You’ll need to book some accommodation in Chamonix the night before and the night after your Tour du Mont Blanc trek. Whether this is a simple gîte in Les Houches, the starting point of the trek (Les Houches is the largest village at the southern end of the Chamonix Valley) or a nicer hotel in Chamonix town – the choice is yours. Most trekkers prefer to book a more comfortable hotel for when they return from the trek so they can relax and recover in style after slumming it in mountain huts! There are numerous hotels that have a sauna/steam room and some with swimming pools – all of which is a great way to ease your aching limbs post trek. You’ll find a range of recommendations below to suit all budgets.

Many trekkers choose to spend a few days in Chamonix BEFORE their trek so they can do some day hikes and take in the sights of this beautiful Alpine town. You won’t want to do too much AFTER your trek apart from relax – even the most experienced trekker will return from the TMB exhausted. Day hikes in Chamonix pre TMB have the added advantage of getting your body acclimatised to the altitude before the off. Some trekkers even decide to start with Stage 10 or 11 completing these as day hikes. These TMB stages traverse the flank of the Chamonix Valley along the ‘Grand Balcon Sud’ and so it’s easy to get to the trail head each day and then return to your Chamonix hotel for the night after each stage which has the added benefit of only having to carry a small day pack each day.

One of the most asked questions I get from readers is which Chamonix hotels do I recommend? I decided to create this page so you can have a browse at which hotels are available and how they compare. Below I discuss the best options for lodging in Chamonix from budget to high end. I have personally visited all of these hotels, seen the rooms and chatted to the owners or staff.

LUGGAGE STORAGE – 90% of hotels offer a free luggage storage facility if you are heading out on the trail with no obligation to stay the night you return from the trek. A small minority charge a fee (Alpina & RockyPop) and some will not allow you to store luggage if you haven’t booked a return reservation (Les Gourmets Chalet Hotel). Hotel Gustavia does not allow you to store luggage!!

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First of all its important to understand the logistics of Chamonix. Les Houches, where the TMB starts from is only a 20 minute bus ride from central Chamonix so it’s not crucial to have to stay in Les Houches the night before your trek starts. Les Houches lies at the southern end of the Chamonix Valley & line 1 takes you there from Chamonix centre. Whilst the villages of Le Tour, Montroc, Tré-le-Champ and Argentière are at the northern end of the valley – bus no 2 runs from Chamonix to Le Tour. Les Praz is a small village just a 30 minute walk down the river on the other side of the centre of Chamonix town. A stay at either of these villages could make sense at the end of your trip as you will re-enter the valley from the other end after crossing back or else it’s a very easy bus ride back to central Chamonix if you are finishing the at the end of Stage 9 or Stage 10. Here is a map that can help you logistically work out where to stay in Chamonix.

DON’T FORGET TO: ask for a carte d’hote on arrival in your hotel. These cards allow guests free bus & train travel in the Chamonix Valley between Vallorcine and Servoz & can give you some discounts on entry to museums & the swimming pool. It’s not necessary to show this pass on the buses as people just hop on and off but on the train you must have it or pay up. It’s useful to keep the card for when you come back into the Chamonix Valley in case you catch the train back from Montroc – bear in mind you’ll have to extend the date marked on it to cover your TMB dates or they will refuse it.

Below you will find hotels segmented into areas & budget or use the menu below to jump straight there.

Accommodation in Chamonix

Refuge du Montenvers – my insider tip

This incredible hotel in Chamonix is a stay like no other. Whilst not on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Refuge du Montenvers is an epic stay in Chamonix. If you have a few days in Chamonix before your trek begins (after your trek you may be too tired!) then I highly recommend a stay here. Located high up at an altitude of 1930m this historic hotel perches high above the Mer de Glace glacier. Guests need to hike up or catch the little red train up to the hotel.

In my opinion it’s the perfect way to start your stay in Chamonix because one of the best day hikes in Chamonix is from Plan d’Aiguille (the mid station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car) to the Refuge du Montenvers hotel & the Mer de Glace glacier so its a great way to combine two of the ‘must see’ sightseeing things to do in Chamonix in just one day AND get a warm up hike at altitude under the your belt before you start the TMB.

