A family-owned affair that’s been going for five generations, Hôtel Chalet Mounier is the ‘grand dame’ of mountain accommodation in a resort that’s remained remarkably unflashy for French Alpine standards. That said, the hotel’s personal touch and its owners’ hands-on approach are what make it our favourite place to stay in the region.
It’s harder to notice when something isn’t there than when it is. And it’s what doesn’t exist in Les Deux Alpes that makes it so special – no generic cafes, cookie-cutter restaurants or boring hotel chains. Instead, this village in the French Alps is predominantly defined by charming family-owned businesses. And none epitomises this trend better than the gorgeous Chalet Mounier: in a resort that has made affordable if unflashy lodgings its calling card, this is the luxurious ‘grand dame’ of mountain accommodation.
Run by the Mounier family for five generations, this establishment’s story began in 1879 when Pierre and his wife accommodated summer tourists in their barn. These days it’s a charming four-star hotel and spa, its stylish wood paneling and stone beautifully complemented by soft rugs and decadent furnishings. We felt right at home in the cosy and elegant Le Tolkien Bar, whether enjoying the signature ‘Franky’ cocktails named after the bartender and changing daily depending on his mood, or one of the 500 excellent wines in the cellar.
Fine dining has always been at the heart of the family’s success, with Marie (granddaughter to founder Pierre) and her husband Hippolyte winning the inn its first Michelin star, thanks largely to Marie’s much-admired frog legs recipe. Marie and Hippolyte’s youngest son Robert was a talented skier, and was even invited to join the French team, an invitation he never received after Marie hid the letter, wanting him to take over running the hotel instead. Fortunately for her, the plan worked and Robert’s talent saw Chalet Mounier elevated to four-star status, and opening the first spa in Les Deux Alpes. We were particularly grateful for his sacrifice as we sank into our relaxing massages, which expertly rejuvenated our tired and aching muscles after a day’s energetic mountain activities.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Adventurer | GNB / LYS | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Famed for its skiing, Les Deux Alpes bristles with other outdoorsy activities year-round. In winter, try dog sledding, ice skating or even luge boarding. Come the summer season, take an adrenalising paragliding flight, or enjoy a hike through picturesque meadows and forests of nearby Les Ecrins National Park. There are also numerous mountain biking trails to explore, and the Jandri Express gondola and funicular run all the way up to the top of the glacier at 3,400m/11,150ft. |
The 43 rooms are equally soothing, their top-of-the-range facilities complemented by plush furnishings accenting a pine-rich, classic Alpine style, and luxurious bathroom amenities. The location is also worth a mention as it’s conveniently close to the ski/mountain bike lifts but on the edge of the village, giving it a peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of mountain peaks and the Vénéon valley below.
With its fourth star reflecting its ever-rising standards, guests today can enjoy decadent dinners in the intimate setting of the Le P’tit Polyte restaurant, with three outstanding tasting menus to choose from, one of them 100 per cent plant-based. Head chefs Sebastien Lalanne and Juan Leiro make a fantastic team, having worked together at two previous kitchens before making their home in Les Deux Alpes.
Equally toothsome are the poolside lunches at Restaurant du Jardin, and we could easily have spent an entire afternoon working our way through the dessert menu on the sun loungers. Service from the smartly dressed waitrons is excellent and the food presentation is exquisite, and on our June visit, we loved the bold menu choices of bright summer dishes. Highly recommended are French classics such as foie gras terrine and pork confit, and there’s also an impressive choice of seafood on the menu, such as blue lobster, arctic char and stuffed squid. Desserts matched the summer season perfectly, showcasing plenty of succulent fruits and sorbets.
We enjoyed all aspects of our stay at Chalet Mounier, from the facilities to the culinary delights to the impeccable service levels. However, our most enduring impression was of the genuinely warm and welcoming atmosphere, expressing the team’s authentic love for their job. Chatting with the current Mouniers in charge, Alban and Angelique, it’s easy to see their passion and dedication shine through. They even live on the property to make each guest’s stay memorable every day.
Photography courtesy of Hôtel Chalet Mounier
