If you are looking for the essence of the Italian alps, less than an hour from Geneva, this idyllic hotel would be your choice. Everything about it is picture-perfect. The rooms are large and gracious and well-equipped. The lobby is warm and inviting, with cozy fireplace groupings and decorated beautifully in pastoral Swiss style. Step out on to the decks or step out of your own room on to a balcony and you will see cows grazing on rolling green hills, the majestic Alps soaring above them, and all you will hear is the tinkling of cow bells.

The town of Courmeyeur is adorable and has plenty of shops and restaurants for browsing and fine dining. The hotel graciously provides shuttle service to and from the town, so you don't even need to use your own car.

Time spent at the Auberge de la Maison is the quintessential alpine fantasy.

There are no possible bad or even neutral things to say about this place. My boyfriend brought me here for a one-night stay over the weekend (we live in Geneva, which is an easy hour and 15 minutes away by car). Upon arrival, there was a fire going, we were offered a drink, and our bags were taken to our room. We had a balcony with gorgeous views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. Breakfast was delicious and unlimited (included in the price), and the staff were more than happy to give us tips on where to go and what to see. We ended up staying 6 hours at Pré St.Didier thermal spa and baths, which merits a raving review in and of itself (it's about 10 minutes away by car). The bed was great, comfortable, and they have satellite TV with stations that you can change into English from Italian. I will definitely be going back here during the ski season for some more Italian rustic hospitality!

A beautiful setting just below Mont Blanc. The auberge is just what one would want for a cozy dinner and overnight. The staff were impeccable, the rooms, bar, restaurant and grounds are all done with the best of taste. Underground parking is free.

The Auberge is one of those real mountain treats that you hope to find but so often don't. What do we love? The staff - fabulous. The views - well with Mont Blanc in your face it's hard not to rave. The public areas - welcoming, warm and like a great big hug. This is of course, being Italy, great for families. Our children (having now stayed there 4 times) have built numerous igloos and pitched fantastic snowball battles outside in the garden whilst we are safe in the knowledge that they are having a great time. We all then gather in the huge bar/sitting area to enjoy steaming mugs of hot chocolate by the roaring fire.

If I were to have a moan the food is patchy. Breakfast is definitely fodder and not a gourmet experience (which in some respects is a relief otherwise the kids would never get to ski school on time!) Dinner is generally better offering wide choice although the dining room is somewhat stark compared to the rest of the hotel. We would definitely not eat there every night as there is a great amount to choose from in Courmayeur itself.

The staff at this hotel are all fabulous. The people on reception always well informed, very, very helpful and always willing to try and help with any problem that may come up there are a real asset.

I would love to come here in the Summer one year as I am sure that the experience would be as great as it is in Winter.