Read more about this hike here & what other hikers had to say about this hike here.

This works perfectly if you have 3 nights in Chamonix before your trek although if you have 2 nights before your trek & don’t mind taking all your kit up then it works equally as well although then it would be best as your first night in Chamonix. My insider tip is to book a first night in any of the accommodation below before booking the Hotel Refuge du Montenvers for your second night. That way you can store your luggage in your first hotel & then combine a morning visit up the Aiguille du Midi and on your way back down hike the balcon trail from the cable car mid station (Plan de l’Aiguille) to Montenvers via Le Signal (an epic viewpoint). The Refuge du Montenvers is at the end of the trail. It is absolutely the most unforgettable day hike in Chamonix outside of the Tour du Mont Blanc Chamonix stages (10 & 11 which are on the other side of the valley). The above allows you to tick off THE two most epic sightseeing spots in Chamonix in just one day and topping it off by staying in the incredible Hotel Refuge du Montenvers. You could then return to your original hotel for your 3rd night before setting off early on day 4. You could not stay at this hotel the night before your trek as it would make for a late start.

Don’t be confused by ‘Refuge’ in the hotel name – this hotel is beautiful and is in no way similar to the Tour du Mont Blanc refuges you are about to stay in on the trek! Book early to avoid disappointment as this hotel is sought after. There are two prices when booking online – one with the train and one without. If you don’t book the train, you will need to hike down into the valley which takes around 2-2.5 hours. If you book this hotel AFTER your TMB trek I highly suggest you take the train UP & DOWN for your stay! The train is actually a marvel in itself being a cog wheel train dating back to 1908 and is a highlight of any stay in Chamonix.

1. Budget accommodation in Chamonix

Budget accommodation in Chamonix is generally 2 star. Hotels are dated and basic but still clean & often good value for money. I’ve included in this section a few 3 star hotels that feel a little 2 star.

A huge, old fashioned hotel with 52 rooms slap bang in the middle of the main street in Chamonix. Hôtel Richemond will give you good value for money & with triple & quad rooms it’s useful for groups of trekkers not fussy on sharing. It’s faded fascade hides a wealth of history. During occupied France in the Second World War the Gestapo took over the hotel & British and American soldiers were imprisoned on the 5th floor. The house attached to the hotel at the front was the first hotel in Chamonix where pioneering British mountaineers stayed before heading into the mountains. There is a plaque indicating that Edward Whymper lived there. This English mountaineer was best known for his first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 as well as many first recorded ascents in Chamonix. He is buried in the English section of Chamonix’s graveyard.

Elderly Madame Sarraz – Bournet, whose family have run the hotel since it was built in 1914, still runs the hotel in ship shape fashion. The breakfast room boasts fantastic views of Mont Blanc.

★ TOP TIP: ask for a room with a balcony at the front

Les Gourmets Chalet Hotel (3 star)

Les Gourmets Chalet Hotel offers affordable rooms in a very central location. Classic double rooms start at around €140 in peak season. The hotel has been in Eric, the owner’s family for five generations. The rooms (52 in total) & bathrooms are to a good standard and all rooms apart from those on the front have balconies. The common areas and balconies feel a little two star, however if you’re on a budget and want a central location with a swimming pool (above ground), a hammam and sauna, a standard room here ticks those boxes.

★ TOP TIP: ask for a room to the rear for a balcony & river view

Hôtel La Vallée Blanche (3 star)

Hôtel La Vallée Blanche isn’t fancy but super central (very near the post office) and backs onto the river. This hotel has a very friendly french owner Alex and has an Irish pub attached. More like a 2 star in my opinion but affordable and friendly. I imagine the hotel could be noisy with the pub closing at 2am.

