Spa Hotels on the Shores of Lake Annecy

The lakeshore setting is what makes the Impérial Palace work for families: the shaded terrace overlooks Lake Annecy, and many rooms have balconies with lake or park views, a pleasure when children are asleep and the evening is still young. Rooms are air-conditioned, and the casual brasserie is an easy option with children alongside the terrace restaurant. The spa suits parents taking turns, and the casino is strictly for the adults.

A terrace with views of the lake and the mountains sets the tone at Le Pélican, a 4-star hotel in Annecy that works well for families. The seasonal outdoor pool is a favourite with children in summer, and the family rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms. The modern restaurant serves French and European cuisine, so dinner is easy after a day around the lake. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole property, pets are welcome, and nearly 5,000 reviews average 8.9.

Auberge du Lyonnais is in central Annecy, and I like it for families who want to walk the old town and eat well without going far. Family rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed, with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The restaurant serves French cuisine with vegetarian options from brunch to dinner, which keeps mealtimes simple with children. Room service, a concierge, luggage storage and a terrace complete a well-rounded stay.

Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy is a four-star hotel that covers the practical basics for families: air-conditioned rooms, some with a balcony, a buffet breakfast to start the day and a restaurant with a terrace for evenings when nobody wants to go far. The spa gives parents a break, and pets are welcome, which helps if the dog travels too. Its 8.9 score across more than 2,600 reviews is a reassuring signal for a family booking.

ROYAL Annecy Apparthôtel is a self-catering aparthotel just 200 metres from Lake Annecy and 350 metres from the Palais de l'Isle, which I find a strong position for families. Each apartment has a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a fully equipped kitchenette and free WiFi. A fitness room and luggage storage are available, useful on arrival and departure days. Pets are welcome, so the dog can stay in the apartment with you.

Le Clos Des Sens is a refined 5-star hotel in Annecy-le-Vieux, close to Lake Annecy, built around a gourmet restaurant serving delicate, creative cuisine in the dining room or the garden. The spacious rooms have modern decor and a spa bath. The listing describes a luxurious break with fine dining rather than a family stay: no family rooms, pool or play area are mentioned, so families with young children may find other addresses around the lake more practical.

Le Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection is a four-star hotel on the lakeside, in the old town, with a beach about 200 metres away, which makes summer days easy with children. It has a spa and a fitness room, and the rooms are comfortable with modern amenities. Shopping, dining and cultural sites are close, so you can walk everywhere. Pets are welcome, so the family dog does not have to stay at home.

For a family, the point of Les Loges is space: apartments rather than rooms, with a full kitchen and room for up to 18 guests across the five units, so two families can take neighbouring apartments. The duplex and three-level layouts give parents and children separate floors, but they also mean stairs inside the apartment, a real concern with toddlers. The hammam and the open fireplace need supervision with young children. Outside, the pedestrian lanes of the old town and the lakeshore a few hundred metres away make car-free walks easy, and the family dog is welcome too.

Hotel des Marquisats stands 200 metres from Lake Annecy, with views over the water and the Alps, and I like it for families who want the lake close by and a quieter base than the old town, which is a 20-minute walk away. Rooms are individually decorated, breakfast is continental, and WiFi and parking are free, which helps with a car full of luggage. Parents can use the sauna and hammam, and the lounge bar is carved into the rock.

Aparthotel Adagio Annecy Centre offers studios and apartments 500 metres from the castle and the old town, and for a family that wants its own kitchen in Annecy I would put it near the top. Lake Annecy is 1 km away and the train station a short walk, so a car is optional. Pets are accepted, the reception is open 24 hours and there is a fitness centre. An 8.4 score over nearly 3,000 reviews suggests a reliable stay.

Moxy Annecy offers air-conditioned family rooms with soundproofing, a desk and a TV, which makes sharing a room with children easier. The restaurant serves French cuisine at dinner, so there is no need to go out again in the evening, and breakfast is a buffet. Guests can sit on the outdoor terrace, use the fitness centre or book time in the spa. Pets are accepted. More than 2,800 reviews give this three-star an average of 8.4.