Chalet Serena
- Style
- Mont Blanc with mod cons
- Setting
- Skies shared with eagles
Chalet Serena clings to such a precipitous mountainside that as you look out of the panoramic windows at the breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc Massif, it feels like the property is floating in mid air. All seven double bedrooms have the same high levels of comfort and the same marvelous south-facing views. This modern chalet is a short distance outside Chamonix which offers one of the widest choices of year-round mountain activities in the French Alps. With impeccable service provided by a resort concierge, chalet chef and chauffeur, Serena is a perfect choice for a secluded break with family and friends.
Need to know
RatesA week’s hire on a self-catering basis is from £6,000–£15,636. A fully catered package is from £14,600–£34,900 for a week. A fully catered three-night stay starts from £8,867; four nights from €10,220.
SleepsFourteen guests in seven double or twin beds, all en suite and with south-facing balconies. There’s additional space for two infants in cots.
Ideal forFamily holidays, summer in the mountains, extreme winter sports or active long weekends.
Minimum hireOne week minimum if you’re self-catering, but three and four-night breaks are available when you hire the chalet on a fully-catered basis.
Booking processSmith deposit taken when you book. A 25 per cent deposit is required on booking with the balance due eight weeks before arrival. Cancellations less than 56 days before arrival receive a 50 per cent refund. No refunds if your cancellation is 36 days before arrival.
In the know
Eating and drinkingMost guests choose the fully-catered package so they have a chalet chef to take care of them throughout their stay. The chef prepares breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés daily and a four-course gourmet dinner with wine on six nights of the week. Fully-catered guests also have an open bar and wine cellar. If you do choose the self-catering package there’s a fully-equipped kitchen available. The dining table can seat up to 16 guests. Whichever package you choose you enjoy a Champagne reception upon arrival. Supermarket: Chamonix doesn’t have any large hypermarkets but there are Casino supermarkets on Rue Paccard and in Gallerie Alpina. A smaller Supermarché U is on Le Borgeat in Les Houches (Monday to Saturday: 08h15–12h15 and 15h–19h30; Sunday: closed).
Off licence: As well as the supermarkets, Le Vinophile at 278 Rue du Docteur Paccard (+33 (0)6 08 37 49 19) has a wide selection of wines and will deliver to the chalet.
Deli: Refuge Payot on Rue Joseph Vallot in Chamonix (+33 (0)4 50 53 18 71; www.refugepayot.com).
HousekeepingHousekeeping can be provided by arrangement if you are hiring the chalet on a self-catering basis. The chalet staff provide daily housekeeping if you hire the chalet on a fully-catered basis.
ChildrenWelcome. Car seats, high chairs, buggies and children’s cutlery can all be provided. Kids’ menus can be arranged on request if you hire the chalet on a catered basis. Babysitters can be booked for you, too. Chalet Serena has two games rooms.
EntertainmentThere’s a CD player in the main living room. The DVD players in the bedrooms and games room can also be used to play music. Guests at Chalet Serena have a resort concierge who has expert local knowledge and can recommend and book a wide variety of activities, mountain guides, instructors and local restaurants. If you’re staying on a self-catering basis they even provide a shopping service. If you hire the chalet on a catered basis then you also have the benefits of a chalet chef and chauffeur and receive private transfers to and from Geneva airport. You are consulted on your meal preferences before you arrive, so that catering can be tailor-made to suit you. Children’s menus are also available.
ProvidedBed linen, towels, toiletries, bathrobes, Champagne reception and in-resort concierge service. If you choose the fully-catered package at Chalet Serena you also have your own chef and chauffeur as well as private transfers to and from Geneva airport.
Packing tipsBring an alarm clock; if it snows overnight in Chamonix there’s a mad scramble to be the first on the fresh powder in the morning.
For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here
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