Expert guide to Verbier
Verbier is a resort which has long been heavy on exclusive private chalets, along with a smattering of upmarket hotels and more reasonable lodges. Perhaps surprisingly, for such a well-heeled resort, there also are a couple of hostel-style options but these need booking well in advance.
It’s worth paying attention to where accommodation is located as the village is very spread out. Staying within walking distance of Médran is ideal, to avoid crowds on the shuttle bus that links all parts of the village. It’s worth knowing that the more upmarket chalets run their own shuttle services around the resort.
Hotels
MAP
Formerly a vicarage and now a church-owned, non-profit hostel, MAP (Maison d’Accueil de la Paroisse) sleeps 23 people in five rooms (six-bed, four-bed and three-bed). Located near the atmospheric old wooden barns of Verbier Village, it is 15 minutes’ walk from the Médran gondola, so places tend to sell out early. There’s a large, friendly living room, fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms.
Price: £
Experimental Chalet
This stylish Alpine retreat is a three minute walk from Verbier’s main square and a 10 minute walk from the lifts. It has 39 rooms and suites and the restaurant is overseen by acclaimed chef Gregory Marchand. As well as a spa, the Farm Club nightclub is housed in the hotel basement.
Price:££
Credit:
verbier.ch / Melody Sky/Melody sky
Farinet
Right on the Place Centrale near lots of bars and restaurants, the Farinet is Verbier’s oldest hotel, which has been transformed into luxury boutique accommodation. It is also one of Verbier’s busiest apres-ski hang outs with a bar and nightclub too. It’s just a few minutes walk from the main gondolas.
Price: ££
Hotel Vanessa
A smart modern four-star 50 metres from Place Centrale and 350 metres from the main gondolas, Hotel Vanessa opened in the 1970s and has recently been completely refurbished. Its 53 suites vary from 30sqm to 160sqm, including spacious family suites and it has a free shuttle service to anywhere in Verbier you want to go. Facilities include a sauna and hot tub.
Price: ££
Hotel Mirabeau
An independent three-star run by Norwegian owner Chris Stuckelberger and her daughter, Sylvie, Hotel Mirabeau has a cosy Nordic feel and warm welcome. It’s also in an ideal location, two minutes’ walk from the Médran gondola in Verbier town. Popular with Scandinavians, it has a spacious, sociable lounge with open fire and games, and serves a generous breakfast buffet.
Price: ££
Hotel Bristol
Recently renovated and in the centre of Verbier, rooms vary from standard doubles with or without balconies, to panorama rooms with mountain views. The veranda suite has a private terrace. It’s family-friendly and has a sauna, but there is no on-site restaurant.
Price:££
W Verbier
The first Alpine hotel of the funky W chain (strong in the US and Asia), W Verbier has the best location in town, opposite the Médran gondola and boasts stylish rooms, exposed timber, glassed-in fireplaces, chic bars and spacious lounges.
Price: £££
Chalets and apartments
Chalet Chouqui
An extremely luxurious chalet sleeping up to 16, plus four children in a bunk-bed room, Chouqui boasts views of Mont Blanc, a large sun terrace, outdoor hot tub and one of the largest indoor pools in the resort.
Price: £££
Book it: Four nights from 42,000CHF for the whole chalet, excluding travel, with Ski Verbier Exclusive.
Credit:
Copyright Yves Garneau 2015/Yves Garneau
Booking.com rates above are guide prices per person per night, please note that packages can differ across accommodation. Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic, these rates may change. Please check the properties’ websites for further information on what’s included.
Unless stated otherwise, package prices are per person, based on two sharing a double or twin room, half-board, for seven nights, including flights and transfers.