Where to Stay in Annecy (Top 5 Areas & Best Hotels)

Where to Stay in Annecy for YOU

Click on the link you’re interested in above to see the best hotel in the area.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Annecy – Pros & Cons

Discover what each area has to offer and the pros and cons of each right below.

THE BEST Place to Stay in Annecy: Vieux Annecy

The Vieux Annecy quarter is hands down the best neighborhood in Annecy. Located right in the heart of the city, it perfectly captures everything Annecy is known for: stunning historic buildings, charming water canals, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook.

Highlights include the Pont des Amours, Parc de l’Europe, Lake Annecy, Annecy Castle, and the iconic Palais de l’Isle. Or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll along the canals and soak in the beauty around you.

If you’re after a romantic, intimate vibe, Vieux Annecy is the perfect pick. With its cozy restaurants, vibrant markets, and lively bars, it’s an area that truly has it all.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Vieux Annecy by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Les suites sainte claire: With its bright, modern, and clean interior, this hotel is definitely the best one in Vieux Annecy. The equipment is top-notch, and the hosts will warmly welcome you.

✨ Luxury Choice: APPALACHES Annecy Rent Lodge: Ideally located, it is extremely spacious and fully equipped. If you are traveling with a larger group, each and every one of you will have their own room!

💰 Budget Pick: THE ANGEL: Great location isn’t necessarily synonymous with expensive accommodation or lack of comfort! In fact, on top of being pretty cheap, this hotel also boasts a stylishly decorated interior with nice furniture.

Best Area to Stay on Lake Annecy: Les Balmettes

Right next to the Vieux Annecy, Les Balmettes is the ideal neighborhood for anyone wanting to stay near Lake Annecy. Not only does it sit right on the lake’s edge, but it also has its own unique perks that make it a fantastic choice.

One thing you absolutely have to try is the bike trails. Renting a bike lets you experience the best of Annecy—riding along the water with dreamy scenery all around (and yes, there’s even a beach!).

Les Balmettes is also a peaceful and charming neighborhood, with beautiful monuments such as the Basilica of the Visitation, where you can truly relax without any distractions. It’s perfect for a laid-back holiday vibe!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Les Balmettes by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Le Pélican: With its exceptional outdoor area and location, you might think that this hotel is out of reach… but, believe me, it isn’t! Because of all of its perks and its excellent value for money, you can book it with your eyes closed.

✨ Luxury Choice: Le Kube – Appartements de Prestige au centre d’Annecy: The main reason I love this one so much is definitely its equipment: everything is of the highest of standards, and it just feels luxurious and comfortable. The prime location isn’t too bad either!

💰 Budget Pick: Icône Hôtel – Annecy: Situated near the lake, the train station, and the city center, this hotel is indeed iconic: for such record-low pricing and great location, it is the best friend of budget travelers in Les Balmettes.

Best Area to Stay in Annecy in Winter: Le Semnoz

What’s a winter holiday in the French Alps without a great ski resort? If you’re visiting Annecy in the winter, Le Semnoz is a must. It’s not only the closest ski station to the city but also one of the nicest.

Getting there is a breeze—Le Semnoz is connected to Annecy by frequent (and free!) bus lines, so if you’re in the city, you can easily make your way up to the slopes.

And it’s not just for winter. In summer, Le Semnoz transforms into an adventure playground with biking, hiking, and even summer sledging. It’s a year-round destination worth checking out!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Le Semnoz by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: T3 atypique en maison à 200m lac & piste cyclable: If you are looking to easily reach Le Semnoz, I recommend staying in a city such as Saint-Jorioz (or Annecy). There, the best hotel is for sure this one. With its pristine decoration, exceptional view, and spacious interior, it is your safest bet.

✨ Luxury Choice: La Petite Montagne: Although ideal for the summer, this entire home is also perfectly suitable for the winter as it also features an amazing sauna, perfect to enjoy during the winter season.

