Hotel Imperial Palace

  • France, Lake Annecy

  • 4.5

    4.5 Rating

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Originally opened in 1913, the Impérial Palace is located on a peninsular in the charming grounds of the Parc Charles Bosson at the northern most point of Lake Annecy. Despite its proximity to the town of Annecy, this hotel feels miles away from the hustle and bustle with spectacular views of the lake enjoyed from the restaurant and grounds.

The elegant traditional hotel has a fabulous location, situated right on the lake, only a short walking distance away from the town. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake, surrounded by picturesque manicured gardens. Relax in the extensive Cristal Spa facilities including plunge pool, experience showers, whirlpool, sauna and steam room (book and pay locally). The hotel has been visited by a number of famous guests including Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin!

Added value

Inghams rep based in resort

Flights and transfers included

Rooms
  • No. of rooms: 104
  • No. of buildings: 1
  • No. of floors: 6

Reception

  • 24 Hour front desk
  • Check in time 4pm
  • Check out time midday
  • Official rating: 4

Local Fees and Taxes

  • Resort tax €1.45 per person per night (under 18s free of charge) payable locally

Rooms

All rooms have twin or double beds (please specify preference when booking), bath or shower, TV with English speaking channels, air-conditioning, minibar, bath robes, slippers, tea & coffee making facilities, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer and views over the lake or gardens (on request).

Classic rooms sleep 2 people with views looking towards the town of Annecy. 

Privilege rooms sleep 2 people and have side views over the lake.

Prestige rooms sleeps 2 people in a larger room with lake views (on request).

Family rooms sleep up to 4 people with an additional double sofa bed with views over the hotels grand entrance looking towards the town of Annecy (available on request).

Interconnecting rooms are available (on request). Classic, Privilege rooms and Prestige rooms are also available for sole occupancy (additional supplement).

  • Lift accessible: Yes
  • Lift serves all floors: Yes
  • Access ramp: Yes
  • This hotel has disabled access throughout
  • Adapted rooms are available (on request)
Lake Annecy

From the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy - known as Europe’s cleanest - to the picturesque villages circling the lake and its surrounding mountains, visiting Annecy in summer is like having multiple holidays in one. Hit the water by paddleboard, pedalo, boat or wakeboard, head up into the hills for views and explore the winding cobblestone streets of Annecy before heading into one of its breweries, bistros or fine dining restaurants. At the far end of the lake is the peaceful Talloires, a village with an ancient history ideal for escaping the action and discovering the area’s quiet side.

Lake Annecy’s beach scene

As well as the city, lake and mountains, you’ll also get a taste of beach life on the shores of Lake Annecy, with over a dozen to choose from for a lazy day: Plage de La Brune and St Jorioz have sandy shores, while the Menthon-Saint Bernard is more of an outdoor swimming pool complex but in a natural setting and with fresh lake water, floating walkways, lifeguards and showers. Albigny beach, with its grassy banks for sunbathing, is one of Annecy’s most popular, just a 20-minute walk from town. The Talloires bay is sheltered from wind, with paddling pools for kids, as well as beach volleyball and bowls. The list goes on…

From easy strolls to rambling in the hills, there’s something for every walker in and around Annecy

Wander along the meandering canals in Annecy’s old town and you’ll understand why it’s called the ‘Venice of the Alps’, packed with colourful houses and medieval architecture. Discover more about the flora and fauna of the lake along family trails Sentier des Roselières or Réserve Naturelle du Bout-du-Lac. And, if you’re feeling sporty, head high on the Parmelan pathway, or take the trail to the Glières plateau, for the full mountain-panorama effect.

