Art Deco Gem

Chamonix and luxury were synonymous for many decades. But that was back in the mid 19th century and the luxury was relative. The first wave of mountain-fascinated tourists flocked to Chamonix on brand new railways to gaze in awe on the Mer de Glace. At other mountain towns only guest houses akin to hovels could be found, where the beds were of straw usually inhabited by a legion of fleas. But in Chamonix hotels opened to welcome the visitors with the comforts expected by travellers of the Victorian era. Subsequently, a mecca for hard-core mountaineers, Chamonix retained its ambiance of the most authentic mountain town of old. The luxury moved elsewhere.

Now, however, you can have it all. The most challenging skiing in Europe (with better intermediate slopes than its reputation suggests). A town where the history of mountaineering, with its bravery, its tragedy and enduring camaraderie, lives on. AND glamourous accommodation. Chalets for a discerning clientele are dotting the meadows at the foot of these glorious mountains, embellishing the options for visitors to this iconic area.

Le Lustre takes it a step higher. 493sqm of penthouse magnificence. You are in the heart of the town, in one of its most historic buildings. The top floors are now a sophisticated duplex at the top of its game. A vast living and dining space has a wall of windows that take you out onto a huge terrace. From here the connection between the town and its surroundings comes clear, you can read its stories in the outlines of those jagged peaks. This cavernous living space is designed along a theme that is all about elegance and clarity. The sculpted shapes of sofas and loungers, the eye-catching circular fireplace, the comfortable chairs around the dining table, the space is cleverly arranged, it works, you will have fun here, you can be calm.  

When filled to its capacity, with ten guests, it won’t feel crowded. The six double bedrooms have space and substance, with king sized beds, tasteful décor and generous bathrooms. Even the bunk-bed room, amply proportioned for four children, is designed with flair and has its own en suite. The question is – do you let the children into the hidden bar? Le Lustre has its very own speakeasy, a hint of decadence in the mountains. Or will they be happily ensconced in the cinema room while you sip your après ski dry martinis?

You will be completely taken care of by your chalet staff. Those pioneers of Chamonix hospitality who ran the first hotels in town were extraordinary for the time and place, but the modern chalet holiday has developed that perfect balance between service and discretion. The kitchen at Le Lustre is a semi-professional heaven – your chef will make good use of it. And even the main drawback sometimes cited about Chamonix – the separate ski areas - will be of no consequence. Your private chauffeur will take you each day to the area of your choice.

Your base is in the centre of town and your address is Avenue Michel Croz. What better homage to that hero of Chamonix who accompanied Edward Whymper on the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, but never reaped the glory, dying tragically on the descent. Read that story as you look out on the avenue that bears his name. Top tip – don’t believe ANYTHING about cut ropes!