The imperial palace is a jewel on the banks of lake Annecy, and following recent renovation work the hotel now boasts new rooms including executive and junior suites. We found out more about this major initiative with Ghislaine Blampey, deputy managing director in charge of hotel and spa services at the Imperial Palace. “The building and its majestic ‘Belle Epoque’ façade have overlooked the lake for more than 100 years!” says Ghislaine Blampey. And the different major renovation projects started in the late 1990s. “Since acquiring the
Imperial Palace, the
PVG group has committed to a vast renovation and rejuvenation programme for the hotel, and an initiative was recently launched to add volume and light to the eighth floor. The ceilings have been raised in the corner suites, the architect uncovered the wooden beams to give the impression of an inverted boat hull, and of course, there is still the breathtaking views over the lake!”
The project is a clear success. With their spectacular respective views over the lake, the park, the town of
Annecy or the surrounding mountains, the rooms and suites on the eighth and final floor of the hotel are infused with a unique, romantic ambiance. A large, single-panelled window lets in more natural light, and the miniature indoor balcony opening out onto a bullseye window is a wonderfully original feature. This architectural detail was already at the hotel in 1913, and offers a certain, singular charm to the roof of the
Imperial Palace. In terms of the décor, the choice of colours and materials is completely different from the other floors. Interior designer Marie-Laure Marrel drew inspiration from the variety of reflections on the lake.
She decided on a palette of light and dark grey tones spiced up with shades of beige and dusky pink that resonate with the grey and turquoise cushions in a nod to the lake’s multiple nuances. The suites also feature chandeliers with arabesques that bring to mind the curved lines of the bullseye window. “As for the contemporary, chic and cosy side of things, the carpets in the unique rooms and suites on the eighth floor have been replaced with lightcoloured parquet flooring to catch the light,” says the deputy director. “But don’t take my word for it, I invite everyone to come and experience the intimacy and comfort of these singular rooms and suites for themselves!”
While the work on the hotel’s final floor has finished – apart from the Terrasses du Ciel duplex suite, which will be revamped in early 2018 – the renovation works at the Imperial Palace are far from over. “We used to have a Beauty & Fitness space spread across three floors,” says Ghislaine. “But since the 6,500 sq.ft.
Cristal Spa opened in March 2016, these areas will soon be transformed into rooms. Following this next phase of rejuvenation, the hotel will offer no fewer than 104 rooms.” Future guests should not be worried about these ambitious renovation projects, however, as the main phases have been timetabled for the offseason so everyone can take full advantage of their stay at the
Imperial Palace!