Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville

Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville is placed in a delightful location, overlooking the River Thiou, which happens to be the cleanest river in all of France. It is set within a lovely terra-cotta style building, and makes for an attractive backdrop from across the river. Inside, things are a bit simpler, and the lobby isn't much more than a place to check in and move on. Still, it's pleasantly modern, and there are two seating areas on both sides of the front desk. The country pine accents blend well with the black and gray seating arrangement to create a cozy environment. The bar area is the most attractive of the hotel's interiors, combining red, black, and white bar-stools with chic artwork at the front and rear end of the bar. Aside from the ground floor, that's as good as it gets in terms of design, as the rest of the hotel is a no-frills affair -- with uninspiring corridors and unsightly carpets. The hotel is popular with couples traveling on a budget, as well as those passing through on business.

This hotel's location might be its best feature, as it's just a stone's throw away from Annecy's main attractions, as well as shops, bars and restaurants. Annecy Cathedral can be reached in around four minutes, by walking to the other side of the river. The Palais de l'Ile is another tourist hotspot, and the walk there takes no more than six minutes. The 12th-century Chateau d'Annecy is another must-see landmark, and is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Getting to Lake Annecy takes just under 10 minutes by foot, while the same can be said for Jardins de l'Europe, where there are stunning views of the lake. Annecy Station is a six-minute walk away, where high speed trains head to major cities like Paris. The nearest major airport is in Geneva, which is around 50 minutes away by car. 

Rooms are all fresh and clean, though guests may find them quite compact and basic. The pine laminate flooring and white walls create a modern, bright vibe, though there's little in terms of art or decor otherwise. Wooden desks and chairs face the window, and some have lovely views of the River Thiou. There are also a few terraced rooms in the hotel. There's ample storage space for clothing, as rooms are equipped with wooden shelves and two wardrobes, although there are no safes for valuables. Each room comes with a medium sized flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi access (though repetitive logging in won't make everyone happy). Bathrooms are small, but clean and bright, with sufficient shower space. Hairdryers and basic toiletries come standard.

Features are limited here, as is the case at most Ibis properties around the world. Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville serves a wide ranging breakfast buffet -- and while it's not free, it's reasonably priced. Wi-Fi is free for all guests, although the service does require logging in repeatedly, which can be frustrating. Tea and coffee are not provided in rooms, so guests will have to go down to the bar area for both. The bar lounge offers a relaxing space for food and drinks, although guests may prefer sampling the traditional cuisine in town, as Annecy has a number of fine restaurants that are open until late. The Saint-Claire is a protected car park situated right next to the hotel, which is a great convenience as parking is limited throughout the town.