Hôtel Mont-Blanc, Chamonix's (new) Belle Epoque

Aristocrats from all over Europe swore by it... Set opposite Mont Blanc, for decades this palace was THE must-see refuge in Chamonix. 120 years and one restoration later, the Hôtel Mont-Blanc (a member of the H8 Collection) is more than ever in the big league, competing effortlessly with the new generation of 5-star hotels with their often standardized luxury that are flourishing in the chicest resorts. This longevity is due first and foremost to its geography - breathtakingly beautiful views of snow-covered forests, the Aiguille du Midi and the towering silhouette of Mont Blanc. It also owes a great deal to its restoration, carried out in 2013 by decorator Sybille de Margerie, who has rejuvenated and metamorphosed the premises without erasing anything of the past .

Black-and-white checkerboard floors, stuccowork and moldings, a staircase flanked by a spectacular wrought-iron banister now stand side by side with beautiful contemporary lighting, sofas and coffee tables with pure lines, in the lobby or the grand salon warmed by its historic white marble fireplace. This fluidity between history and modernity is reflected in the 23 rooms and 18 suites (including a spectacular penthouse) with generous surface areas, decorated with timeless Alpine charm - soft colors, noble materials and large black-and-white mountain photographs, enhanced by the best in high-tech. And always the same 180° panoramic view of the high peaks .

Fancy a massage after skiing?

This modernity is tempered by the Matafan, the restaurant room designed as a chic cocoon where Sybille de Margerie has mixed traditional mountain codes - wooden logs and a large fireplace - with a modern touch. logs and a large fireplace - with garnet-red velvet armchairs and black-and-red hanging lights that give the whole a beautiful energy. It's the ideal place to savour the market cuisine of chef Mickey Bourdillat, who jumps between France and Italy to magnify dishes and exceptional products, such as gnocchi from the Dolomites, potimarrons in giant ravioli or (sublime) cheeses from the Vallorcine farm.

This natural fusion with the local heritage also governed the design of the spa, where regional woods mingle with the golden mosaics adorning the hammam.hammam, sauna and Clarins-branded treatment rooms (with a special mention for the "Haute Montagne, spécial ski" massage, ideal after a day on the slopes). And the best is yet to come with the discovery of the large outdoor swimming pool, heated to 29°C all winter long, offering guests the rare experience of a swimming session.guests the rare experience of swimming at dusk, facing the mountains covered in immaculate snow that sparkles under the stars. It's a wonderful sight that adds to the charm of a place that combines refinement, a sense of service and a warm welcome... All at a very reasonable price, considering the excellence of the services on offer .

Three questions for Hervé Hochet, hotel manager

The hotel has long been a Chamonix institution. What kind of clientele did it cater for? What is the situation today?

Hervé Hochet: Our first customers were the English, who came in the summer. It wasn't until 1924, when the first Winter Olympics were held, that the resort became known for its skiing. And the popularity has never waned! Today, we welcome Americans, English, Scandinavians, Brazilians and, of course, the French! Every language is spoken in the salon, and our guests love this cosmopolitan spirit. Nationalities united around the same passion for the mountains. Our hotel is also the traditional meeting place for the resort's guides and instructors, making it a real meeting place.

A place where people can meet and share a common passion . ..

H.H.Absolutely! Our guests share the same desire. To discover or rediscover Chamonix, which remains THE absolute reference point for mountains and mountaineering, with the highest peak in the Alps. And our hotel offers them a unique privilege - a view of Mont Blanc that feels like you're touching it! The resort has a distinctive architecture, with a mix of Belle Époque style and large wooden Savoyard chalets. It also evokes the spirit of the great ascents and the heroism of the guides. The hotel is a piece of this history, but it hasn't allowed itself to be trapped in the past. It's a living, contemporary place; a place where you feel good. That's why our guests are loyal, some of them for several generations. They used to come here with their parents or grandparents, now they come back with their children .

Ten years after the restoration of Sibylle de Margerie, what are your plans for thefuture?

H.H.We work hard to personalize our services: preparing our customers' stay, advising them on the best type of skiing, booking guides. This made-to-measure service is our way of thinking about hospitality, that of a family home where we know our guests, their habits and their desires. Some have become friends!

• 62, allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix
• Tel: 04 50 53 05 64
• www.hotelmontblancchamonix.com