Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle

The staff were amazing, so kind and helpful, and the breakfast was fresh with plenty of choice. The location is perfect for both the lake and Old Town. The hotel is lovely, but very old and awkward to get around in places. Our first room was minuscule, up in the loft with horrible stairs, but they moved us to a good room for 19 EU a night. They advertise a bar, though in reality it’s the reception and breakfast room being used in the evening, and it wasn’t somewhere we wanted to sit. I’d definitely stay again for the location and staff.

The hotel has modern facilities but still keeps the charming quirks of its old building. We loved the old staircase, though there’s a lift if you’d rather use it. All the staff were helpful and pleasant. The location is perfect in Annecy: you can leave your car near the lake and walk along the lakeside and canal to reach the hotel.

For three days in Annecy, the location and value were hard to beat, and the bed was comfortable. The small elevators are a bit inconvenient, though that’s understandable in an old building. Saint Claire parking worked well and wasn’t too far away. The big downside was the carpet in our room, which was stained all over and absolutely disgusting. Fix that, and it would be an easy five stars.

I asked for a particular room overlooking the flower-lined main canal, and staff said they could give it to us that day. I was paying quite a bit more for that room, but never got a reservation confirmation. When my girlfriend and I arrived, that specific room was occupied, and we were given one with no view at all. It was really embarrassing after I’d promised her a lovely room. The owner was kind and understanding about what had happened, but unfortunately it still wasn’t the experience I’d expected.