There’s a general lack of good ski resorts in Europe that can be booked with points. Most notably, there’s the W Verbier, and then Hyatt has some boutique options with its Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership. There’s another property opening in the coming weeks, which I wanted to take a closer look at…
Continue reading: Six Senses Crans-Montana Opening 2023
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Huh, there’s a Montana outside the United States. I have a fond association for the state of Montana because I know two smoking hot women with connections to the state. I’ve personally never been there, however.
Ah!! Crans-Montana! In 1991, my grandfather rented a chalet there for the summer for the whole family to use. I went for 3 weeks - I was 12- and it was my first time in Europe! He probably paid for the summer what you'd pay here for the week for a one bedroom! Regardless, really beautiful place in the summer. I'm sure the skiing is good in the winter. Enjoy!
If you want to avoid the last section of narrow twisty road into Crans-Montana, which is probably a bit white knuckle in winter weather conditions, it looks like the funicular between Sierre and Crans-Montana that was under rebuilding in the summer of 2022 is now running again.
I have a strong feeling the slow/partial integration is intentional, as you mention. Their properties have been booming, so what need would they possibly have to open up to award stays?
As for this new one, it looks amazing but the skiing in Crans is just okay. Especially when you consider how close to phenomenal skiing in Verbier, Chamonix, Zermatt, etc. it is. Those also offer way more runs and off-piste.
Crans-Montana is also a well known golfing destination, hosting one of the most prestigous tournaments in Europe every year at the end of August or in early September.
Crans-Montana is not just known as a ski destination. It hosts an annual golf tournament in early September and very much bills itself as a two-season (Winter and Summer) resort, and it is a gorgeous place. Sad to see a chain hotel with bland and uninspiring interiors is opening there, which will no doubt cheapen the place and ruin it with the White Lotus-type guests who will descend on this new property.
@Lucky: Even if the hotel were opened up for points bookings, hotel management would likely only make one room available (per IHG's policy allowing capacity controls), and that room would likely be astronomical in price. Other IHG hotels that are integrated into their points redemption do this - try finding availability at IC Thalasso in Bora Bora.
That said, I've noticed surprisingly good value redeeming points for IHG's Mr/Mrs Smith partner properties...which is ironic since they don't own or operate them. And some of those properties are stunning beyond stunning - moreso in many instances than Hyatt's SLH partners.
I think this is totally of brand for six senses...an ic of kimpton would lake a more Sense....
IHG has this problem with other brands and hotels they operate too. Some of them are not even bookable through the IHG website or APP. Agree that IHG is missing out on a lot of the other ends of the spectrum - consider an InterContinental is similar to Marriott or JW Marriott but not a luxury hotel
@lucky “There’s a general lack of good ski resorts in Europe”. Have you researched in Norway? There are 2 very decent Radisson in Trysil (Norway’s largest ski resort; 2,5h drive from OSL); and many other examples (Nordic Choice in Norefjell; Thon/GHA in Skeikampen; another Radisson in Beitostølen just to name a few)