★ TOP TIP: rooms 42 & 43 offer good value family rooms in the eaves, airy with beams sleeping five

2. Mid range accommodation in Chamonix

Pointe Isabelle (3 star)

★ TOP TIP: rooms facing Le Brévent are quieter than those with a Mont Blanc view (as these are next to the road)

Hotel Clochers (3 star) highly recommended

Hotel Clochers is a fantastic hotel right in the centre of Chamonix that oozes charming French character. Recently upgraded from a 2 star, this friendly family run hotel is a complete delight tucked away in a central location with a front parking area with beautiful trees & window boxes bursting with colour. With only 12 rooms you’ll have to book early to secure a room here. The only potential draw back from TMB trekker is that Hotel Clocher operates a minimum 2 night stay, however you can still use their luggage storage room even if you are not checking back into Hotel Clocher on your return from the TMB. Highly recommended.

★ TOP TIP: ask for one of the rooms on the front with a balcony with an incredible Mont Blanc view!

Hotel de l’Oustalet (3 star)

Hotel de l’Oustalet is a little known gem located just a 5 minute walk from central Chamonix. Close to the Aiguille du Midi cable car station but in a quiet setting the family run Hotel de l’Oustalet boasts a fantastic outdoor swimming pool overlooking Mont Blanc and has a tea rooms open to the public. Highly recommended.

★ TOP TIP: the breakfast is worth the extra charge!

Hotel Gustavia (3 star)

Hotel Gustavia occupies a central position in Chamonix next to the main train station. On a busy street bustling with bars & cafes spilling over into the street, Hotel Gustavia is a good choice for guests wanting to be in throng of Chamonix. Rooms are stylish (to be expected – the hotel is owned by a Swedish company) in a beautiful, lovingly restored building. The bar is excellent & the shaded courtyard perfect for hot sunny afternoons. Unfortunately you cannot store luggage here during your TMB trek.

★ TOP TIP: duvets are done the Swedish way – double beds have two single duvets

★ HOTEL GUSTAVIA DOES NOT HAVE LUGGAGE STORAGE FACILITIES

Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons (3 star)

The Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons is a large 3 star hotel hotel located opposite the main bus station in Chamonix. Rooms are modern and the bar is impressive. The draw of this hotel is a fantastic outdoor swimming pool overlooking Mont Blanc & the spa facilities. Note: if you choose another hotel accepts non-residents so you can pay to use the spa & swimming pool. They do a great lunch package which includes lunch, use of faces & a 20 minute massage!

★ TOP TIP: as the hotel is on a main road, request a quieter room when booking

Hotel Morgane (3 star)

Hotel Morgane is situated near the Aiguille du Midi in central Chamonix. With a swimming pool & spa as well as an excellent restaurant open to non-residents, the Morgane is a good choice for hikers looking for modern, comfortable rooms. Staff are very friendly. There is a great bakery opposite, an excellent coffee shop (Moodys) who roast their own coffee next door & Technique Extreme, an outdoor specialist store 100m away so you can easily pick up any trip essentials such as camping gas or hiking poles in a jiffy.

★ TOP TIP: request room 501 which boasts a huge terrace, much larger than any other room!

Hotel Alpina (3 star)

The Hotel Alpina is bang in the centre of Chamonix and has a young, trendy vibe. The top floor boasts a panoramic restaurant and bar which is open to non-residents. Rooms in my opinion are average but do all have a Nespresso machine. There is an on-site spa but no swimming pool. Staff seem welcoming but overall I felt underwhelmed. I haven’t stayed here though – only visited the rooms so I’d love to hear feedback!

★ TOP TIP: the pizzeria next door on the river is excellent!

Fauciny (3 star)

Hotel Fauciny has a very central position located near the Tourist Office. It’s the reception hub for another 3 hotels (Chalet Whymper, Hotel Chamonix & Genepy) all located only minutes away. It’s a renovated Hôtel de Charme but in my opinion sadly lost much of it in the renovation and note there’s no lift so look out if you’ve a room on the third floor after returning from the TMB! I’ve heard good reports from TMB hikers though. Note: some rooms under the eaves have very low ceilings so check at your time of booking. If you are tall you may want to request a different room.

★ TOP TIP: If you’re booking a standard room request no 111 – it’s the only standard room with a balcony!

