Annecy hotel recommendations?

Hi Cynthia, when we were going to stay at Annecy two years ago, I had similar problems with the hotel reviews. I ended up booking the cheapest room at the Imperial Palace Hotel. We were there in September, also, and they upgraded to a wonderful room with a large side terrace overlooking beautiful Lake Annecy. We really enjoyed the relaxing, short stroll along the promenade bordering the lake to reach the canals. Our hotel was next to boat and bike rentals that we enjoyed. Also, I still remember the wonderful little French bakery about two blocks behind the hotel - Pan &Gato! There was a fruit market nearby, too. I would definitely stay there again.

I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel du Chateau. It's not down by the lake but it's a fairly easy walk down to the town center and the lakeside. Because it's up and away from the hub-bub it's nice and quiet at night. It has parking and a nice terrace with wonderful views over the town - you can check out photos here. Rates are very reasonable because they aren't down on the lake and the staff is friendly and helpful. They get well deserved great reviews on TA and booking.com. The location is not for everyone but I was glad that I chose it.

I'll second the recommendation for Hotel Alexandra, for pretty much the same reasons given. I'd also second the recommendation for Hotel du Chateau based on the report from friends who stayed there at our suggestion. The only negative is, as mentioned, the uphill climb.

Thank you for the three recommendations. Were you OK with the parking arrangements? I am concerned about how safe it is to leave a rental car in a nearby public lot overnight. We would remove all of our belongings while the car was in the public lot, but I wonder if the license plates or some other mark on the car would make it obvious that the car was a rental and therefore possibly a desirable target? We don't want to waste vacation time with filing police reports!

Hi Cynthia, we traveled by train, but we saw the parking lot at the Imperial P hotel - actually walked through it because there was a historic car club who were staying the night at the hotel, and the cars were amazing! I assume it wouldn’t be a problem if those people trusted their cars at the hotel’s lot.

I'll "third" the recommendation for Hotel Alexandra. Staff was very friendly. It is a few steps from Old Town and a short walk to the lakeside park and lake itself.
We were there in August, had a room overlooking a canal, but with a clear view of the street. We left the windows open and did not have any problem with street noise. I think there was one loud group but they passed pretty quickly and it was quiet again after that.
Can't comment about parking since we were traveling by train but I never had any sense of danger or seediness as we walked around (a lot). We've parked in public parking spots numerous times in various places in France and have never had our car broken into.

Although we didn't park in Annecy, I don't think there's any safety issues with parking. Driving in the center is not easy, and finding parking can sometimes be a problem, but it seems like a very safe city for parking.