The Best Hotels in Annecy

Right in the heart of the city centre next to the Old Town, the Alexandra Hotel – which has 25 spacious, airy, simply decorated rooms, all with flatscreen TV – offers a 24-hour concierge service, with breakfast served every morning in the Nature Room, featuring rustic decor and creative artwork.

This hotel, five minutes from Lake Annecy, is in an ideal spot, whether you’re wishing to explore the city or the mountains nearby. Hôtel des Alpes offers 32 recently renovated rooms done out in bright colours with sleek, chic furnishings. The staff here are extremely friendly and helpful, and all speak good English.

Founded in 1959, this property sits at the foot of Annecy Castle. Rooms are simple but come with up-to-date facilities. The common area, done out in warm colours, has large, comfy seating and a piano that you can use to practise your chords. Breakfast is served daily on the terrace, which has spectacular views of the castle and city.

This five-star hotel is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Annecy to the east, but the upside is it has direct access to the lake from a private jetty. That and the sweeping views you get over the water from your room. Each has its own balcony or outdoor space, while the interiors brim with Savoyard charm. There’s also a two-starred Michelin restaurant showcasing the flavours of the region – including alpine meadow flowers. Top tip: head out for a cycle ride with a gourmet picnic basket put together by chef Yoann Conte himself.

Another hotel where the waters of the lake are almost lapping at the door, this five-star retreat in a lush, wooded park, has a large terrace and private beach to swim from. For all its alpine ambience, the decor is fresh and modern and reflects the colours of the lake. In the two-starred Michelin restaurant, Jean Sulpice serves up seasonal dishes with a distinctly local twist.

Set in a beautiful bay a half-hour’s drive from Annecy, on the eastern shores of the lake, this four-star hotel is a listed monument with more than 1,000 years’ history as an abbey. A hotel since 1862, it has an impressive celebrity roll call including Mark Twain, Paul Cézanne and, more recently, actor Jean Reno. Today, fine dining is assured in the gourmet restaurant where veg come straight from the garden. Other highlights include the 200sqm (2,153sqft) spa, a vaulted bar and private pontoon.

The star of the show at this friendly three-star hotel is the outdoor pool, complete with jacuzzi, where you can enjoy a dip overlooking Lake Annecy with the mountains as a backdrop. Located on the edge of the forest and 200m (656ft) from the beach, the hotel has rooms that are modern and functional, some with a balcony, and many with a lake view. The restaurant includes freshwater fish straight from you can guess where, as well as traditional French and Savoyard specialities.

This serene spot, a little way above Lake Annecy, has far-reaching views across the water and the Alps. Dating from 1930, the hotel blends influences of art deco and art nouveau with a touch of modernity. There’s also a sumptuous spa, with a sauna, hammam and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as three restaurants. With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, the water supply is heated by 90sqm (969sqft) of solar panels and there’s an apiary with 800,000 bees.

Dating back to the 14th century, this exclusive five-star residence comprises five apartments, each with a fireplace, hammam and even their own wine cellar, in the heart of old Annecy. While the building itself retains its historic features, architect Jacques Losserand has reimagined the rooms for today’s discerning traveller, giving them a stylish, ultra-modern makeover. The showpiece here is the oyster bar, offering several varieties of this local delicacy, or you can have them delivered direct to your quarters.

Handily close to the lakeside, but within walking distance of the Old Town, this three-star hotel has modern rooms decorated by a variety of French designers. There’s also a great gourmet crêperie, L’Assiette Rouge, which uses organic products. If you needed any further convincing, chef Fabien Corboz is a graduate of a master crêpe-making school in Brittany – the home of this French classic.

The amenities at these swanky apartments in the historic district of Annecy include hot tubs and flatscreen TV and some have a fully equipped kitchen. Not in the mood for cooking? Head down to the on-site restaurant serving Italian cuisine. A few steps away is the medieval castle of the Palais de l’Isle, on the Thiou Canal, and the museum of Chateau d’Annecy. Alternatively, take advantage of the bicycle rental service to head further afield.

Offering a spectacular view of the canal, the Medieval castle and the picturesque lanes of Annecy Old Town, this three-star hotel combines the charm of an 18th-century residence with resolutely modern design. Recently renovated, the pristine rooms are light and airy, with pale wooden floors and cobalt-blue touches, and this contemporary style continues in the hotel bar. The gourmet breakfast includes everything from brioches and viennoiseries, or pastries, to fresh juices.