Le Clos des Sens

Le Clos des Sens in Annecy, France, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise as a luxurious and exceptional destination, particularly renowned for its world-class dining experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Le Clos des Sens is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a sentiment of luxury, refinement, and an unforgettable experience. Guests frequently describe it as a "gem" and a "pépite" (nugget or treasure), indicating a high level of satisfaction with its unique offerings and serene atmosphere. It stands out as a property where every detail contributes to a memorable and enchanting stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Le Clos des Sens:

• Unique Rooms & Design: The sophisticated and modern decor of the rooms, often featuring fireplaces and spa baths, is a significant draw.
• Exceptional Dining: The on-site restaurant, boasting three Michelin stars, is a major highlight, celebrated for its creative, plant-based, and lake-focused cuisine sourced from local ingredients and the hotel's own permaculture garden.
• Impeccable Service: The attentive, warm, and professional staff are frequently praised for their outstanding hospitality.
• Serene Ambiance & Amenities: The tranquil garden, outdoor swimming pool, and comfortable common areas create a peaceful retreat for guests. The coherent connection between the food, the garden, and the rooms is also a frequently mentioned positive.

3. Room Quality

The 10 to 11 rooms at Le Clos des Sens are described as spacious, comfortable, and uniquely designed, each with its own personality inspired by the local natural environment. They feature a sophisticated and modern decor, incorporating rich materials and wooden elements to create a cozy atmosphere. Many rooms include luxurious amenities such as a contemporary fireplace, a spa bath (balneo bath), and a balcony or terrace offering views of the lake or mountains. Guests also appreciate thoughtful touches like small fruit tarts provided daily.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Le Clos des Sens is a central pillar of its reputation, with its restaurant holding three Michelin stars. The cuisine is described as creative, delicate, and modern French, with a profound "locavore philosophy" focusing on seasonal plants, herbs, and fish from the nearby Alpine lakes (Annecy, Bourget, Geneva), often sourced from the hotel's impressive 1500m² permaculture garden.

The restaurant primarily offers tasting menus (e.g., "Plein d'Envies" in 7 flavors for €258, and "Grande Fête" in 9 flavors for €288). Dishes are presented with artistic flair, emphasizing natural flavors and textures, with examples including variations of mushrooms, cured trout with berries, and expertly prepared lake fish like Arctic char and pike. A unique "food and jus" pairing is also available, offering vegetable stocks, broths, and herbal teas to complement the dishes.

Breakfast is not an afterthought but a gourmet affair, presented as a tasting menu that celebrates local products such as smoked Arctic char, Savoy biscuit, Beaufort croque, and double cream caramel. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room, which features raw wood and natural textures and sometimes an open kitchen, or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the lake or under large chestnut trees, depending on the weather.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Le Clos des Sens consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests commend the team for being attentive, warm, professional, friendly, and patient. Many reviewers highlight staff members who go "beyond the expected" in explaining dishes and ensuring a comfortable stay. The hospitality contributes significantly to the memorable and "enchanted interlude" guests experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Le Clos des Sens is situated in Annecy-le-Vieux, a charming area overlooking Lake Annecy and facing the Bauges Mountains. While slightly set back from the bustling city center, it offers a serene and preserved location, yet provides easy access to the lake (approximately a 14-minute walk) for various leisure activities like water sports and hiking. The cobbled streets of Annecy's old town and its attractions are also readily accessible. For travelers, the hotel is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Geneva airport. Free private parking is available on site.

7. Value & Pricing

Le Clos des Sens is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects the exceptional quality of its accommodation and its three-Michelin-starred restaurant. It is not considered a budget-friendly option. Double rooms typically range from €285 to €690 per night. The tasting menus at the restaurant can range from €168 for a 4-course lunch menu to €288 for a 9-course dinner menu, with wine pairings adding significantly to the cost (e.g., €145 for a wine pairing). While undoubtedly a significant expense, many guests consider the experience "worth the cost" for a special occasion or a luxurious getaway.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly praised, some minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Dining Ambiance: One review mentioned the dining room could be "pretty dark" in the evening.
• Food Consistency/Ingredients: A review from 2019 suggested that while technically impressive, some dishes were a "mixed meal," and the strict local ingredient theme might sometimes constrain variety, with some ingredients making multiple appearances. Another specific criticism mentioned cold bread without butter and a "flabby" trout dish.
• Cost: While often deemed worth it, the high prices are acknowledged, indicating it might not appeal to those seeking a bustling atmosphere or budget-conscious travelers.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. annecy-hotels.com
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8. relaischateaux.com
9. tablethotels.com
10. travelsforstars.com
11. luxury-executive.com
12. foodandtravel.com
13. andyhayler.com
14. travel-buddies.com
15. hotelannecy.net