Auberge de la Maison: Alpine Luxury to be Savored Year-Round

| Mon, 12/18/2023 - 08:40

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

Wellness and winter-sport offerings combine with unique alpine cuisine and homey comforts at this cozy-chic Courmayeur property with incredible views of Mont Blanc.

What to expect

*Suite Mont Blanc at Auberge de la Maison*

33 rooms and junior suites make up the wooden chalet-style boutique hotel that feels more like a worldly friend’s mountain home. Beyond the accommodations, the public areas are filled with ornate details, rugs, antiques, artworks, hand-sewn cushions and fireplaces. Auberge de la Maison prides itself on promoting La Tradition du Bien Vivre, or the art of living well, of well-being. As such, everything is geared toward relaxation and revitalization, from the spa and yoga programs to nearby hiking trails in the warmer months to the ski runs in the winter.

Background

In 1996, Leo and Patrizia Garin (from a family line of local hoteliers) founded this unique Mont Blanc hotel, where every inch of the property draws upon the duo’s exquisite taste in mountain collectibles. In 2004, their daughter Alessandra took over, continuing their legacy of warm hospitality.

Location, location, location

Auberge de la Maison is at the base of Mont Blanc just out of ski resort town, Courmayeur. The Skyway cable car used for sightseeing is practically at its doorstep and main local ski runs are a short four-minute drive. The hotel operates shuttles to the village and ski runs, making it super convenient during ski season.

Where you’ll sleep

Each room has a unique design and all have views of the local alpine surroundings, many with direct views of Mont Blanc. Wooden interiors blend with a curated selection of antiques and warm fabrics, giving everything a cozy, chalet feel. Suites like the Petit Mont Blanc have a fireplace and living room with large windows that frame the mountain view and lead out to balconies complete with potted flowers and deck loungers. Les Maisons de l’Auberge are two self- contained apartments right by the hotel, offering access to all of the main hotel facilities, but with elevated privacy. They can also be joined to make one big maison.

Dining & drinks

festive dining — *Festive-season dining at Auberge de la Maison*

You’re covered from breakfast to after-dinner nightcaps on-site at The Grignotage Bar and L’Aubergine Restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast with a selection of top-notch cheeses and dairy items — the main attractions — along with local produce, some of which is grown on the grounds. Dinner is an intimate affair, and the menu includes a solid mix of traditional dishes and more varied daily specials. The Garin family also runs the Cadran Solaire in the center of Courmayeur, just a few minutes’ drive away. Here, they serve up heritage Valle d’Aosta cuisine across a main dining space, several secret private dining rooms and, weather permitting, on their garden terrace.

Service notes

You’ll arrive here a stranger and leave a friend. The soul of this property is family and at all levels, it really is palpable. From your first interaction at the front desk on through to the spa and restaurant, you’ll notice staff are very focused on making you feel at ease. (Plus, their traditional alpine wear adds to the immersive mountain experience!)

Spa time

Refuge Spa at Auberge de la Maison — *Exclusive Refuge spa at Auberge de la Maison*

Many treatments and rituals at the spa are directly inspired by the surrounding natural beauty or draw from the nature in the area. There’s a sauna, steam room and an indoor/outdoor heated pool with striking views of Mont Blanc. For those who want extra pampering and privacy, the Refuge wellness center can be booked for exclusive use.

Family perks

The warm ambiences means that children are more than welcome with many of the rooms adaptable for families, especially the private apartments. Kids will love the outdoor spaces to run around in and those under 14 can use the swimming pool daily, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

You should know...

The Mont Blanc Skyway complete with panoramic viewing decks and cable car system is just a few minutes away. The hotel shuttle runs all day to take guests there or to downtown Courmayeur. Ski runs and hire arrangements can all be made in-house.