Le Hameau Albert 1er
Chamonix, Rhone-alpes
Good Hotel Guide Review
Owned since 1903 by the Carrier family, this luxury hotel (Relais & Châteaux) is named after the Belgian king who loved this ski resort. It has ‘wonderful views’ and, says a visitor, ‘it is extremely well and unobtrusively run’. In a big flowery garden on the edge of town (some noise from the bypass), it consists of a large brown building and three chalets. The best bedrooms are in La Ferme (Italian designer furniture; shiny modern bathrooms). ‘Our room had eight windows facing Mont Blanc.’ ‘Ours, with sitting area and balcony, was in Alpine style.’ The inventive cooking of chef Pierre Maillet has taken over from his father-in-law Pierre Carrier, and retains two Michelin stars. The rustic Maison Carrier serves traditional regional dishes informally around a huge fireplace. Also enjoyed: ‘generous breakfasts’, lunch on the terrace, the après-ski ambience, the half-covered heated swimming pool, the fitness centre. ‘The staff are terrific.’ In summer, ‘there are comfortable chairs in garden, and lots of shade’. Children are welcomed. Ski passes and lessons are arranged, and there is a free shuttle around the valley.
Hotel details
Address
38 Route Du Bouchet
Chamonix
Rhone-alpes
74400
France
Telephone
00 33 4505 3050 9
Bedrooms
21 rooms.
Open
Closed in November.
Facilities
Wi-Fi, two restaurants, bar, swimming pool, parking, spa, garden, lift, shuttle service.
Children
Yes, children under 2 stay free with their parents; reduced breakfast rates for children.
Credit cards
All major cards accepted.
Prices
Standard double room from €235–€280, breakfast €25.