In the Cycling Destination Approved category, you will find catering establishments (yes, hotels too 😉 that are labelled 'Cycling Destination Approved' by us. This means they meet a number of standards and are therefore high on our list when booking a cycling holiday or adventure. Also, when creating a route, we prefer to put it past coffee shops where we as cyclists are welcome. For instance at well-known cycling cafes or known cycling hotels. In this category, we can now add Alaïa Lodge in Crans-Montana. What a beautiful place and ideal to start your adventure in Crans-Montana to start. We take you to this location.
Alaïa Lodge in Crans-Montana: the hotel
Meanwhile, we have been in hotel Alaïa Lodge been. In both 2022 and 2023, we were allowed to stay here. The hotel is right in the city centre and has its own car park. Below the hotel is an Italian restaurant (Viva Voce). The hotel itself is very warm and modern inside. It offers both winter sports enthusiasts and cyclists (gravel, MTB and road bike) a lovely place to come home to after a long day of cycling. There is a dedicated 'bike room' to store bikes. In winter, this is where skis and other equipment can be housed. That's already a big plus.
A smile makes all the difference
What we also find important is the friendliness of the staff. Of course, we are guests of the tourism office, yet (in our opinion) we are treated like everyone else. During check-in, we notice that everyone is very relaxed. Having a chat is easy and, in addition, the team is also helpful with all kinds of advice for our stay.
Spacious rooms
The rooms are spacious, there is a double bed with desk and most importantly: mountain views! For a room in a Swiss hotel, the rooms are really spacious. The bathroom is spotless and fully equipped. Like downstairs, a warm modern decor has been chosen here. All your cycling gear has been thought of too, as the (open) wardrobe has all sorts of compartments to give your cycling gear a place.
The beds are very comfortable and should you share a room with a cycling friend, you can easily slide the beds apart. And the balcony invites you to enjoy the sunshine.
The inner man wants something too
Did we mention breakfast? No did we? Because breakfast is very extensive and you won't be short of anything. Every day you can choose from lots of fresh rolls, croissants or toast. There are also fresh fruit juices, yoghurt, fruit, and nuts, cruësli/muesli and also oatmeal. A good cup of coffee completes it all and so you won't lack for a good start to your day. Especially if, like us, you trek into the mountains every day, a good diverse and healthy breakfast is a very welcome one. As is dinner at the end of the day at Viva Voce. Delicious pizzas and pastas are served here. The staff here are also extremely friendly. You're in the middle of a wine region here so these too are top quality. The pasta with seafood we would get in the car for now.
Is there nothing to criticise then?
Yes. There is still room for improvement. Still, this one does rank high. Because we are still missing a dedicated rinse-off area. We could now get to work with the mobile Kärcher in the car park, and it could have been done closer to the hotel, but there is still room for improvement here. We understand there will also be a spanner set soon, so that would complete it. Then the hotel can also become a 'Bike friendly' hotel right away according to the Swiss standards.
In short should you be looking for a hotel near Crans Montana for your cycling trip. Then Alaïa Lodge truly Cycling Destination Approved!
