Discover alpine hotels with character and soul
There are hotels in the Alps where you don’t simply check in, you step into a world. These are family-run retreats, rooted in their regions and shaped by their ethos. Spacious suites and restaurants look out over dramatic peaks, but it’s the experience inside that makes them unforgettable. Each hotel carries its own character, a narrative told through design, cuisine, and the warmth of its welcome.
What unites them is authenticity. They’re not cookie-cutter accommodations; they’re deeply personal expressions of Alpine life. From interiors created by local designers to kitchens serving food that reflects both heritage and Michelin-level artistry, every detail draws you further into their atmosphere. Wellness here is more than an amenity; it’s a philosophy, often tailored to each guest, designed to restore and revive after a day on the mountain.
Skiing and outdoor pursuits, naturally, are central, and many of these hotels offer experiences that make the most of their location. Yet it’s their singular stories, the fireside warmth, the intimate dining, and the sense of being welcomed into something unique, that linger long after the snow melts.
The Hotel Team and I have chosen seven extraordinary hotels that encapsulate this spirit. Each one offers not just luxury, but a world of its own: authentic, distinctive, and entirely unforgettable.
Les Fermes de Marie, Megève
Cosy. Traditional. Heritage.
A cornerstone of Megève’s heritage, Les Fermes de Marie is a family creation born from nine traditional farmhouses carefully reconstructed into a charming retreat. Walking through its timber-framed hallways and high-beamed barns feels like stepping into the soul of the Alps. Each room is unique, a quiet celebration of craftsmanship, comfort, and history. The dining is exceptional, from the generous breakfast spreads to the evening’s lively gatherings around traditional Savoyard cuisine.
“When you walk in the front door, it feels like stepping into an ancient barn with beams and timber everywhere. The layout is wonderfully unusual, with rooms tucked away on different levels and along winding corridors. It feels like a cosy home, like you’ve stepped back in time. The service is faultless, and I loved the ‘dessert room’ filled with homemade cakes and tarts. It’s pure mountain magic.” - Karen Cabena
Le Chalet Zannier, Megève
Boutique. Rustic. Intimate.
Le Chalet Zannier redefines understated elegance. With only twelve suites spread across small chalets, the experience feels deeply personal, more private residence than hotel. The interiors are minimalist but warm, combining weathered woods, natural linens, and soft neutral tones that invite calm after a day in the mountains. Service here is instinctive and unobtrusive, every detail quietly perfected.
“The moment I arrived, I felt an incredible sense of calm. With only twelve rooms, it’s peaceful and private, you hardly see another guest. Every breakfast dish was local produce, from the mountain cheeses to the charcuterie. It’s understated and thoughtful, the kind of place where time slows down.” - Georgina Cunningham
Hotel Les Suites Maison Bouvier, Tignes
Family-run. Michelin Green Star dining. Central.
Step off the bustling street and into calm, welcoming luxury. The Maison Bouvier family has poured their passion for mountain life into this hotel, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, Ursus, is an experience in itself, a forest-inspired space with hundreds of real fir trunks and an earthy palette that blurs the line between indoors and out.
"The moment you walk in, you’re met with their signature scent and a lobby that feels inviting and playful. Mrs Catherine Bouvier designed the interiors herself, keeping that family-run authenticity. Ursus, their Michelin-starred restaurant, is unforgettable, surrounded by hundreds of fir tree trunks and a soft forest canopy. My favourite though is La Table du Panoramic on the glacier, where you swap ski boots for slippers and admire the stunning views. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the mountains, whether you ski or not." - Georgina Cunningham
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa, Val Gardena
Family-owned. Incredible spa. Dolomites views.
In the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, Gardena Grödnerhof blends Alpine charm with Italian flair. Still family-run after nearly a century, the hotel embodies care and continuity. The spa is set over three-floors, and is flooded with natural light. It offers an indoor pool, saunas, and panoramic relaxation areas that look out toward the mountains. The Michelin-starred Anna Stuben restaurant elevates dining to an art form, balancing South Tyrolean flavours with modern finesse.
“I’ve stayed here in both summer and winter, and it’s easily one of my favourite hotels in our portfolio. The team are genuinely warm, and the new spa is on simply stunning; spread across three floors with an indoor pool and fireplace at the end! The mix of cosy fondue nights and fine dining at Anna Stuben makes it feel complete. It has everything you could possibly want from an Alpine stay.” - Karen Cabena
Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt
Remote location. Mountain train access. Matterhorn views.
Perched at 2,222 metres above sea level, this historic resort feels as though it’s floating above Zermatt. Accessible only by mountain train, Riffelalp offers ski-in, ski-out access with unmatched views of the Matterhorn. The rooms are cosy and elegant, with rich timber interiors that echo the alpine surroundings. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, with a spa that lets you float in an outdoor pool surrounded by snow.
“From the moment I arrived, everything felt special. Waking up each morning to the Matterhorn is unforgettable, the view never gets old. The rooms have this warm, natural elegance, perfect after a day on the slopes. The outdoor pool at sunset, surrounded by snow, was one of the most magical moments I’ve ever had in the Alps.” - Sophie McPeak
Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad
Grand interiors. Spacious suites. Michelin-star dining.
A Gstaad institution that balances grandeur with heart, Le Grand Bellevue is a family-run haven where warmth meets sophistication. Its elegant, high-ceilinged suites and playful interiors make it both stylish and inviting. The spa is one of the largest in Switzerland, and dining options range from Michelin-starred to delightfully casual, including its Petit Chalet for fondue by candlelight.
“My favourite moment was waking up after fresh snowfall and opening the curtains to what felt like a fairytale. The view of the tower wing made it look like a winter dream. The Petit Chalet out front is tiny and perfect for fondue. And the doorman, who speaks fifteen languages, sets the tone; enchanting, welcoming, and magical” - Georgina Cunningham
Severin*s Alpine Retreat, Lech
Boutique. Private. Hidden Gem
In the serene village of Lech, Severin*s feels more like an elegant mountain home than a hotel. With only nine suites and one private residence, it’s a masterclass in intimacy and refinement. The design blends Alpine wood with contemporary art and bespoke furnishings, while the restaurant offers modern Austrian cuisine that feels both sophisticated and comforting. The service is quietly attentive, creating a sense of complete ease.
“This place is so peaceful. With only nine suites, it feels incredibly private, yet the staff make you feel instantly at home. The spa is far larger than you’d expect, and the restaurant feels like dining in a beautiful, relaxed living room. It’s small but perfectly formed? A hidden gem.” - Sophie McPeak
Each of these hotels tells its own story, of family heritage, of design shaped by place, of genuine hospitality that can’t be imitated. They are places to pause, to feel, and to connect.
At Oxford Ski Company, we believe true expertise comes from experience. Our team has walked these corridors, dined by these fires, and woken to these mountain views. It’s that first-hand knowledge, our own Alpine Intelligence®, that lets us craft journeys not just defined by luxury, but by meaning.