Visit the city of Annecy for a day of culture

For a city, Annecy is tiny in size and easy to explore on foot. From Annecy Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, to the Pont des Amours (lovers’ bridge) covered in padlocks, to 12th-century prison Palais de l’Ile, or exhibition space Bonlieu, Annecy is packed with history. When you’ve had enough history, dive into the food and drinking scene. The seven Michelin stars in the region just go to show what a focus food is here, with the local bistros and cafes serving up equally as excellent un-starred plates and great value Savoie wine. Join the locals in strolling along the lake’s edge to digest…

For another history hit head to Talloires, a village based around a 9th century abbey with a more recent history of artists and writers (we’re talking the likes of Cezanne and Mark Twain) visiting in search of beauty and inspiration.

Cycle the long but gentle bike path around Lake Annecy for the views, or head high for a challenge

Pedal around the lake on the mostly-flat 26-mile cycle path, or take out the hardest work and do it on e-bike. Serious riders can discover the numerous Tour de France stages that have passed by Annecy over the years, with Col de Leschaux a fantastic introductory climb. Mountain bikers will find their people at Le Semnoz bike park, with everything from fun trails to the long 1,300m downhill ride into Annecy.

Annecy’s waterfalls, gorges and rivers - perfect for excursions

Beyond the lake are rivers and nature reserves to explore. The Angon waterfall gives beautiful views over Lake Annecy and can be accessed by a trail from Talloires on the eastern shores. West of Annecy, and just under the medieval castle of Montrottier, is the Fier Gorge - a narrow and deep canyon that you can access on foot thanks to a sturdy footbridge through the deep-cut rocks.

Earn your lunch by walking to a mountain hut above Annecy

Head up into the mountains and make tracks for a mountain hut, for cooler weather, big views and an Alpine treat once you arrive. The Aulp de Marlens hut is at the end of a meandering trail through forest and alpine pastures, with homemade cheese waiting for you. The hike from Aviernoz to cliff-top Parmelan Hut might be a hard slog up (around two hours) but is well worth the effort for the views. And setting out from the shores of Lake Annecy towards Praz d’Zeures, you’ll have views of Mont Blanc.

 

Facilities

Cristal Spa (payable locally)

The hotels Cristal Spa is bookable and payable locally (€15 entrance per person per hour). The wellness area offers modern facilities and is the perfect place to relax. Its indoor plunge pool is cleverly designed with an exposed glass side whilst the sauna and hammam are a wonderful treat for tired legs after a day of walking by the lake. The experience shower is a delight for the senses with a range of pressures, temperatures, scents and lights. Beauty treatments and massages are also available to book locally at a further charge. Please note that the spa and facilities have a limited capacity and therefore booking in advance is required.

Hotel Facilities

  • Casino (adults only)
  • Fitness room
  • 3 Restaurants 'La Voile Gastronomic', 'La Brasserie' and 'Riva' (adults only). Please note, La Brasserie is the restaurant you dine at on the half-board option.
  • Picturesque manicured gardens (please note the hotel gardens are open to the public)
  • E-bikes available to hire from the hotel (€45 for the day - please note prices may vary and are payable locally, subject to availability)
  • Bus stop right outside hotel
  • Room service (payable locally)
  • Wi-Fi (Free)
  • Newspapers available (on request)
Family Facilities
  • Baby cots are available free for children under 2 years (on request)
  • Earlier meal times are available for children from 7 pm (on request)
Meals

In the morning you can enjoy a delicious continental buffet breakfast.

For those on half board you can enjoy a three-course evening meal in the hotels main restaurant.

Please note that the Brassiere restaurant will be closed for refurbishment for summer 2024.

For those wishing to, there is the option to upgrade the half board offering to include a daily packed lunch at an additional charge.

Board basis options available

  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Half Board

This property caters for the following special dietary requirements

  • Gluten Free
  • Vegans
  • Vegetarians

Special dietary requirements are available on request, please advise at the time of booking.

Longitude: 6.14466
Latitude: 45.9036573

2km from the centre of town

2km to the train station

 

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This accommodation is not available to be booked online, please call our Reservations Team on 01483 791111 to book or for further information
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