Lykke Hotel and Spa

A dark-wood exterior and majestic alpine mountain backdrop give this hotel a classic mountain chalet feel. The hotel has two buildings, across the street from each other, with the restaurant, bar, and shop in the main building. A train runs behind the hotel, but most guests find the noise minimal. Inside, stone and brick materials, leather and cow-hide patterned furnishings, and birch tree trunks create a natural, rustic look. Overall, there is not much natural light in the hotel, and the dark color schemes can make it feel dim. Guests -- particularly couples -- enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and easy access to town and the slopes.

This hotel is in eastern France, close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. It is nestled between mountains, near the base of Mont Blanc, the Alps’ highest peak. It is less than a minutes’ walk to a train station and bus stop, making this a convenient spot for those traveling without a car. It is a three-minute walk into the central part of town and a picturesque promenade full of eateries and shops, plus a fun casino and a museum exploring the history of mountain climbing. A seven-minute walk away, guests can take a visually stunning ride on a cable car up Mont Blanc, though the cars can get very crowded. It is a 15-minute walk, or a four-minute drive, to Planards ski area, and a seven-minute drive to the parking area for skiing at Brevant area. The closest airport is Geneva Airport, a 75-minute drive from the hotel.

Standard rooms are cozy with minimalist decor consisting of white stucco walls, thick beige carpet, and pine wood accents that create a warm space, while pops of red in the chair and bed runner brighten the room. A large black-and-white photograph of the mountain is the only embellishment. Beds are either doubles or twins, and guests find them comfortable. There are no other furnishings, save a built-in desk and shelves for clothes. Guests may find storage space limited. Not all rooms have them, but most have small balconies with a couple of chairs. A flat-screen TV and a safe are in every room. Higher-category rooms have sitting and dressing areas, minibars, coffee machines, and iPod docking stations. Summer guests may be disappointed in the lack of air-conditioning. Bathrooms are basic but clean. Many have a shower/tub combo with a partial glass wall. A hairdryer is provided, as are free soap and shower gel.

A restaurant and ski shop provide the basics needed for a ski vacation. The restaurant gets good reviews for the quality and variety of food, though some find it pricey for the area. There is a half-board option available, but otherwise meals are charged. Breakfast options include a less-expensive express meal or a full buffet. Lunch and dinner include international dishes with a selection of local specialties. The bar has a comfortable lounge area, both done in browns and grays, with some bright red pops in a painting and backlighting behind the bar. A piano and fireplace help to create a comfy atmosphere. Outside, additional seating on the terrace offers a lovely mountain view. Off the lobby, there is ski storage, and a small shop has gear for hitting the slopes. There is a small underground parking garage and nearby public parking outdoors -- both have a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and guests find the connection reliable.