Best Luxury Hotels in Rhône-Alps

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.

The stunning Imperial Palace is ideally located in the heart of Annecy and offers guests from all over the world unbeatable views over lake Annecy. Set in a divine Edwardian building, the hotel can be found in the verdant Charles Bosson public park and is close to the idyllic Plage d’Annecy. There are 90 deluxe guestrooms and 14 spacious suites on offer at the hotel, each boasting stunning lake, mountain or park views. Multiple dining options include La Brasserie and Le Riva, overlooking Lake Annecy’s dazzling waters and guests can enjoy a cocktail and the lively atmosphere in Hip Bar. The hotel offers rejuvenating spa and wellness facilities at Cristal Spa including a range of treatments to help you unwind. The on-site Casino Imperial is equipped with traditional games and machines including roulette and table games. The hotel also makes for an exceptional wedding and events venue with the ability to accommodate up to 600 people.

Taking its name from the surrounding snows, this mountain chalet gives direct access to the slopes. This Hotel Barrière has 20 guest rooms, 22 suites and a penthouse, all draped in sumptuous cream and silky white fabrics with strewn faux furs, offsetting the natural wood structure. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Les Neiges has two restaurants, a bar, a cigar lounge and a pretty terrace for exterior dining accompanied by the DJ’s beats. And in the Diane Barrière Spa, guests will find six treatment booths, a hammam, sauna, cold bath, swimming pool and aquatic course, all spread across 1,000 m2 of pampering space.

Guests here are housed in one of 70 bedrooms, some in chalets and ‘mazots’ (a kind of Savoyard mountain hut). Les Fermes de Marie came into being in the 1980s but now has a classic chalet feel (think Game of Thrones-style; wood panelling, fur throws, sheepskin cushions and rustic four-poster beds). Its new-look Pure Altitude Spa was launched in 2019, with 17 treatment cabins, hot and cold ceder ofuro soaking tubs, a child-friendly indoor-outdoor swimming pool and an adults-only indoor pool. There’s also a hot tub on the terrace, the Traditionnel restaurant and two further eateries that open during high season.

Housed in a sophisticated listed heritage building from 1820, Le Pélican is situated in the heart of Annecy. Between the entrance to the old town and the spectacular Lake Annecy, you’ll find this luxurious retreat that has transformed a historic hospital into a combination of new and old, especially with the recent addition of a new structure. There are 100 lavish guestrooms and suites to choose from featuring the exceptional Pélican Lake Suite which boasts a 650sqft terrace fitted with a Nordic bath. There is a gourmet bistro restaurant with a glass ceiling and an expansive terrace overlooking the natural wonders of the mountains and the lake. In the lobby you’ll find Bakery Ô Bon Pain serving French delicacies. The hotel offers guests a relaxing heated outdoor pool with a pool bar. There are also weekly live music performances at Le Pélican depending on the time of year. This hotel is pet friendly.

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.

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.

With just 12 suites and a three-bedroom private cottage set across three chalets, Zannier Hotels Le Chalet creates an intimate environment for its residents. Each residence has its own balcony or terrace and suits longer stays – the hotel can be booked in its entirety for extra exclusivity. And with fewer guests, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a little solitude in the sleek spa, or indulge in a quiet meal. It has ski-in and ski-out access and a dedicated ski concierge, with Patisserie Buffets, served every morning to set guests up for a day on the slopes. Apres-ski, those staying at the hotel can feast on French-style tapas, Alpine gastronomic creations and attend ‘Bistronomique’ evenings.

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.

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.

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.

With just four private luxury chalets to choose from, guests at Hotel Village La Mourra can be sure that they will be treated to an intimate atmosphere and a personalised service. Indulging in treatments in the My Blend by Clarins is the perfect way to unwind after spending the day on the slopes, while guests are also treated to a sauna and steam room to unwind in. the hotel also comes complete with a seventeen-metre pool, while a team of physiotherapists and an osteopath are on hand to pamper guests from head to toe. The chalets feature beautiful marble bathrooms and large bathrooms, while the reclaimed wooden furniture features colourful and cosy touches. Lovers of Japanese cuisine are also sure to love the selection of dishes that are served in the cosy dining room.