Located at the foot of the impressive Mont Blanc and minutes from Chamonix's bustling town centre is the recently renovated, stunning 56-room Best Western Premier Le Morgane.
As soon as I step in, the French staff’s warm welcome is complemented by the striking eco-friendly stone and wood décor, perfect for a relaxing weekend. Slate-tiled floors and the beautiful granite fireplace by the reception add to the natural, modern interior.
The natural theme continues in the bedrooms, decorated in beige, brown and cream tones. As I enter my first-floor double room, I can’t take my eyes off the magnificent mountain view. I step outside on the small chalet-style balcony to take it all in and breathe in the fresh air, despite the below-freezing temperatures.
My weekend is off to a good start – that thought is immediately confirmed when I spot the assortment of chocolates and personalised welcome card on the 2m-wide bed. Little touches always make a difference, especially with a chocoholic like me.
The bathroom is more on the small side, but that’s not where I’m going to spend most of my time, especially since the hotel also boasts a spa with a plunge pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a range of pampering treatments. After booking myself a body massage for tomorrow evening, it’s time to get ready for dinner. Lunch on the plane just didn’t do it for me. I’m starving and I can’t wait to try the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant Le Bistro.
As I innocently wander around the bar area, I let myself be tempted by the seasonal cocktail the barmaid suggests me. I don’t regret it (or them as I couldn’t resist a second one): the original mix of champagne, orange juice, seasonal spices and vodka is just delicious and a welcome alternative to the Bellini I usually go for. This apéritif turns out to be the perfect prelude to the amazing dining experience I am about to have.
Run by in-house chef Mickey Bourdillat, Le Bistro is filled with well-dressed locals and tourists. The spacious layout and floor-to-ceiling windows give an open atmosphere and allow diners to take in the breathtaking mountain views one more time.
As I sip yet another glass of champagne, I’m told by the helpful and friendly staff that all ingredients used are locally sourced from the Chamonix valley, neighbouring Switzerland and Aosta in Italy.
Three courses and a few glasses of wine later, I can tell you the inventive food and matching wines are simply exceptional and more than deserve their Michelin star. I highly recommend the quail’s egg with artichoke emulsion (just divine), followed by the fillet of duckling with asparagus fricassee. For dessert, the chocolate fondant was the smoothest and most delicious I have ever tasted. I’m so full now that the spa will just have to wait for tomorrow. The bed is so comfortable I fall asleep within minutes.
The next morning, the view is still as startling as I remembered it and it’s already snowing. My plans for the day: a bit of ski action, snowshoeing and relaxing time at the spa. Breakfast is served in the restaurant and consists of a wide choice of pastries (including fruit cake and chocolate cake as well as croissants), eggs and cheese, cereals and home-made jams and bread. Everything is as delicious as it sounds.
I pick up my ski gear at the reception and head to the slopes – the hotel staff will happily book you equipment for varied snow sports if you ask them in advance. Skiing when you haven’t skied for six years is hard. Snowshoeing up a slope proves to be even harder. I wish I hadn’t eaten so much for breakfast. As I return to the hotel, I head straight to the spa. My calves are aching so much the massage couldn’t have come at a better time.
A light dinner is possible with healthy fish options also on the menu. I’m glad I don’t have any more activities planned for tomorrow. I can enjoy a bit of flicking through the TV channels of my room’s flat-screen TV.
It’s Sunday morning and I have a few hours left before my shuttle for the airport so after a very tasty brunch, I go for a walk. Chamonix is a charming, lively town with plenty of shops and après-ski bars and pubs to keep you busy. Along the main pedestrianised street, there are heaps of shops selling wooden handicraft, as well as regional products like chestnut liquor and saucisson (salami).
Souvenirs in hand and plenty of memories in my head, it’s time to leave. Best Western Premier Le Morgane is a charming hotel whose exceptional location, friendly staff and stylish and beautiful interior will make your stay memorable and special. I’m sad to leave but I think I will be back.
Best Western Premier Le Morgane
145 avenue de l’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Tel: 0033 4 5053 5715.
Website: www.morgane-hotel-chamonix.com
Prices in a standard double room start at €220 per night (based on two sharing), including breakfast. Great-value themed packages (well-being, gourmet or ski addict options) are also available.
Chamonix is easy to get to and just over an hour’s drive from Geneva airport in Switzerland, which is serviced by a host of serviced and budget airlines flying from all UK airports. The flight time is a little over an hour.
