Au Chamois d'Or

Au Chamois d'Or in Alpe d'Huez, France, stands as a distinguished five-star luxury hotel, recognized by the Michelin Key for a "Very Special Stay." Guests consistently praise the hotel for its exceptional location, charming alpine ambiance, and high-quality services and amenities, making it a highly recommended destination for both winter and summer mountain getaways.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Au Chamois d'Or is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing their experience as "amazing" and "excellent." Review platforms show high satisfaction, with scores like 9.6 for location and comfort, and 9.5 for cleanliness on Booking.com. Voyage Privé members give it a 9.4/10 based on 29 reviews. The hotel is frequently lauded for its "great staff, great location, great decor, great spa."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's ski-in/ski-out access, providing unparalleled convenience to the slopes and lifts. The stunning panoramic views of the Alps from rooms and the large outdoor terrace are frequently highlighted as a major draw. The Nuxe Spa, with its heated indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and hammam, is a significant asset, offering a perfect place for relaxation after a day in the mountains. The hotel's traditional and authentic alpine chalet design, featuring wood paneling, carved furniture, and cozy fireplaces, also contributes to its charm and luxury feel.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Au Chamois d'Or are described as lovely, elegantly decorated, and combining warm wooden decor with modern comforts. Many rooms and suites offer balconies with breathtaking views across the valley or of the snow-capped peaks. They often include high-comfort bedding, Nuxe amenities, satellite TV, hairdryers, and separate toilets. However, some guests have noted that mattresses in certain rooms might be getting old and could benefit from an update, leading to discomfort. A minor complaint is the absence of a fridge or Nespresso-type coffee machine in some rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant is highly regarded for its "gourmet quality," serving inventive local cuisine with a mountain twist, using fresh and regional ingredients. Chef Gaël Bogourou is praised for blending traditional and bistronomic approaches to French gastronomy with an Alpine touch. Lunch can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace, offering panoramic mountain views, while dinner provides a more intimate and refined setting. Breakfast is generally described as delicious, generous, varied, and of good quality, featuring fresh produce. The hotel also offers homemade cakes and pastries for afternoon tea, and a bar with an extensive wine list and creative cocktails. Some guests have experienced the restaurant being very busy, making it difficult to book dinner. There have also been isolated comments about chaotic service or food not meeting fine-dining standards, such as overcooked fish or stale bread.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff receive frequent commendation for being exceptional, attentive, available, friendly, and caring. Many guests felt immediately at home due to the warm welcome and helpfulness of the team. From receptionists to cleaning staff and those in the bar and restaurant, the hospitality is a key element of the positive guest experience. There are, however, a few mentions of staff not always smiling.

6. Location & Accessibility

Au Chamois d'Or boasts an "exceptional location," described as ski-in/ski-out, right at the foot of the Alpe d'Huez slopes and directly next to major ski lifts like the DMC 1. This provides effortless access to the ski area. The resort center is less than a 10-minute walk away, with a main bus stop for free resort buses, lift pass offices, restaurants, and a supermarket nearby. In summer, the location is ideal for accessing hiking trails and roads famous from the Tour de France. The hotel also offers a covered car park, though spaces are limited and chargeable.

7. Value & Pricing

As a five-star Michelin Key Selected property, Au Chamois d'Or operates at a luxury price point. While specific pricing varies seasonally, guests generally perceive it to be worth the cost for the quality of facilities, service, and prime location. Some reviews mention the hotel restaurant's prices as reasonable for the gourmet quality. Additional costs include a tourist tax (approximately €3.63 per person per night for those over 18) and charges for parking (€25-€28 per night or €175 per week). Pets are allowed for an additional fee.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some recurring issues or criticisms include:

• Noisy Spa: A notable complaint concerns children playing loudly in the spa pool, detracting from the relaxing atmosphere expected in a 5-star hotel's wellness area.
• Mattress Quality: Some guests have reported older mattresses causing back pain, suggesting a need for updates in certain rooms.
• Restaurant Booking & Service: The restaurant can be very busy, making dinner reservations challenging for some guests. There have also been occasional remarks about chaotic service or dishes not meeting high expectations.
• Room Amenities: The absence of a mini-fridge and Nespresso-type coffee machine in all rooms was mentioned by some.

Sources

1. voyage-prive.co.uk
2. inghams.co.uk
3. crystalski.co.uk
4. tablethotels.com
5. chamoisdor-alpedhuez.com
6. ski-i.com
7. voyage-prive.co.uk
8. booking.com
9. sunweb.co.uk
10. youtube.com
11. etincelles.com
12. booking.com
13. seealpedhuez.com
14. hotels.com
15. peakretreats.co.uk
16. travelweekly.com
17. etincelles.com
18. chamoisdor-alpedhuez.com
19. etincelles.com
20. thefork.co.uk