Inspiration

Palace de Menthon Hotel

A Belle Epoque treasure, an ode to the good life

Dec. 2024

3 min.

Undoubtedly one of the most striking places along the shores of Lake Annecy, Palace de Menthon Hotel never ceases to amaze.

With the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve as the backdrop, the hotel rises with grace upon its singular promontory, facing the turquoise-blue waters of the bay. We walked through the front doors of this magnificent building with its Italian palace-like allure, and whose gardens and terraces step neatly to the water. The hotel’s small private port provides boat access and the feeling of being in a movie along the enchanting shores of Lake Cuomo.

The ornate stone dual staircase with sculpted railings that opens up into beautiful verdant setting, the well-curated balcony terraces offering incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains, the Art Nouveau style glass awning over the entrance, the gazebo along the lake, and the six hectares nestled in an all-natural environment provide a uniquely serene and romantic atmosphere.

Built between 1906 and 1911, Palace de Menthon Hotel perfectly illustrates the splendor of the major hotels and palaces from the early 20th century. A delightful setting augmented by the surrounding trees and vegetation sculpted to perfection: topiary art with a touch of sophistication.

Palace de Menthon’s beach and waterfront

It is not surprising that the establishment quickly became a popular destination for well-known artists and politicians, and that movies and television series are filmed here on a regular basis: Cassandre, Le Tueur du Lac (“Lake Killer”), and Alpha, the latter a new six-episode series currently being filmed.

The 2018 acquisition by Lavorel Hotels, a hospitality corporation that specializes in hotels, Palace de Menthon received a well-needed boost. After spending one year renovating and restoring the building, it added a fifth star to its pedigree once fully reopened.

Would you prefer a suite or a private villa?

“Lili’s suite”

A cozy atmosphere for this truly exceptional 80m² two-storey suite located on the top floor in the old library, where the wood mahogany framework remains. The Napolean III style chandelier, a bathroom with a wood-boat shaped bathtub, soft comfortable couches, a huge walk-in closet, and an amazing view of the lake, this suite transports you back to the early 20^th century and the Belle Epoque.

“Lili’s House”

With a private entrance and direct access to the lake, this private villa provides truly exclusive accommodations along the waterfront. At ground level, the kitchen and living room form a 30m² space with a fireplace and windows facing the lake. The upper floor includes a bedroom for two and a bedroom for three, as well as two bathrooms.

Palace de Menthon Hotel Highlights

66 rooms and suites, most with a private balcony

1 private villa along the waterfront

2 bars, including a summer bar set up on the hotel’s sandy beach

1 fully renovated Sothys spa with a sauna, steam room, solarium, and indoor heated pool

1 private pier

15 conference rooms

Reception at the Palace de Menthon Hotel

Open year-round, Palace de Menthon Hotel offers a wide variety of seasonal events and entertainment:

The Christmas Market, organized in partnership with Le Shop des Fondus, the weekend of November 30-December 1.
Special full-course meals for Christmas and New Year’s
A full-course dinner on December 24 for €150
A full-course dinner on December 31 for €245 or a buffet for €120 and dancing until 04:00 in the morning.

The newly renovated Pavillon du Lac offers 900m² divided into 15 conference rooms ranging from 18m² to 140m². Palace de Menthon Hotel hosts seminars, weddings, and other events all throughout the year.