Chateau Des Avenieres

The location of this 4-star hotel halfway a mountain is unique and peaceful. It's always quiet; never busy! In the early morning and evenings you may see foxes and deer from a distance in the open grass areas nearby. Perfect environment to recover from hectic business life or personal stress. Yet it is very close to major motorways (to Italy & Cote d'Azur), Geneva and Annecy. The views on the surrounding mountains & lake of Annecy are stunning. Staying here is however expensive. Breakfast is average. If you come early, 'everything' is available; if you come late, not.... This experience and these observations apply to a premium priced suite at La Maison des Ecureuils. These suites are more spacious than the standard rooms at the Chateau. They are located 300 metres from the chateau. Depending on the occupancy it's completely quiet or still somewhat noisy, especially when other guests have kids etc. A specific negative experience is that the temperature in the suite was high during our stay, despite the availability of airconditioning. This is however programmed to work only when the temperature at the ceiling of the suite is higher than 23 degrees Celsius! Please consider this when making a booking. It was truly FRUSTRATING to have airconditioning in your suite, that CANNOT BE USED. Especially, as it is scientifically proven that a temperature of 15 - 18 degrees Celsius at night is essential for a good sleep. The quality of our sleep and therefore also our stay was negatively affected because we could not cool the suite at night. Sleeping with open doors at night is NOT a solution: it's not safe, and it invites insects etc. Considering the price per night...., please also consider a new matrass. The matrass in our suite had two, clear dips... which did not feel comfortable.

This restored property is elegant and has been beautifully restored with just the right amount of modern touches. It's a family owned and operated and the staff is quite good. The views are amazing, with the property itself located at a higher elevation for maximum views of the ALPS on a clear day. We (family of 4) travel in Europe 2 times a year for the last 15 years and this is easily in the top 5 property. The breakfast was perfect, and we also had dinner in the restaurant one night and it was very good….especially the dessert bar.

Beautiful setting and views, although access might be difficult in winter because of the snow. Nicely located between Geneva, Switzerland, and Annecy, France. Restaurant is very good, suites in the "maison des ecureuils" are large and comfortable with stunning view from their deck. The only draw back is that connectivity, and business services might be an issue if you have to work from there or get anything printed.

Another exceptional stay. Warm reception by the Odin family who founded the hotel. Service is superb and the suite in the nearby complex (especially # 1) with access to a large terrace with chais longs and walk out onto the fields. They allowed our very small dog which was lovely (she fell their dog named “Spoon” of the family and like us can’t wait to go back. The dinner next to the fireplace in the Chateau was perfect with super service of the young Indian man from Kerala, and thoughtful suggestions. Breakfast as a picnic delivered to our room was perfect. Highly recommended in all respects.