Abbaye de Talloires

The staff were warm and attentive, and the lake is right there with private access for swimming or just unwinding. This is a centuries-old abbey that's been renovated very nicely. The French food makes good use of local ingredients, including fish from the lake, with refined herbal and smoky notes.

We loved spending time outdoors, with plenty of places to sit on the docks or in the front garden and take in the calm lakeside setting. The cave-like bar was a fun, unexpected feature. Our room was spotless, well cared for, and had a beautiful view across the water. The comfortable bed and pillows, plus the plush bathrobes, made it feel especially cozy. There aren't many shops within walking distance, though there are some nice restaurants nearby. We didn't get much time to explore anyway. The Abbaye de Talloires was a wonderful place to stay, and we felt genuinely looked after.

The historic building is remarkable, and the reception ladies and housekeeping staff were so kind. The waterfront setting is lovely, though there weren't enough chairs for everyone at the hotel. We arrived on our first day and couldn't get a seat because we didn't know we had to come early. The bikes for rent were nice, the air conditioning was welcome, and the bathrooms were big. The terrace is pleasant, but it seemed short-staffed. For the price, it didn't feel like a four-star stay. Nobody showed us around or explained the history, the wine cellar was closed, and the valet was often absent. Most of the time we had to go to the bar to place an order. The art was questionable, although the historic pieces were lovely. A nearby three-star hotel had more amenities and staff who were more proactive and friendly. I appreciated the service from reception and housekeeping, though, and felt they probably just needed more help. We were also disappointed by the fancy dinner we booked. We were seated away from the view, our server never smiled, and the food was below par. The sommelier was great. Overall, it felt overpriced compared with other options.

We came for a couple of nights to relax, and that’s exactly what we got. The setting right at the water’s edge is stunning, and the building has been renovated beautifully while keeping its original style and adding all the comforts you’d want. Everyone on staff made us feel at home with personal, professional, relaxed service. The fine dining restaurant lived up to its reputation, and the wine list was excellent. Manon at reception deserves special thanks for being so helpful, and Margaux in the Spa gave us one of the best massages we’ve had, compared with all the other spa hotels we’ve visited around the world.