Best Boutique Hotels in Rhône-Alps

Enjoy all the cosiness of an Alpine chalet in full contemporary style at M de Megève. The design here is deeply sophisticated, befitting a sleek boutique establishment. A new wing was added in 2019, housing some of the hotel’s 42 bedrooms, and there’s a spa (with a counter-current pool) beneath the ground floor. Nothing says romance quite like a horse-drawn carriage rides around a snow-covered French chocolate box town – and this is something the hotel offers completely free of charge (although it must be pre-booked). It’s a perfect setting for a proposal or a memorable anniversary, followed by an exquisite French meal at Le M Restaurant.

The Hébé Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Annecy. The hotel is comprised of six floors, filled with stunning guestrooms and suites including options for people with reduced mobility and featuring the spacious Suite Hébé and the stunning Balcony Room with a terrace overlooking the quaint street below. The hotel is home to a sheltered terrace where guests can relax all throughout the day and enjoy a continental breakfast or choose from the tempting à la carte menu. There is also the option of an in-room breakfast for days when all you want to do is relax. The bar is open all day serving hot and cold drinks to help you start the day right and offering a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the night. The hotel offers electric bike rentals to allow you to explore Annecy, the lake, the mountains, and the surrounding areas with ease.

Les Clos des Sens is an intimate and luxurious escape in the stunning surroundings of Annecy. Located close to the Lake of Annecy, this tranquil retreat boasts 10 beautifully appointed rooms offering spectacular lake and city views. The hotel displays simplistic and contemporary décor in every corner with an elegant and sophisticated ambience amidst the stunning landscapes of the area. Guests are invited to indulge in the gourmet dining from the on-site three-Michelin-starred kitchen which allows you to savour the gastronomic delights on offer in the cosy dining room or garden. The hotel offers a heated, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, lined with loungers, inviting you to soak up the summer sun in peace and in style. The hotel’s idyllic location provides easy access to the lake and the surrounding mountains, allowing you to make the most of your stay and see all that there is to see without having to go far.

The Black Bass Hotel is a magnificent 5-star escape by the shores of Lake Annecy. The hotel is in an ideal location for exploring the surrounding areas, taking in endless views of unspoiled scenery or simple escaping from day-to-day duties. There are 25 comfortable and contemporary rooms and suites on offer with expansive windows boasting spectacular lake and forest views. The Lake View Suites are complete with spacious terraces and panoramic vistas. There is an excellent on-site restaurant serving a delightful lunch and dinner and a bar which overlook the lake in all its glory. The hotel’s blissful spa and wellness facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a rejuvenating Hammam. Guests are also invited to take advantage of the fitness centre. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with remarkable lake views. This hotel is pet friendly.

This four-star hotel is across from Paul Mistral Park, in the Quartier Exposition-Bajatière, just a short stroll from the city centre. Single rooms through to king-sized suites are available to book, with soundproofing, minibars, room service on demand and balconies. Provided by Sofitel, the property accommodates 40 bedrooms, a hammam, an indoor pool, a sensory shower, a fitness suite and a guest lounge. Valet parking is provided, with complimentary seasonal shuttles to the main ski areas. Meals are served in Le Zebre, a quirky and contemporary drinking and dining venue with easy chairs and sofas — perfect for an evening’s reclining after a day’s Alpine activities.

Nestled among the vineyards of Beaujolais, Chateau De Bagnols is  half an hour outside of the centre in a pretty village. Housed in a privately owned 15th-century castle, the hotel offers 27 suites (some air conditioned), across three categories. Contemporary decor in cool tones blends with antiques, four poster beds, vaulted ceilings and beams. The formal restaurant, 1217, is Michelin-starred and features an enormous, majestic, stone carved fireplace, as well as a south-facing al fresco terrace. Or guests can take a seat in the inner courtyard’s Café du Château for lighter meals. Additional deluxe amenities found on site include an outdoor pool flanked by cherry trees, a spa and a gym.

This chic family run establishment boasts a cosy interior and plenty of luxurious touches. Guests are sure to love unwinding besides the open fire and taking in the stunning mountain scenery from the spacious terrace or in the celebrated lounge room. The main suites here are especially comfortable and come complete with their own balconies that offer impressive views. The hot tubs that are set right into the snow are the perfect places to unwind in style, while there is also an outdoor heated swimming pool and a hammam. In between spending time on the slopes, guests can also work up a sweat in the gym and take part in yoga classes.

Owned by a family of avid skiers (the Capezzone’s), this is part of a small boutique chain. Very much a family affair, son Tom designed the interiors, daughter Emily is the maitre d’, while the owners Suzanne and Philippe are ever-present. The decor in the property has been inspired by Tibet – Chogori means ‘Big Mountain – while the tasting menus in L’Altiplano take on a Peruvian flair, incorporating Japanese cookery techniques, with dishes served on charcoal black crockery. Also in the hotel is the K2 Boutique, Goji Spa by Valmont, a kids’ zone and Bar 1954.

With its special ski-to-door access, Le Yule Hotel and Spa offers guests the opportunity to roll out of bed and hit the slopes straight away. Village Ski Lift is located just 200 metres away, while Bellevarde Express Ski Lift is just a 400-metre stroll. Even people who don’t want to try their hands at skiing will find plenty to do here as the large and luxurious spa come with a sauna and steam room, while there is a whole host of spa treatments to choose from. There are 41 rooms in total, with top options including balconies that look out over the slopes.

Guests are greeted at this homely venue, nestled in Méribel village, by a large green topiary bear. Inside, is cosy and bright, with plenty of contemporary Alpine style touches. Guests can sip on drinks and listen to music by the fireside in the bar, or retreat to the calmer library (also with a roaring fire). 37 rooms come with iPads and south-facing views, while the dining room provides gourmet cuisine (including a weekly Savoyarde night), under the direction of Michelin star chef Stéphane Froidevaux. Spa Temea offers therapies calling on homoeopathic, ayurvedic and shiatsu traditions, as well as beauty treatments.

Located just 50 metres from the foot of Tignes’ pistes with ski-in and ski-out facilities, Le Grand (previously known as Le Grand Hôtel au Rond-Point des Pistes) is a very modern affair. 38 rooms and suites offer warming yet soothing decor that echoes its surroundings with contemporary flair. Found in the heart of the 1850 village (shops and restaurants are minutes away), the four-star establishment offers incredible 180° views from the restaurant. The gym and spa feature a sauna, steam room, relaxation area and an elliptical bike which can be used to prepare leg and arm muscles ahead of a hard ski session.

Ski-in and ski-out of Hotel La Sivoliere. Accessible accommodation is available with all 35 rooms, suites and apartments having been refurbished by interior designer Sara Copeland. It has earned Family Plus certification with Mini Sivo Captains on hand to entertain young ones in the Mini Sivo Room, and magical mini handcrafted wooden bunks in some rooms. Here, you can book a dog-sitter to walk your pooch – canines received a basket to match the room and their own meal menu. The hotel dates back to 1950 and is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and Savoyard speciality cuisine.