💰 Budget Pick: Studio calme petite vue lac: While staying near a ski resort in the Alps is usually expensive, this 1-room apartment will do the trick. Not only is it peaceful, as its name implies, but it is also managed by nice hosts and offers all the basic amenities you could need.

Where to Stay in Annecy for Outdoor Lovers: Talloires

If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss Talloires, located on the eastern bank of Lake Annecy. Not only will you enjoy stunning views and easy access to the lake, but there’s even more to love about this charming spot.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Talloires is a playground year-round. Whether it’s watersports in the summer or scenic hikes through breathtaking landscapes, there’s always something to keep you connected with nature.

Even if the wilderness isn’t your thing, Talloires offers a serene and peaceful vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s the perfect quaint getaway for anyone looking to relax and recharge.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Talloires by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Abbaye de Talloires: In this place, not only will you enjoy top-notch services by the lakeside, but you will also have an incredible, ancient interior that feels particularly fancy whilst remaining an affordable accommodation.

✨ Luxury Choice: Chalet Christine: This chalet is for sure the true definition of luxury. In its stunning interior that feels like it’s coming right out of a catalog, you will find cutting-edge equipment and modern decoration.

💰 Budget Pick: Le Loft avec jardin – vue Lac: Despite being an entire apartment with a gorgeous view of Lake Annecy, this accommodation is definitely one of the more affordable options you can find in Talloires.

Where to Stay in Annecy with Kids: Annecy-le-Vieux

Don’t confuse Annecy-le-Vieux with the Vieux Annecy quarter (yes, it’s tricky for everyone). Located in the northeastern part of the city, Annecy-le-Vieux offers a much quieter, more relaxing vibe compared to the bustling historic center.

This neighborhood is perfect for families, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and great location. You’ll not only enjoy the charm of a quaint area but also have easy access to both the lakeside and the mountains—a win-win for outdoor lovers.

Plus, your family is sure to appreciate the cozy restaurants and charming bars dotted throughout Annecy-le-Vieux. It’s a great spot for a laid-back and memorable stay.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Annecy-le-Vieux by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Allobroges Park Hôtel: A well-rounded, complete experience awaits you in this hotel. You will be warmly welcomed in a modern interior and will be served excellent breakfasts at the start of each day.

✨ Luxury Choice: Hôtel Le Pré Carré: The reason this hotel is so luxurious and classy is, aside from its interior, of course, its staff: competent, and caring, they will help you with anything you could ever need. Besides, the brightness of the building and its prime location are other excellent arguments.

💰 Budget Pick: Ace Hotel Annecy: Cheap but definitely decent, this hotel is situated in a peaceful part of Annecy-le-Vieux. It’s clean and bright and offers all the basic comfort you can expect, with it has its own parking lot.

Which side of Lake Annecy is best?

If I’m being completely honest, I believe both sides of Lake Annecy are fantastic, and that you should take a bit of time to discover both of them. While the eastern side features incredible views and mountainous landscapes, the western side has nothing to be ashamed of, with its natural park and medieval castle.

However, if I truly had to choose, I would go to the east side: this is where you will enjoy the best views!

How many days should I spend in Annecy?

If you are looking for a well-rounded holiday where you get to enjoy all the best of Annecy without being in a rush, then you should spend 3 days in the city.

For those of you who have less time, 1 or 2 days could be doable. On the other hand, I wouldn’t stay there for more than a week.

Final Thoughts

And there you go! These were my 5 favorite areas to stay in Annecy, depending on your tastes.

Just as a reminder, for those of you who might still be hesitating, remember that the overall best neighborhood of Annecy is the Vieux Annecy, which is the city center. With its excellent location, pristine peacefulness, and exquisite restaurants, you are in for a treat!

🔍 Read more: 

• Best Things to Do in Annecy
• Best Hikes in Annecy
• Best Day Trips From Annecy

Check out all my Annecy & Haute-Savoie hikes here.