LeCrans Hotel and Spa – An Opulence With a Stunning View of The Swiss Alps
The LeCrans Hotel and Spa is the first 5-Star property to open in Crans-Montana Switzerland. On a Friday at the end of September of 2010, we visited this exclusive resort in the middle of the Swiss Alps. Since we live in the Valais, it took us only a thirty-minute drive to get to one of the best Swiss ski resorts. This chic high-end Alpine village is known for its pretty upscale chalets of stonework and larchwood. The Valais region is just spoiled with sunshine. In fact, it is called the Florida of Switzerland with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Besides, it offers a wealth of activities from golf to tennis and hiking to skiing and shopping. It has long been a magnet for the wealthy and celebrities and for those who love the outdoors. Of course, it is not only the place for sports enthusiasts, but also guests looking for culture are getting rewarded. There are art galleries, art exhibitions, an Alps and train museum, music festivals, guided tours (architecture, history, nature) and wine tasting events. And if you like gambling, there is even a Casino to try for some fun and entertainment. The Hotel Design On Saturday morning, I met Mrs. Paola Masciulli, the general manager of the LeCrans Hotel and Spa. While sitting in the Cigar Lounge, we talked about the latest Crans Hotel, which she runs and which is in operation since January of 2009. The hotel really looks like a huge American Lodge with a successful melding of the old (antiques, tapestries, rough sawn wood, rich colours) and the new with state of the art technology. The interior design was arranged by Belgian Christophe Decarpentrie. He made a perfect job in blending light and the stellar views with intimate and rich touches that makes you feel like home. Amenities The LeCrans Hotel and Spa is located only 100 meters from the ski slopes and steps from the hiking trails. Each unit has a designated locker in the basement ski and golf club room. It includes a rack heater to keep ski boots warm between runs.On the second-floor you will find the games room for its tried-and-true pleasures. A fire place invites you to sit on the couch to play card games, read a book taken from the book shelves or simply play a round of billiards. Rooms, Suites and Appartments All 14 guest suites but one have a stunning view of the French- and Valais Alps. Our suite (Dolomite Suite) was spacious with floor-to-ceiling-glass wall opening into a private stone-floor terrace. You can clearly see that the blending between the old fashioned and the new technology is seamless. It contains everything that you can expect from 5-Star luxury: Antique furnishings, aged pine panelling, a wood fireplace, plasma screen televisions, a DVD player preloaded with 200 movies, an in-room Nespresso café machine and a cutting-edge, all-in-one electronic control module for lights, radio, temperature, curtains and blinds. You can also not oversee the mix of comfort and convenience in the large marble bathrooms. Above every deep Jacuzzi tub hangs a wall-mounted plasma television. All rooms also have a waterproof remote, spacious glass and tile shower stall with oversized rain shower head and floor lateral wall sprays. Additionally to the heated tile floors, you will also discover a bit of Japanese technology in the toilet area with remote control for temperature and for spray and drying. Cinq Mondes Spa The Spa, LeSpa Cinq Mondes, has four treatment rooms. After an exciting day of skiing or hiking, it pays to book for a visit to the hammam of the lavender-infused steam room. There are plenty of treatments offered, like the different body treatment rituals, facial treatments, hands and feet treatments, epilations or colorations. The focus is on traditional wellness treatments from around the world. Just a few minutes in the infinity Jacuzzi does wonders when you are tired from a day of skiing or golfing. We find the exercise room quite small and therefore did not use it. However, the LeCrans Hotel and Spa maintains a pretty indoor and outdoor pool with a stunning view to the highest peaks of the Alps and perfect sunsets. Gourmet Food at The LeCrans Hotel and Spa In charge of the 5-Star LeCrans Hotel is the French Gourmet Chef Pierre Crépaud. He oversees the menu at the sole restaurant, the rotunda-shaped LeMontBlanc. Chef Crepaud is the rising star in Switzerland and the LeMontBlanc has not only become one of the top Crans-Montana restaurants but also of Switzerland. The restaurant is rated 15 points out of a total of 20 points by the GaultMillau and Michelin guides and getting better every year. High society people for other luxury hotels regulary visit the LeMontBlanc restaurant for its fine gourmet food. We would not be surprised if it ranks higher by 18 or 19 points by next year. A highlight is the “kitchen menu à la table d'hôtes” where up to eight diners reserve a chef's table in the kitchen. The gourmet dishes lean toward a mixture of traditional French and Swiss-style cuisine. If you want to eat in your suite, you can order from the 24-hour room service menu the traditional local Valaisan Plate. It arrives in record time – contains triangles of dark rye, charcuterie and cheeses from the different valleys of the Valais and house-made pickles, all artfully presented on slate platters and garnished with flowers and herbs from the chef's garden. Concierge Services And of course, a top high-end hotel like the Crans Hotel offers valet service and limousine & transfer services to and from the hotel. You have also access to their helicopter service from most Swiss airports to their heliport in Chermignon close to the hotel. To end it here, we truly recommend the LeCrans Hotel and Spa and James Bond would certainly be at home here – not just with the impeccable surroundings and service, but the futuristic technology, too. But the truth is that Roger Moore does indeed live in Crans-Montana during the wintertime. However, in the summer, he lives in Monaco. Return from LeCrans Hotel and Spa to Swiss Hotels Return from LeCrans Hotel and Spa to High End Travel Switzerland |
