History

The history of Courmayeur is inextricably linked to that of the Grand Hotel Royal and Golf, a connection that has shaped the identity of this enchanting Alpine destination. Let’s start from the beginning: Courmayeur, now famous for mountain tourism, was once unknown to the travellers of the “Grand Tour.” It was only in the early 19th century, with the rediscovery of its Roman antiquities and natural wonders, that the Aosta Valley began to transform into a tourist destination.

In 1834, the Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths were inaugurated, marking the beginning of spa tourism in the region. Courmayeur soon became a symbol of relaxation and wellness. Canon Georges Carrel, nicknamed the “Ami des Anglais”, guided Courmayeur toward a new mountaineering identity, helping to forge an image that combined health and adventure. The year 1854 was significant: the first Italian route to reach Mont Blanc was opened, and in 1868, the Courmayeur Alpine Guide Association was founded.

In this atmosphere of excitement and growth, entrepreneur Lorenzo Bertolini and his wife Giulia Gabioud founded the “Trattoria delle Alpi,” which quickly became the most prestigious hotel in town, attracting mountaineers, nobles, and distinguished figures like the King of Saxony and Queen Margherita of Savoy. Their establishment, later renamed “Royal,” became a central hub for mountaineering tourism.

In the early 20th century, the hotel was acquired by the Chabloz family and underwent various renovations between 1952 and 1954, when the Grand Hotel Royal and Golf was reconstructed with a grand facade facing Mont Blanc. In the following years, renowned architects like Giò Ponti and Pinto enhanced its design, and the Grand Hotel Royal and Golf maintained its prestige, continuing to attract illustrious guests.

Today, after more than 170 years of history and a recent restyling that elevated it to a 5-star hotel, the Grand Hotel Royal and Golf offers a timeless luxury experience with 86 rooms, a spa, an outdoor heated pool, and two restaurants. One cannot truly understand Courmayeur without knowing its legendary hotel, the undisputed protagonist in the tourism history of the Aosta Valley.