Auberge du Manoir

Couples looking for a
romantic getaway in the French Alps will be hard-pressed to find a more quaint
option. This wooden chalet with a wraparound balcony exudes charm from the
moment it comes into view. Beyond the small front desk is a charming hotel bar
with a stone fireplace, overstuffed cottage-style furniture, and plenty of
exposed wood throughout, all of which creates a cabin-in-the-mountains
atmosphere. Decor skews towards country crafts, with hand-pounded cow bells
hanging from the rafters and plenty of wooden hearts nailed to the walls in the
breakfast area -- though none of it goes over the top. While the hotel caters
to couples, families and solo travelers are also welcome here, especially those
in town for winter sports like skiing.

Once an alpine farm, the
hotel sits just outside Chamonix’s main downtown area. With Mont Blanc towering
overhead, the area draws winter sports enthusiasts by the thousands, though the
area around the hotel remains quiet. Walks to the center of town take five
minutes, where guests will find plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
There are several spectacular hikes in the area, including L’Aiguille du Midi
and La Mer de Glace, the latter of which can be reached by the Montenvers
train, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Most of the major ski areas
in the Chamonix are nearby, including Domaine du Brevent (a 15-minute walk, or
five-minute drive) and Les Houches, which is good for families (10 minutes by
car). Geneva International Airport in Switzerland is the closest major airport,
about one hour and 25 minutes away by car or bus.

Cozy, homey rooms are the
defining feature here. From exposed wooden beams running through the ceilings
and walls to the wooden floors and wall panels, guest rooms are warm and
inviting. Quilted blankets in Standard Rooms and wildlife-themed oil paintings
in many rooms aren’t the most chic, but the effect is charming.
There are a range of room sizes available, from Standard Rooms to Family Rooms
and Junior Suites, and while decor is similar across all categories, Superior
Rooms have stylish herringbone tweed blankets and curtains as well as French
doors opening onto small balconies, while Junior Suites have plaid drapes and woven
blankets, comfortable leather chairs, and separate seating areas. Simple
contemporary, semi-circle chairs provide seating in most other guest rooms, and
all rooms include electronic safes, desks, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles
with coffee and tea, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have rustic tan tiling and are
spotlessly clean, with stand-alone sinks, gigantic (but modern) hairdryers,
toiletries, and walk-in showers.

The hotel’s breakfast
buffet is outstanding and emphasizes local products, including meats, cheeses,
fresh fruits, homemade yogurt, coffee and juices, though it is not included
with any booking. Breakfast can also be taken in-room for an additional fee,
though lunch and dinner are not served on site. The hotel’s bar is a charming
spot for a drink or coffee next to the stone fireplace and pool table, and
there is a sauna and outdoor hot tub on site as well. Massages and reflexology
treatments are also available for guests after hitting the slopes if needed,
though all of these services require reservations and there are fees attached. The
hotel has a private ski room for guests to securely store their ski equipment,
however, if guests need to rent their own equipment they will need to use one
of the services in town as the hotel does not rent equipment. The hotel offers
free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout, and the hotel’s front desk is not
staffed around the clock, so there are restrictions on late check-in times and
laundry services are not offered. Cribs are also available for guests with
small children, though there is a fee.