Alpina Hotel

The plus points of the Alpina is that it is in a really good location near all the shops, bars and restaurants, which allows you to really make the most of going out. It is also opposite a public bus stop for getting to the slopes. The hotel also offers a free private shuttle before 10am to different ski areas, which is handy as it can take a while to get where you want to go to otherwise! It also has a good little bar in the foyer and a sauna. There is a whirl pool but when we went this was empty of water and so weren't able to use it. On the down side we had to change rooms three times! The first was totally crammed with bed linen etc and looked like a store cupboard! The next room they sent us to was on the 6th floor and I suggest that if you are going to make a reservation you avoid staying on this floor. When we got in to our room it smelt like it hadn't been stayed in for a long time and after a night of enduring what can only be described as a musty/ mildew stench that managed to cling to every piece of clothing we brought, we could stand it no more and so were moved again! - Our friends were also staying on the sixth floor and although their room didn't smell, it was directly under the restaurant and the night staff would re-arrange the furniture and was extremely loud over head. The last room we had though was really clean and all we needed for our stay. The bed was comfy and clean and the shower was hot and really powerful (you just need to ignore the seventies decor in the bathroom, which could do with updating!) There was also a low radiator to dry boots and socks on. The other thing to watch out for, and this became really annoying, was that the cleaners would knock once on the door in the morning (8am) and then just let themselves in to clean the room when you were in bed, even if you had the do not disturb sign on the door! - This happened a couple of times and so would suggest to double lock your door! - I wouldn't stay at the Alpina again but it was ok as a one off and the front desk staff were helpful. Another group of friends were staying at the Hotel D'Larve just down the road, which is advertised as a 2* but had just had a refurb and so really good value for money and very quaint.

Good location in Cham town centre close to shops, restaurants and bars. Bit of a walk to get on slopes or bus ride. Hotel itself was nice (some bits were stuck in the 70s), good foyer, breakfast was plentiful and varied, sauna/spa/jacuzzi area was nice. Ski locker room was good but a bit crowded, had to make sure you weren't the last in to get a lockable slot. Room itself was quite small and in need of an update but beds were comfy, heat was good, nice little balcony.

I stayed for a week to ski the Alps in '06. The hotel is nice, and in a good location for the town. You can walk to everything, or take the city bus or train for free if you have a ski pass. The hotel staff always had someone around who could speak English and had a nice little rental shop with a beautiful ski tech who I wanted to ask out (curses, I cannot speak French). The spa is probably the weak point for the place and not worth a trip in my opinion. I have however, been spoiled by some of the grand spas in the major hotels in Las Vegas so my expectations might be a little high. There is also a quiet little bar and had a few good times there. Lots of shopping close by, and they never complained about me taking my skiis into my room. Nice hotel safe. The rooms are a little small, but that is the French way. The restraunt is in the penthouse and really good. Loved the breakfast buffet every day, but those French croissants s--- compared to American versions!

Room seemed to be big for the price, judging by other rooms I have seen in France/Europe. Location is superb, right in the heart of one of the most authentic mountain villages. This is the type of town all the big fancy US Ski resorts try to copy. The staff did a fine job making sure all our needs were met. They went out of the way to make sure we had proper transportation to/from Geneva. Very helpful in helping with trip arrangements via e-mail before we arrived in France.

I just stayed at this hotel last week on a ski vacation with my husband. Another reviewer said that the pillows were bad, so are the beds and the housekeeping services - our room was cleaned each day but dirty glasses were not replaced or even cleaned - we had to do it ourself. The towels are threadbare and thin-- like kleenex. It is in a very noisy section of town so don't plan on getting a good nights sleep (we were on the 4th floor). We took the plan that included breakfast, but it was the worst of all places we traveled on our trip - the eggs were stone cold and the coffee lukewarm. The service was OK, but I definitely would not recommend the food. However, if you are looking for someplace that is close to the bus stop for skiing it fits the bill. Overall it is a very plain, basic hotel with no charm or personality, but has a great view of Mont Blanc and is convenient in terms of taking the bus to ski locations. Also - don't take a taxi - it is outrageous - the taxi driver claimed that the minimum fare is 15 euro's. I have seen it rated as a 3 star hotel, but in American terms it is a 2 star or less.

My family of four stayed here over the 2004 Christmas Holiday week for a week of skiing. It was a nice hotel in a very convenient location. Don't expect plush conditions as it is a ski hotel and accommodates ski boots and gear in the hallways. From the hotel, you can walk to just about everything, including restaurants, shopping and some ski slopes. There is also a beautiful walking/cross country ski trail right outside the hotel which runs along a river. If you want to ski at slopes a bit farther away, you just grab a shuttle bus right in front of the hotel. The rooms are adequate and the beds are very comfortable. The pillows are hard though. The restaurant at the hotel serves the same breakfast every morning, but it is very good, and is included as part of your stay The restaurant is located on one of the top floors of the hotel and has incredible views! Try not to use the taxi system in and around Chamonix...it's very expensive! Just to get a ride to the train station from our hotel (because we had too many bags to carry) which is only about a half a mile away, the taxi driver wanted 45 euros! We chose to walk and take two trips with the luggage!

This hotel is great!!! It's near the river and so it is cool at nights but not too hot at days. The rooms are big enough and it is very cimfortable. There are a varity of food at breakfast (but not enough hot dishes). It is at a good location that you need not rent a car. You can simply walk to your destination.But in conclusion, this is a great hotel.

This hotel feels like its in a big city with busy street traffic right downtown. Lobby has the feel of a modest big city hotel i.e. small and cramped. The rooms are adequate and the dining room is on the top floor (14th). It's glass enclosed and you can walk out on the roof for some great views. Bus transportation is across the street and you can walk to the city center since you on the edge of it.

Very nice food, brilliant position; right near all the best nightlife and shops. Friendly service and fantastic for children. Couldn't ask for any thing more. Also had a lift down to the ski room. Good position for all the ski areas.