From the moment you walk into the Heliopic hotel you get a sense that this is luxury but with a sense of fun. Mini tubs of still warm popcorn are waiting for you in reception, kids' wooden trikes are available to keep little ones amused as you check in, and retro arcade machines are dotted between buzzy neon art.
'Glam Cham' - at the base of Mont Blanc and a favourite with skiers forever - has no shortage of grand resorts and boutique hotels but the Heliopic is going for a different vibe. Funky, family friendly and relaxed without scrimping on the finer things in life.
Free mineral water, tea and coffee is available all day for a caffeine hit before hitting the slopes. The hotel also has its own on-site ski shop for buying or hiring equipment and storing your kit in the evenings.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa - Rooms and Amenities
There are 102 elegant rooms, many with balconies and mountain views. With wood panelling, muted tones and soft blankets covering crisp white linen, the look is very much chic chalet.
Family rooms have cute wooden bunk beds while the star of the show is the Privilege room which includes a bathroom with tub, a balcony overlooking the Dôme du Goûter plus your own lounge and free minibar.
It feels more Scandi than Alpine and nice touches like a book shelf complete with holiday reading and Nuxe Paris amenities complete the look.
A real highlight is the standout Spa. Take the lift in your robe (not the stairs by the packed bar like I did!) and discover the beautiful indoor basement pool which is big enough for lap swimming and has a jacuzzi. An ice cave, cold water bath, two steam rooms, a sauna, firepit and cups of green tea meant I was spoilt for choice in the unwinding stakes.
Spa treatments and massages are available.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa - Dining
Modern glass fireplaces flicker in the cosy bar which is a quirky mix of modern and 60s retro with plenty of seating to sink into and chilled live music most nights.
Board games, oversized chess and a library mean there's no shortage of ways to spend your evenings.
Akashon restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and in their words "takes you on a sensory journey through the flavours of the mountains".
The more relaxed Frometon restaurant is very cheesy. Fondue, raclette or tartiflette are all on the menu along with Savoyard specialities, like charcuterie boards, blueberry tartlets, and génépi liqueur to help warm up after a chilly day on the mountain.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa - Location
Nestled in the heart of the Northern Alps, Chamonix Valley, home to the first Winter Olympics, is hugely popular for winter and summer activities. Just outside the entrance to the Heliopic is the base station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car where you can go and admire the highest peak in Europe or tackle the Vallee Blanche if a hardcore skier.
The hotel isn't in the heart of historic Chamonix but it is just a short walk away, and a bus stop to the slopes is very close. Parking under the hotel is easy if you have your own vehicle.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa - Verdict
For luxury which doesn't feel fussy and for a fun but cosy stay, the Heliopic is the perfect choice - and the stunning spa will help ease your weary feet back into your ski boots the following morning just that little bit easier!
The details
Heliopic Hotel & Spa, 610, Route Blanche, 74400 Chamonix, Mont-Blanc, France. Reservations +33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 or click here.
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