Hameau Albert 1er

On the edge of Chamonix town sits Hameau Albert 1er, a unique family-owned and -operated hotel that celebrates the Savoyard region.

• The comfortable and modern all-white Chalet Grépon that can accommodate a family with small children
• Hameau Albert 1er's Michelin-starred restaurant, where the chef works with local ingredients, highlighting textures and colors
• The set up of the property reminiscent of a hameau, or hamlet, consisting of multiple antique chalets originally discovered in the mountains and transported and rebuilt on site

There have been five generations of owners of Hameau Albert 1er, and each has left its mark on the historic and very special property. The initial proprietors, who in the early 1900s transformed a guest house for railroad workers into a Belle Epoque mansion, named the hotel for the Belgian king who frequently visited the region to indulge his mountain climbing hobby. Half a century later, Pierre Carrier, great-grandson of the founder, was passionate about buying up and transporting old chalets to the grounds and renovating them to house more modern and stylish guest rooms, the spa and a second restaurant, Maison Carrier.

Today, the 36-room hotel is run by Pierre Carrier's lovely and soft-spoken daughter, Perrine Maillet and her husband, Pierre Maillet, a Michelin-starred chef who heads the acclaimed restaurant. Guest rooms, which are divided between the upper floors of the main building and the adjacent La Ferme, all feature the same comingling of traditional alpine style (pine furniture, nature botanical prints) with a mid-century modern aesthetic (low, orange felt chairs and shag rugs). The result is cozy, special and very French. Many rooms have beautiful terraces and views of the enchanting valley and surrounding peaks. Additionally, there is an apartment and two chalets, including the beautiful, all-white Chalet Grépon, which sleeps four people and is ideal for a family with small children.

The property is set on the edge of town, and getting to the village center requires a three-minute walk along a relatively busy road. The hotel benefits from having space in which to spread out, however, and staying there feels like being in the countryside, helped in part by the sprawling nature of the layout. The spa and indoor/outdoor pool takes prime space on the ground floor of Le Ferme and features excellent treatments, a relaxing pool area and a small poolside dining area.

The culinary offerings at Hameau Albert 1er are of top caliber (read Indagare's reviews of Maison Carrier and Hameau Albert 1er)and breakfast, too, is a stunning affair. In a sunlit room with views of a babbling (no doubt freezing) stream, guests begin their day with an impressive array of freshly baked breads and croissant, housemade jams and locally sourced charcuterie and cheese. There could be no better way to prepare for a morning on the slopes—or in the spa.

Couples, families and groups of friends who enjoy authentic and historic properties. Those who want to stay closer to the center of town should consider Hotel Mont-Blanc.