Alpen Ruitor Hotel in Meribél ski resort has a charming, authentic, atmosphere to it, in part because it is owned by one of Trois Vallées’ most famous families who have been in the area for a long time. The Fenestraz family who own the hotel come from a very humble background as farmers in the area who owned lots of land. At some point, the enterprising grandmother established a real estate agency at Courchevel, and from this spawned several successful hotels in the area.
Once you walk in the front door of the Alpen Ruitor, you immediately feel warm and at home, with a crackling fire and big, beautiful lounges draped with plenty of tartan blankets. It’s a very inviting lounge and living area that sets the tone for Alpen Ruitor’s laid back atmosphere, enhanced with many luxuries of a four star hotel. The hotel has a very traditional style and we certainly felt at home.
The rooms are done in a classic chalet style and are not overly luxurious but certainly comfortable. Most rooms have great views – generally facing the valley or the south with views of the slopes. All of the rooms have balconies and some of the bigger rooms have duplex, second bedroom or separate living areas. Accommodations range from Classic Rooms through two bedroom suites. Rooms are a decent size starting at 24 m2, with generously sized bathrooms and large windows that make the space feel open and spacious.
There is a nice spa area that includes a hot tub or Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna or Hammam, different types of showers, beauty treatments and a massage area. Anne Semonin products are used at the hotel spa, a lovely treat to unwind and sooth those tired ski muscles and help get a good night’s sleep.
Hotel Alpen Ruitor has a wonderful selection of restaurants. The room rate is all half board only, includes breakfast and dinner. One thing we love is that the half board is flexible – you can swap dinner for lunch, on certain days with pre-reservations, allowing you to venture out to Meribél for dinner. We highly recommend lunch on a beautiful day, because you can sit out on the patio, enjoying beautiful wines and food while you watch everybody skiing past. Since the hotel is located up in the Mottaret area, it’s a practical option for lunch.
The hotel provides afternoon tea in the relaxed lobby area, including delicious cakes and pastries. Breakfast buffet is very generous, with a chef cooking made-to-order eggs and all sorts of pastries. One thing we loved about breakfast is that you can actually pack your own sandwich for lunch. At other hotels Scout has been known to make a sandwich from the breakfast buffet, and discretely wrap it in a napkin to take away. At Alpen Ruitor, not only are the lunch ingredients there, but plastic wrap is provided so this art of deception is not required!
