Atipik Hôtel Alexandra

Situated in a three-story building that dates back more than 200 years, the Atipik Hotel Alexandra is a quaint, family-run establishment with a number of quirks. The hotel's small lobby has a rather cozy vibe, and its dim lighting, wooden flooring, and partially exposed stonework walls make it seem like the interior of a warm ski lodge. Separating the lobby and the bar are two glass panels with streaky green lines running down them, which adds a pleasant botanical feel to the place. The bar itself features pairs of brown leather chairs, accompanied by stained wooden tables, while a striking wooden sculpture stands in the middle, adding to the natural, artsy atmosphere. Decor and design throughout add up to a charming hotel, and the intimate appeal draws mostly couples -- which is a good thing, as many rooms are tiny.

Atipik Hotel Alexandra couldn't be placed any better in Annecy, as it's located right next to the old town and all of its stunning, flower-lined canals. Lake Annecy and the Pont des Amours are just a seven-minute walk from the hotel, where the breathtaking snowy Alps stand tall in the distance. Most of the local attractions are accessible by foot, including the stunning medieval castle turned museum, Palais de l'Isle, which is just a five-minute walk. It's an eight-minute walk through the old town and over the Passage de l'Ile to the Chateau d'Annecy, which has presided in the local area since the 12th century. Arguably the most symbolic place of natural beauty in Annecy, the Jardins de l'Europe, is also only a nine-minute walk from the hotel. There's a bus stop just two minutes from the Alexandra on foot, and Annecy train station is a five-minute walk. The closest major airport is in Geneva, about 50 minutes away by car.

Each room is individually designed with a range of different themes, although the Standard Rooms all have one thing in common -- the black-and-white images of Charlie Chaplin. The Chaplin Standard Rooms (as they are called) are tiny, at 10 square meters (108 square feet), but have a chic, minimalistic style that includes whitewashed brick walls and pale wooden flooring. In fact, the look is polished, but rustic, across all categories. Suites and higher-category rooms have variable additions like striped walls and mosaics, plus stylish ceiling-mounted lamps or armchairs. The excellent Epeda beds are made with white linens and light gray quilted bedspreads. Only higher-category rooms have proper wardrobes, the rest have hanging racks that are exposed to the room. Standard features include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen satellite TVs, though air-conditioning isn't available and only higher-category rooms have electric kettles. Most rooms have small lawn-surfaced terraces overlooking the street below, complete with archetypal French doors and rails. Rooms are well-soundproofed. Bathrooms vary in size throughout the hotel, and Standard Room bathrooms are rather cramped -- tall guests may want to opt for a Superior Room, which offers more space in the shower stall. Counter space is limited, although they do come with a hairdryer and a range of basic toiletries. 

Features are limited at this hotel, even when its boutique size is taken into consideration. The breakfast bar -- which comes at a small fee -- has a healthy selection of fresh fruit, local cheeses, bread and other continental options, with no limit to what guests can choose. There's a mini library of books and daily newspapers are available in different languages. The front desk is open 24 hours, where guests can also get tour/ticket assistance for excursions and local attractions. A bar and lounge area offers guests a relaxing spot to enjoy a drink throughout the day and early evening. The hotel offers fast and free Wi-Fi connection for guests, which can be accessed from all the rooms. A public car park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the staff can provide tickets for free parking overnight (but not during the day).