Le Clos Marcel

Le Clos Marcel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Duingt, France, offers a tranquil and stylish escape on the shores of Lake Annecy. This 4-star boutique hotel is praised for its modern design, stunning natural surroundings, and impressive culinary offerings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Le Clos Marcel generally receives a very positive sentiment, often described as a beautiful and high-quality boutique hotel. Its selection for a Michelin Key highlights its commitment to excellence in architecture, interior design, quality of service, personality, value, and contribution to the local experience. Guests appreciate its serene ambiance and modern amenities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Le Clos Marcel for several standout features:

• Location & Views: Situated directly on the picturesque shores of Lake Annecy, the hotel provides breathtaking views, often from private balconies or terraces. It boasts a private beach with loungers and a pontoon for boat moorings, offering an exclusive lakeside experience.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel showcases a high-design, modernist-inspired interior with a blend of glass, wood, and metal, creating a contemporary and elegant atmosphere. Its expansive gardens contribute to an experience of rare tranquility.
• Amenities: Le Clos Marcel features a spa with a Finnish sauna and an outdoor hydro-massage pool, providing ultimate relaxation. Free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking are also appreciated amenities.
• Dining: The on-site restaurant, Comptoir du Lac, is frequently highlighted as an impressive and sophisticated dining option.

3. Room Quality

The hotel comprises 14 to 15 smoke-free rooms, each featuring a private balcony or terrace with either lake or mountain views. Rooms are described as clean, with comfortable beds and top-brand toiletries from L'Occitane. The design is modern, with some rooms offering a mezzanine level or a hydro-massage bathtub. However, some guests have found the rooms to be "shockingly small" for the price. A recurring point of criticism concerns the bathroom design in some rooms, which are described as open-plan "Italian showers" without a door, leading to a lack of privacy and potential for noise and light disturbance.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, Comptoir du Lac, is a contemporary bistro that prides itself on using seasonal ingredients from local producers, offering a delicious blend of traditional and modern cuisine. Meals can be enjoyed indoors or on a spacious lake-facing terrace, creating an extraordinary dining experience. The ambiance is described as a "chic bistro" with large glass windows, including views into the kitchen. Breakfast is a buffet option available for an additional fee, typically around €18 for adults and €12 for children, and is considered ample. It is recommended to book a table at the restaurant, especially on weekends, as it can have a waiting list.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with guests mentioning a warm welcome and friendly, helpful staff. The family-owned nature of the hotel is noted to contribute a personal touch. However, some guests have reported limited reception hours, with the reception reportedly shutting down around 9:30 PM, and instances where staff were difficult to locate for assistance or checkout. In one instance, a guest's negative feedback about their stay was not further addressed.

6. Location & Accessibility

Le Clos Marcel enjoys an ideal location in Duingt, directly on the banks of Lake Annecy. It's approximately a 10-15 minute car drive from the town of Annecy, and about 20 minutes from hiking trails on the other side of the lake. The hotel is situated at 410 Allée de la Plage. While offering tranquility, it is also noted by some guests to be on a main road, which can lead to noise. Free private parking is available on-site, and the hotel offers bicycle rentals (for an extra fee). Nearby attractions include the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and the Château de Duingt.

7. Value & Pricing

Le Clos Marcel is a 4-star property. While the dining is considered good, it can be expensive. The buffet breakfast is an optional extra cost. Room rates generally range from approximately 165 to 280 EUR, with suites costing between 250 and 310 EUR. Guests should also factor in a city tax of approximately €2.60 per person per night. Some reviews indicate that for the price, certain amenities (like air conditioning) are expected but not always present.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, recurring criticisms include:

• Lack of Air Conditioning (A/C): Several guests have expressed disappointment over the absence of A/C in their rooms, particularly problematic during warmer periods, leading to discomfort.
• Noise Issues: Some guests have reported noise disturbances from a main road or loud music, which can affect sleep, especially if balcony doors are left open for ventilation.
• Room Size: A few reviews describe rooms as being "shockingly small."
• Bathroom Design: The open-plan "Italian shower" design in some rooms, lacking a door for privacy, has been a point of dissatisfaction for some guests.
• Limited Reception Hours: Instances of limited staff availability at reception, particularly in the evenings and mornings, have been noted.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. travelletters.net
3. myboutiquehotel.com
4. tablethotels.com
5. hotels.com
6. almosafer.com
7. michelin.com
8. trivago.ca
9. trivago.co.uk
10. golfrendezvous.com
11. rhone-alps-hotels.com
12. greatsmallhotels.com
13. hotels.com
14. michelin.com
15. gaultmillau.com
16. expedia.com
17. authentichotels.com