Where To Stay In Courchevel
The chic skiing resort of Courchevel 1850 has many top luxury hotels, including two of the nine Palace hotels, a new category that puts the top hotels in a class of their own. There are many other 5-star deluxe hotels here as well. This is a guide to just a few of the possibilities.
Here Are Some Of The Best Hotels In Courchevel
1. Les Airelles, Courchevel
Les Airelles is an institution in Courchevel 1850, a wonderful grand chalet building with a cozy interior and ornate, old-fashioned decoration. Superb cooking from international chef Pierre Gagnaire in the 2-Michelin restaurant, other more casual restaurants and bars, and a top spa, as well as a warm welcome, elevated Les Airelles to the ranks of a Palace Hotel.
Les Airelles
Jardin Alpin
Courchevel 1850
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 00 38 38
Website
2. Le Cheval Blanc, Courchevel
Le Cheval Blanc is the last word in chic living. It’s owned by Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH, and no expense has been spared. Two restaurants, one with two Michelin stars, overseen by chef Yannick Alleno, sophisticated bars, a superb Dior spa, Lacroix Ski shop, LVMH boutique, two separate chalets and direct access to the slopes are the reasons Le Cheval Blanc is now a Palace Hotel.
Le Cheval Blanc
Jardin Alpin
Courchevel 1850
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 00 50 50
Website
3. Hotel Le K2 & Spa, Courchevel
This new hotel opened on December 19th, 2011, and is a wonderful addition to Courchevel. Under the same ownership as the top Le Kilimandjaro (route Altiport, tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 01 46 46; website), it takes the Himalayas as its inspiration and decorative theme, with artifacts specially made and antiques from the area of Karakorum. The staff ratio of 160 for 29 rooms and five chalets is typical of the care and attention put into the hotel.
Hotel K2 also scores with its fair pricing policy in a resort, which is known as one of the most expensive in France. Rooms start at 1,300 euros for demi-pension (night, breakfast and one meal), and chalets from 13,000 euros demi-pension a night.
Hotel Le K2 & Spa
Rue des Clarines
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 40 08 80
Website
4. Amanresorts Le Melezin, Courchevel
This large chalet hotel is decorated with a Japanese feel in beautifully muted colors using smooth wooden walls and doors, in keeping with the Aman philosophy. The large rooms have a separate ‘day bed’ with magnificent views over the snowy slopes, with rooms interconnecting seamlessly.
Le Melezin has an away-from-it-all feeling. The restaurant serves both a traditional menu and Thai specialties. There’s also a luxury spa and superb swimming pool.
Amanresorts Le Melezin
Rue Bellecote
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 01 33
Website
5. La Sivoliere, Courchevel 1850
Standing at the top of Courchevel, with superb views over the village, this chic hotel is decorated with simple restraint.
La Sivoliere’s staff are particularly welcoming, and this is an excellent choice for families. Children even get their own child-sized, check-in desk, and public living room. The suites, with good sized rooms, really have a home-from-home feel to them and the kitchens are roomier and better equipped than many other top Courchevel hotels. The bathrooms are excellent and well-equipped, and the restaurant is spacious and pretty.
La Sivoliere
Rue Chenus
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 08 33
Website
6. Les Suites de la Potiniere
This centrally located hotel in the middle of Courchevel 1850 has a great contemporary décor. Rent the huge apartment that occupies the top floor if you can. Its wow factor as you walk into a huge spacious room, with a fireplace as the central point, is worth every euro.
There is no restaurant, but there is a great bar where you can have breakfast and later on, drinks and good snacks, and it makes a very good place to meet friends.
Les Suites de la Potiniere
Rue du Plantret
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 00 16
Website
7. Hotel de la Loze, Courchevel
One of the oldest hotels in Courchevel, Hotel de la Loze, looks the part. It’s in a very central position with a pretty painted exterior that stands out against the mountain rising behind it. Rooms are cozy and slightly old-fashioned but decorated in a comfortable style that feels very welcoming. The apartments are delightful, with wooden walls and ceilings painted with richly colored scenes.
Afternoon tea is a steal in Courchevel; they serve superb cakes and tea or coffee at 9 euros per person in front of a roaring fire in the main sitting room. It’s perfect for apres ski before dinner.
Hotel de la Loze
Rue Park City
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 28 25
Website
8. Les Peupliers, Courchevel 1300 La Praz
Les Peupliers is not in Courcheval 1850, but in Courchevel 1300 Le Praz, lower down in the valley. I’ve included it here as this family-owned hotel is a favorite with the Brits and offers very good value.
It’s a pretty chalet-like building, with small but well-decorated rooms and good ensuite bathrooms. Some of the rooms have balconies. The restaurant La Table de mon Grand-Pere is warm, welcoming, and serves traditional dishes. Nearby is the friendly, modest, 1 Michelin star restaurant, Azimut. And to round off a very good package indeed, there’s a small spa with hammam and sauna.
Les Peupliers
Courchevel 1300 Le Praz
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 41 47
Website