Chamois d'Or
Les Gets, French Alps, France
Reviewed by
Belinda Archer
Stroll up to the stylish entrance of this 26-room boutique hotel, located plum on the main street of Les Gets, and you might think an ice-cool haven awaits within. But as soon as you step over the threshold into the quirkily decorated reception area, you're greeted by hugely friendly and informal staff who make the place unforgettably welcoming. Chamois d’Or does, in fact, feel more like a big shared chalet than a hotel. Mostly British guests – including honeymoon couples, groups of friends and families with teenage children –mingle and chat between the reception area, which doubles as a lounge, and the wood-clad residents' bar.
The laid-back, relaxed culture stems from hands-on owner Peter, who hails from Plymouth but is based in Les Gets – and whose genuine pleasure seems to be for everyone to have a really fun time. As for Les Gets itself, this charming French village sits on the fringes of Portes du Soleil, a vast 650km of slopes. Skiing heaven in winter; cycling heaven in summer.
The laid-back, relaxed culture stems from hands-on owner Peter, who hails from Plymouth but is based in Les Gets – and whose genuine pleasure seems to be for everyone to have a really fun time. As for Les Gets itself, this charming French village sits on the fringes of Portes du Soleil, a vast 650km of slopes. Skiing heaven in winter; cycling heaven in summer.
Highs
- A refreshingly affordable option in the infamously expensive French Alps
- Cocktails in the bar – don’t miss the extremely potent Margaritas!
- Guests get reduced rates to access the basement spa, a charming offering with 2 treatment rooms, pool, Jacuzzi and sauna
- A good range of room types: romantic doubles, Triples/Quads and a self-catering Penthouse sleeping 8-10
Lows
- Staff tend to be seasonal and the service is enthusiastic rather than faultlessly professional, but that adds to its charm
- No onsite restaurant, but there are plenty of dining options nearby
- You need to book ahead for access to the spa
- Not all rooms look out onto the slopes; we had a view of the car park
Best time to go
Chamois d’Or's winter season runs from mid December to April; its summer season runs from late June to late August. The best time for skiing is January when it is quieter, and the end of March/beginning of April when it is warmer and sunny. Snowboxx and Rock the Pistes are music festivals on the slopes held in March each year and feature local talent as well as famous DJs and Euro popstars. In July, the Tour de France often passes through Les Gets.
Our top tips
Don’t miss skiing Mont Chèry, the quiet, uncrowded locals’ mountain, with a good combination of red and blue runs and one gnarly black. Stop for a decadent lunch at La Grande Ourse, with socking great views of the Portes du Soleil across to Mont Blanc. Try the lobster and scallop tartiflette, washed down by house rosé. Just perfect.