Best Western Plus Excelsior Chamonix Hôtel & Spa

Surrounded by forest greenery and snowy peaks, the hotel's setting is ideal for a getaway break and some fresh alpine air. Although fully refurbished in 2015, the hotel still has some old-fashioned elements to maintain a traditional chalet look. Lots of light-wood paneling, red carpet, and black walls and furniture throughout creates a modern color palette. The restaurant has blond-wood tables alongside red, orange, and yellow retro chairs, and it opens up onto a gorgeous decked terrace where guests can take in stunning mountain views from dining tables. This leads directly to the outdoor heated pool, but note that seasonal changes mean the pool closes and the restaurant doesn't serve lunch in the winter. The hotel primarily sees French couples, plus some families, throughout the year. 

The hotel's somewhat removed location adds to its charm and peaceful air, but getting around can be tricky, especially without a car. Downtown Chamonix is a 10-minute drive, or the hotel provides guests with free bus and train passes, where transport from the nearest Les Tines station (a five-minute walk from the hotel) runs to Chamonix and major slopes including Flegere, Les Praz, Argentiere and Brevent. Guests should note that public transport doesn't run in evenings. The nearby forest is great for summer hikes and has clear running paths. A golf course is a quick five-minute drive. The closest airport of Geneva is 90 minutes by car.

Rooms are largely contemporary, outfitted in a red and charcoal palette consisting of red carpeting, blond-wood furniture and patchwork-like headboards, and charcoal bed runners, drapes, and armchairs. Some rooms have furnished balconies with gorgeous mountain views, while some can directly face chalet walls. Beds sit under framed mirrors and have adjacent charging points. Rooms are not air-conditioned, which can be an issue in the summer, but standard amenities include large flat-screen TVs with Disney channels, desks, minibars, electric kettles, and safes in wardrobes. Upgraded units add on espresso machines, while Family Rooms each have a master bedroom and separate sleeping area for kids. Bright bathrooms have stylish with wood touches and come with walk-in and shower/tub combos, toiletries, hairdryers and towels with slippers and robes. Wi-Fi is free in rooms.

Given that there's limited dining options in the immediate area, it's convenient to have The Envergure Restaurant on-site. It's open for all three meals in the warmer months, but closes for lunch during the winter. It serves breakfast buffets with hot and cold fare, and dishes such as steak and fish for dinner. An outdoor terrace is popular for dining in the summer. The heated outdoor pool has gorgeous panoramic vistas, but note that it closes in winter. The Pure Altitude Spa has a small hot tub, sauna, and treatment rooms for massage. On the downside, no fitness facilities are on-site. The kids' play room is spacious and well-equipped and babysitting is available for a fee. Parking is free, ski lockers are near a basement ski shop, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.