The first time we went to Lyon, which we really love, we stayed in this hotel:

Hotel des Artistes http://www.ehi.com/travel/ehi/france/lyon-hotels-hotel-des-artistes.htm

The rooms tend to vary quite a bit in size and shape so if you don't mind paying extra for more space, that would be the way to go. The location is wonderful!

We stayed at this one in May of 1999. It's in a great location but is short on charm. If you're just looking for an efficient, business class hotel, this one would be fine.

Hotel Plaza Republique http://www.lodgingfrance.com/Lyon/PlazaRepublique/ http://www.thetravelzine.com/lyon599.htm

This one, from the Zine hotel database http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheTravelzine/files/ was submitted by Graziella:

Hotel Royal**** 20 Place Bellecour Phone: 04 78 375731 Fax: 0478370136 Excellent location right on Place Bellecour in the heart of Lyon. A chic hotel with good services. One of the forty hotels that participate in the Bon Week End Deal, which means a free night during week ends. The superior rooms are beautiful and their bathrooms are equipped with Jacuzzis.

And from our database again, this one is from Ric in New Zealand:

Hotel d'Azur 64 rue Victor Hugo Phone: 0033 4 78371044 Fax: 0033 4 78425128 Cost 367 FF per room per night. This hotel was a two star establishment on one of their main shopping streets. The room was clean and a good size and could best be described as quaint and functional. There were two problems - The bathroom did not have a door and the floorboards squeaked when walked upon. The floorboards did not serve as a big problem except when the neighbours came in late at night. Forgetting about these problems, the hotel is in a great location, the staff are helpful, breakfast is included and the price is good. If you wanted a four star hotel this is not for you.

One that looked quite nice, in a good location, was this one:

Carlton Hotel http://www.lodgingfrance.com/Lyon/Carlton/ although we never stayed there.

We have seen this one mentioned a number of times in favorable terms:

Hotel Globe et Cecil http://www.globeetcecilhotel.com/fr/contact.htm http://www.hotels-unis.com/hotels/globe_cecil/

Sorry we can't help you with the Annecy or Burgundy - other Ziners will. If we're not mistaken Sandy Hoffman in Los Angeles has been to Annecy.

Best, Don and Linda Toronto