Le Génèpy (3 star)

Le Génepy has recently been refurbished into 12 self contained apartments, all with a balcony or terrace. Reception is located over at Hotel Fauciny just a few minutes walk away. Slap bang in the middle of Chamonix these apartments are perfect for hikers seeking to be independent and in the throng of it. The excellent Le Génepy café next door does good breakfasts.

★ TOP TIP: Super U supermarket is 1 minute away so perfect for self caterers

Chalet Whymper (4 star)

Chalet Whymper occupies a central location in Chamonix. This chalet style accommodation has very few rooms available so is perfect for this looking for more privacy. With an on-site sauna, a fabulous terrace & a large communal area to relax Chalet Whymper offers a home away from home experience. Reception is at the Hotel Fauciny, a mere 20 metres away.

★ TOP TIP: guests can pay to use the spa facilities at Hotel Fauciny opposite (where the reception is)

3. High end accommodation in Chamonix

Hotel Mont Blanc (5 star)

Hôtel Mont Blanc is a lavish hotel next to the Tourist Office in central Chamonix. A former palace dating back from 1849 this hotel is now firmly in the 21st century with a lovely outdoor pool with stunning views of Mont Blanc, beautiful suites & a Clarins spa. The service is impeccable. For a touch of elegant luxury book here. Highly recommended.

★ TOP TIP: the library has some interesting local historic reads

Hotel Heliopic (4 star)

Hôtel L’Heliopic is a contemporary 4 star hotel located in central Chamonix immediately behind the Aiguille du Midi. The facilities here are second to none & boast an amazing pool, spa & incredibly an ‘ice cave’ as well as large stylish rooms. On-site is a fantastic restaurant and I love the relaxed feel to lobby & bar/lounge with library, chess, regular live jazz, a co-working space as well as free coffee, water & a microwave in the foyer. If you’re not looking for a charm hotel and want a bit of luxury try the Heliopic – often good deals to be found. One of my favourites.

★ TOP TIP: make sure you try the ‘ice cave’ in the spa

Grand Hôtel des Alpes (5 star)

This beautiful 5 star hotel lies on the main pedestrian street in the heart of Chamonix centre. Built in 1840 Grand Hôtel des Alpes is steeped in history boasting wood panelled ceilings & luxurious furnishings. With exceptional service, on-site spa with indoor swimming pool & breakfast terrace overlooking Mont Blanc this hotel is incredible. If it’s good enough for Robert Redford, it’s good enough for me! The downside is there’s no on-site restaurant but as the hotel is as central as it gets, it is surrounded by restaurants. I’d stay here if I could afford it!

★ TOP TIP: rooms facing Le Brévent have no balcony, rooms overlooking Mont Blanc all do have balconies

Hotels in Les Praz

There are three main hotels in Les Praz, the village on the other side of Chamonix. This is where the La Flégère cable car is situated so you would arrive here if you took the cable car down after stage 10 of the tour (after Lac Blanc). It’s a 10 minute bus ride into town (take either the No 1 or No 2) or you can meander down the lovely river path & be in central Chamonix in just under 30 minutes.

All three main hotels – The Eden, Hotel Lanchers & Hotel le Castel (which I didn’t get to visit) are in central Les Praz so very close to the bus stop, train station & cable car. If you don’t mind walking a bit further & are looking for a Hôtel du Charme consider staying at the wonderfully authentic Hôtel La Prarie in Les Bois, a further 15 minute walk.

Hôtel La Prarie (1 star)

Hôtel La Prarie is a delightful oasis of calm just a 15 minute walk from Les Praz. Be transported into the past with a stay at probably the most authentic hotel in the valley. Don’t be put off by their 1 star rating – it’s a shame that hotels aren’t rated on charm rather than facilities! You won’t find a TV in your room or a pool in the garden. What you will find is a beautiful historic hotel (built between 1900-1905), a wonderful lawn with tea gardens, simple affordable rooms. The hotel has been in Mme Lochet’s family since it was built. She’s a lovely lady who has standards – she wouldn’t let me cross the threshold to take the room photo as she didn’t want the room dirtied for guests. Probably the cheapest rates in the valley. Not bookable on www.booking.com – you will need to contact them direct. Don’t be put off by the French only website – persevere it will be worth it!

