Hôtel Le Faucigny, Chamonix, France

Where it is

You are on Place de l'Église, right in the centre, so restaurants, the river walk and the station are all a few minutes on foot, and the Aiguille du Midi cable car is an easy stroll. Geneva airport is about an hour by road, which makes this one of the simplest Alpine weekends from the UK.

Chamonix is a real town rather than a purpose-built resort, buzzing with guides, climbers and walkers all year, and the Mont Blanc massif hangs over everything.

Rooms

The look is Scandinavian chalet: pale brushed pine, soft grey carpet, wool lampshades and warm light. Rooms are on the compact side but well planned, many with mountain views. It is quiet, uncluttered and restful after a big day out.

Spa and the rest

There is a small spa with a sauna and jacuzzi, a bar and tea-time lounge, and a sunny terrace that is just the spot for an afternoon drink. There is no restaurant, which is no hardship in a town packed with good bistros and Savoyard places a short walk away. The hotel is wheelchair accessible, can arrange airport transfers and has been selected by the Michelin Guide.

The moment

Riding the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,842 metres on a clear morning, with Mont Blanc close enough to touch, then wandering back to the hotel terrace for a drink as the glaciers glow pink above town.

Why we chose it

Le Faucigny proves you do not need to spend a fortune for style in Chamonix. Small, friendly and perfectly placed, it is ideal for walkers and gentle skiers who would rather spend their budget on cable cars and long lunches.

For another characterful Alpine base at a fair price, see Heritage Hotel Hallstatt in Austria; for a splurge in the same mountains, The Omnia in Zermatt.

When to go

The hotel closes for short breaks between seasons, usually from mid-April to the end of April and through November, so check dates before booking. The busiest weeks follow the school holidays: Christmas, February half-term, Easter and the height of summer in July and August. For walkers, June and September are the sweet spots, with lifts running, flowers or autumn colour and far fewer people. For skiing, January after New Year and March outside Easter are quieter and often better value.

The longer stay

Give Chamonix five nights to a week: a cable-car day, a walk to the Mer de Glace on the Montenvers train, a hike on the Grand Balcon Sud and a day trip through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy. Midweek arrivals usually mean better availability.