Hôtel Palace de Menthon

Le Palace de Menthon was founded in 1906, and the building still reads as a product of that era: its facade is typical of the palaces of the early 20th century. Today the hotel is a member of the Lavorel Hotels collection, and the MICHELIN Guide sums up its atmosphere as "Contemporary Classic & Lively".

The dining room carries the most striking architectural feature. A wrap-around Art Deco bay window takes in a lakeside panorama, and the restaurant's decor pairs the Art Deco spirit of the 1900s with modern inspirations. In the bedrooms, the hotel describes a neo-classical style, while the MICHELIN Guide notes a blend of classic and contemporary, with antique echoes set against vibrant mural walls. One former public room survives in a new role: the old library now houses Lili's Suite.

The hotel sits at 665 Route des Bains in Menthon-Saint-Bernard, surrounded by gardens the hotel describes as peaceful. Among them is a Mediterranean-style garden that the hotel says has a Riviera feel, an unexpected note on an Alpine lake. The shoreline itself is the main draw: the private beach is of fine sand, with sun loungers and a waterside terrace, and the hotel keeps its own private harbour alongside.

Behind the hotel rises the Roc de Chère, a rocky outcrop that reaches 660 metres, so the property is framed by water on one side and rock on the other. The town of Annecy lies 10 kilometres away, close enough for an easy excursion. For exploring nearer at hand, bikes can be hired from reception to ride the surrounding area facing the lake.

The smallest option is the Lakeside Nest Room, at 19.8 m² for two, with a 160×200 cm bed and a view of Lake Annecy; the hotel pitches it as a romantic getaway. It comes with air conditioning, a safe, minibar, TV and a private bathroom with bathtub. The attic rooms, Chambres Mansardées, also take up to two, with either a 180×200 cm or a 160×200 cm bed, views of the lake and the Alpine landscapes, air conditioning, a bathroom with bathtub, and the option of adding a baby bed.

The Panoramics rooms, again for up to two, are the ones for guests who want the water in view from several angles: the hotel describes them as spacious, chic and welcoming, with several windows overlooking the lake and the Alpine landscapes. Bathrooms have a shower or a bath depending on the room, and a baby bed can be added.

Families have dedicated suites of 40 to 50 m², for up to five people (two adults, two children and a baby). Each comprises a lounge with a sofa bed and a separate bedroom or alcove with a 180×200 cm king-size bed, lake and mountain views, and contemporary furnishings in a colour palette the hotel calls bold yet elegant.

The standout is Lili's Suite, 80 m² over two levels in the former library, for up to four. Wood-panelled interiors, a 180×200 cm bed, a sofa, a shower and a free-standing panoramic bathtub sit beneath views of Lake Annecy. Beyond the main building, Lili's House is a private villa set in gardens and bordered by the lake.

The Restaurant du Palace is run by executive chef Frédéric Delormes, who trained alongside Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Buron at Le Chabichou. His cooking is traditional French with subtle Mediterranean flavours, inspired by local products. Dinner runs every evening from 19:30 to 21:30, and lunch daily from 12:30 to 14:00, subject to availability. The wine list covers fine vintages from the major French regions, with a special place for Beaujolais from Château des Ravatys, an estate in organic conversion.

Bar 1906, run by mixologist Axel Rochebois, describes itself as a contemporary exploration bar, with cocktails inspired by Fortaleza, Krabi, La Rochelle, Yokohama and Sydney, and a panoramic view over the lake. Guests receive a world map to personalise, marking their own stopovers. The pastry chef and Frédéric Delormes have also created Le Palace tea time.

Breakfast is a buffet in the restaurant, sweet and savoury, hot and cold, served from 07:30 to 10:30; it can also be brought to the room. In summer, La Plage, also called Le Beach du Palace, offers a waterside terrace on the sand. Beach Thursdays bring a BBQ menu, an unlimited buffet, a complimentary cocktail of the day and live music by Karmélis, while Sunset Evenings feature Sax'n Voice.

The hotel's spa operates under the Sothys name, and residents have unrestricted access to it. The swimming pool, hammam and fitness centre are open daily from 08:00 to 21:00, while treatments are given Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00.

The relaxation area sits on the garden level, with huge picture windows that the hotel describes as giving spectacular views over the lake. Non-residents can also use the spa by booking a treatment in advance, which includes a one-hour slot beforehand, so hotel guests may share the facilities with visitors.

The lake is the obvious playground. Wakeboarding, water skiing, pedalos and boat hire are available just outside the hotel, and the wider list of nearby activities takes in visits to Annecy and the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Golf, horse-riding and trails for hiking on foot or by bike are all found in the vicinity.

In winter the hotel works as a base for the mountains: ski lifts are 25 minutes away, for skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. In high summer, from 7 July to 21 August, the hotel runs complimentary outdoor yoga on Wednesdays and Thursdays and fitness coaching on Tuesdays and Fridays, both at 08:00, for hotel guests only, with a maximum of 10 participants and booking at reception.

Families are catered for at Easter, when the kids club offers surprise activities and an egg hunt is held in the gardens on Easter Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00. For events, the hotel has 950 m² of lakeside seminar space for up to 240 people.