Hôtel Le Vieux Chalet

This place leaves me oddly uneasy. The cozy, picturesque setting makes you let your guard down, with the fireplace and vintage champagne adding to the effect. The food and wine list are amazing and unmistakably French, but the staff are almost suspiciously kind. They spoke English to the non-French speakers without a trace of disdain or even a sneer. If I hadn't been warm by the fire, that unusual behavior might have made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The prices are also surprisingly good for such a luxurious setting. We've returned several times to figure out what they're up to. On recent visits, though, they've begun greeting us by name, so I worry we're on their radar and our investigation is compromised. If you want the usual ski resort tourist experience, this isn't the place. You won't get overpriced mediocre food that the chef couldn't even microwave properly, served with disdain. Our visits have been infuriatingly idyllic and enjoyable. They haven't put a foot wrong, and I don't trust it.