Hotel du Lac

The hotel's signature feature is its idyllic location in Talloires, offering stunning views of Lake Annecy and a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere that many guests find incredibly relaxing. Visitors consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, the inviting and spacious pool area with its bar service, and the delicious and varied breakfast buffet. While the hotel is celebrated for its charm and character, some guests note that the room decor can feel a bit dated. This hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic and serene escape, families looking for a quiet base with excellent recreational options, and leisure travelers who value a picturesque setting close to natural beauty. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a lake-view room for the best vistas, and be prepared for the lack of air conditioning, especially during warmer months. Utilizing the free bus service to Annecy is also recommended to avoid traffic congestion.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's spacious and inviting pool area, which is often described as large, heated, and a great spot for relaxation. The pool is complemented by ample sun loungers and shady spots, along with recreational options like a ping-pong table and other seating arrangements. A poolside bar offers convenient service, enhancing the leisurely atmosphere. Many appreciate the extensive garden areas, providing varied indoor and outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, though some guests reported occasional connectivity issues, particularly during adverse weather. While the hotel offers a comfortable stay, some suggest that the overall interior, including wall tiles and shutters, could benefit from modernization to align with contemporary aesthetics, as some elements appear dated or in need of repair.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is mixed, with many finding the rooms spacious and the beds super comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. Some guests noted that their rooms appeared recently renovated and were very clean. However, a significant recurring point is the absence of air conditioning, which made rooms stifling and uncomfortable during hot weather, leading some to rely on provided fans that were sometimes ineffective or noisy. The decor is frequently described as dated or old-fashioned, with some suggesting a need for modernization, including carpets and bathroom fixtures. Specific issues mentioned include broken shower heads, mold in bathrooms, and a lack of ventilation. Noise can also be an issue, with some guests hearing music from breakfast or parties from neighboring properties, and even noisy birds at dawn. Many guests also wished for tea/coffee making facilities in the room.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, described as delicious, plentiful, and offering a fantastic choice with a varied buffet. Many appreciate the option to enjoy breakfast on the shaded terrace or in the garden area. The fresh pastries are a particular highlight. However, some guests found the coffee to be average and noted that the buffet was not always promptly refilled. A common point of feedback is the absence of a dedicated restaurant for dinner service within the hotel, which some guests found inconvenient. While a bar is available, the bar food options are generally described as average, with some noting that dishes were microwaved frozen supermarket items. Despite this, the quality of the breakfast remains a significant positive aspect of the hotel experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is overwhelmingly cited as a major highlight, described as ideal, superb, and exceptional. Situated in the charming village of Talloires, it offers a tranquil and peaceful setting, distinct from the busier Annecy. Guests appreciate its close proximity to Lake Annecy, often just a few minutes' walk to the beach and village center with its cafes and restaurants. The hotel is set back from main roads, contributing to its quiet ambiance. For those traveling by car, ample free parking is available on-site, which is a significant convenience. Additionally, the availability of a free bus service between Talloires and Annecy is highly valued, providing easy access to the city and reducing the need for a car, especially during peak season when roads can be congested.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise, described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to assist with requests and provide information on local activities. The reception staff are particularly noted for their efficiency, with one instance of quickly resolving a shower issue and providing excellent advice. The barman is also singled out for being very kind and attentive, ensuring guests never had to wait for service. The overall impression is one of a caring and professional team dedicated to making guests feel comfortable. Some guests noted that while generally friendly, the reception staff could occasionally be a bit "non-chalant," but this was a minor point compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on service.

Additional Information
The hotel is noted for its pet-friendly policy, with staff being very accepting of dogs, which is a significant plus for guests traveling with their pets. While the hotel generally offers a peaceful environment, some guests were bothered by loud music played during breakfast, which could also be heard from their rooms, detracting from the desired tranquility. The hotel is often described as having a classic charm and an old-world character, which appeals to many, though some interpret this as being dated. Guests should also be aware that smoking is allowed near the front entrance, which some found unpleasant as smoke could drift into the hotel or nearby rooms. The hotel provides a garage for bike storage, a useful amenity for cyclists exploring the area.