais ski area, the Refuge Chez La Tante can only be reached by gondola or skis. A detail that makes all the difference. Once the last skier has descended, silence settles in and the refuge becomes a comforting place to shelter by the crackling fire.

The hotel in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains has just 20 rooms and suites, all inspired by the chalet spirit. Weathered wood is everywhere (walls, floors, furniture), accompanied by antique objects, thick wools and natural materials. Yet the overall look remains modern, far from the image of a rustic refuge. A few well-chosen paintings, designer wall sconces and, above all, large picture windows bring light and space to an area where high-altitude refuges are often darker and more cramped. In the morning, you open the curtains to admire the untouched snow in front of you, and a few minutes later, with skis on, you're off to make your first turns on the slopes.

What are the most charming hotels in the mountains? © Refuge chez la Tante

Completely redesigned, the old building now houses a wellness area with swimming pool, hammam and sauna, complemented by treatments by Susanne Kaufmann, perfect for recuperating after a day spent outdoors. The Chez La Tante restaurant is open for lunch on the slopes, and in the evening for hotel guests only. The cuisine is straightforward and comforting, to restore energy: casseroles, grilled meats, fine cuts of meat such as prime rib, seasonal produce and wood-fired cooking.

What are the most charming hotels in the mountains? © Refuge chez la Tante

Refuge Chez la Tante - Mont d'Arbois
20 rooms and suites

4284 route des crêtes, 74120 Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains

4- La Chaudanne in Méribel | The large family chalet at the foot of the slopes

Located at the foot of the slopes in the world's largest ski area, La Chaudanne has survived the decades without losing its identity. This large alpine chalet, popular since Méribel's beginnings in the early 1960s, has evolved with the times while retaining what makes it so charming: a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where comfort has never taken precedence over mountain spirit.

La Chaudanne in Méribel, the large family chalet at the foot of the slopes

Outside, wood and stone set the tone. Inside the charming mountain hotel, the decor is dominated by wood, woven fabrics and warm-colored carpets. The 64 rooms, including 8 suites and 10 family rooms, have been modernized. Although exposed wood and stone have disappeared from the walls and ceilings, the mountain spirit is still very much in evidence: thick carpets, brown woven headboards, bedspreads and cushions with alpine motifs, and mountain-inspired paintings. Surfaces vary considerably: some rooms are compact (from 10 m² for singles), while others are designed to accommodate tribes, such as the 57 m² Deluxe family room, which can accommodate up to five people.

La Chaudanne in Méribel, the large family chalet at the foot of the slopes

The communal areas extend the convivial atmosphere of this hotel in Méribel. At the bar, leather armchairs and plaids invite you to linger after skiing. In the brasserie Le 80, the decor is more lavish: over 1,000 antiques (hot-air balloons, miniature submarines, lamps and knick-knacks of all kinds) create a busy but warm setting, in perfect harmony with the cuisine served at table. On the plate, you'll find generous, comforting Alpine cuisine: semi-cooked duck foie gras, creamy pumpkin soup with cream and bacon, Savoy yellow onion and Beaufort cheese soup, creamy risotto with Parmesan cheese and wild mushrooms, not forgetting the unmissable Savoyard fondues, with four cheeses or porcini mushrooms (we said comforting, not light).

The family bar at the charming La Chaudanne hotel in Méribel © Florian

When it comes to wellness, La Chaudanne has a broad vision. The spa includes a gym, heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam and six treatment rooms, with a treatment menu developed in collaboration with Nuxe; ideal for recuperating after long days on the slopes or decompressing during a romantic ski weekend.

The Nuxe spa at the charming La Chaudanne hotel in Méribel

What we liked? The well-stocked buffet breakfast (viennoiseries, cold meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, etc.) always included in the room rate, and the self-service confectionery bar that treats the little ones on their return from the slopes.

La Chaudanne
64 rooms and suites, prices from 625 euros

88 rue des Jeux Olympiques, 73550 Méribel, Les Allues

5- Cœur de Megève | The cool kid in the village center

With a name like that, it couldn't be more central. Cœur de Megève is located right in the pedestrian center of the village, just a few steps from the church square, stores and ski lifts. Officially classified as a four-star hotel in Megève, it is clearly flirting with the upper echelons and has nothing to envy from some of the resort's five-star addresses. The materials are noble, the welcome meticulous, the atmosphere hushed without being stuffy, and the hotel even has a spa with sensory shower, sauna and treatment rooms in collaboration with Grown Alchemist.

A spa session in the mountains © Cœur de Megève

The 38 rooms share the same aesthetic standards. Designed by interior architect Sybille de Margerie, the décor combines discreet luxury with more graphic touches: brushed walnut walls, blue or yellow leather headboards, designer furniture, selected textiles, bath or walk-in shower, and sometimes a balcony. A few alpine details recall the exterior décor (armchairs in checked fabric, faux fur cushions, landscape paintings, books dedicated to the mountains) against a backdrop of views of the peaks or the Megève bell tower.

The charming mountain hotel © Cœur de Megève

On the dining front, Coeur de Megève is home to one of Megève's most coveted restaurants: Riccardo Giraudi's Beefbar. A cuisine based on the world's finest meats, it attracts travelers and regulars alike.

Coeur de Megève
38 rooms and suites, prices from 572 euros

44 rue Charles Feige, 74120 Megève

All locations are independently selected by our specialist journalists. If you make a reservation, we may receive an affiliate commission.

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