★ TOP TIP: rooms 17 & 18 on the second floor are perfect for budget trekkers – €60 for 1-2 people (toilet on the landing)

Hôtel Eden (3 star)

A beautiful building near to the train station in Les Praz, quiet Hôtel Eden has lovely communal areas – a bar, a lounge, breakfast area & outside terrace. Rooms are standard. They also have apartments to rent which are good value. Guests rate the breakfast as being excellent.

★ TOP TIP: ask for one of the three rooms with a balcony at the front

Hotel Lanchers (3 star)

Hotel Lanchers is centrally situated on the main road in the heart of Les Praz. This affordable 3 star hotel has friendly staff and reasonable rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel has a sports bar and restaurant and is only a minutes walk from Le Petit Social, a great little bar, the tabac and the local shop/bakery. La Flégère cable car is only 2 minutes away.

★ TOP TIP: visit the popular Le Petit Social bar opposite for a morning coffee or afternoon pint!

Hotels in Argentière

Hotel Dahu (2 star)

Le Dahu in the village of Argentière is a pleasant surprise. Tucked away behind the Dahu restaurant (not the same owners) on the main road in Argentière this 2 star hotel has lovely rooms of a much higher standard. All but two rooms have balconies facing the Argentière glacier. For those trekking in groups on a budget there are two family rooms with five beds at €136 per night. A standard double costs €93 whilst a bigger comfort room is €104. No 8 is a steal at €74 – a double WITH balcony – the toilet is in the corridor immediately opposite but private so not used by any other guests. Françoise, the owner, is a lovely lady. Recommended.

★ TOP TIP: solo trekkers should ask for room No 5 – it’s a small double bed with a balcony!

Hotel Grand Montets (4 star)

Hotel Grand Montets, located just next to the Grand Montets cable car in Argentière, has plenty of alpine charm. With a swimming pool and spa, as well as a fantastic garden and terrace facing Mont Blanc, it’s easy to relax here after your TMB trek. The car park is in need of re-surfacing which does make the front of the hotel look tired but the hotel and gardens are lovely.

★ TOP TIP: guests can use the on-site laundry to wash their filthy trek clothes (€16 wash & dry)

Hotels in Les Houches

If you want to stay slap bang in Les Houches which is the official starting point of the trek (you can walk through an arch outside the Tourist Office there is you are so inclined) so you can roll out of bed & straight onto the trail then you might want to consider staying directly in Les Houches rather than getting a 10-15 minute bus ride in the morning. There isn’t a great deal of choice of hotels in Les Houches. These are the two I would recommend.

Hotel Le St Antoine (3 star)

Hotel St Antoine is a lovely 3 star hotel run by husband and wife Corinne & Pierre. The hotel has 19 rooms in total with some triple and quad rooms. The rooms are simple & quite basic reflecting more of a 2 star quality but the ensuite have recently been refurbished & are excellent. The basement boasts a large jacuzzi with sauna & hammam – perfect for those exhausted limbs post TMB! The pizzeria restaurant is spacious & offers takeaways. Conveniently there is a bus stop right outside the hotel if you want to catch the bus a couple of stops down to the Bellevue cable car to start your trek.

★ TOP TIP: this hotel is very popular & gets booked by many TMB tour operators. Our advice is to book before November when the tour operators tend to snap all the beds in advance.

Hotel RockyPop (3 star)

The Hotel RockyPop is a large, fun hotel on the main road in Les Houches. Think space invaders, pac man, cocktails and pizzas. 148 rooms half doubles or half with mezzanines sleep 4. They also have two penthouses that can sleep 12. The restaurant themed around an American diner offers good pizza and burgers. Popular with families. The hotel also has an on-site spa. Luggage can be left at €5 per bag.

★ TOP TIP: great choice for families hiking the TMB