2 Sides of Pere Bise

The article on L’Auberge du Pere Bise prompted me to write (“Lakeside Romances,” July 31).

My girlfriend and I stayed at the hotel about six years ago (and from the moment we arrived, the usual routines gave way to the unusual). A young man met us as we drove in the gates, looked up our names on a list and showed us to our lake-view room. But when we inquired about registering, we found that we did not have to do that until we went to dinner! We drove in and out of the hotel at least twice that first day before we formally registered. It felt good to be trusted. The maitre d’hotel knew our names when we walked into the restaurant where we had a superb meal then and on all other occasions.

We spent our stay either lounging on the wonderful deck or driving in the mountains. We had some memorable picnics by clear streams in the daytime and in the evening, the town of Annecy provided good entertainment.

Mention was made in your article of the Villa des Roses, an annex of the Pere Bise. We went there for cocktails and it turned out to be a treat. The bartender persuaded us to try pink Champagne with fresh crushed strawberries in the glass. How could we resist? Wonderful concoctions but beware, the romantic setting of the villa and the hotel makes one forget how much they cost!

VICTOR SAVAGE

Marina del Rey

Like Colman Andrews, I, too, dream of an idyllic stay at Pere Bise. Was I disappointed! In April, 1994, my $200 annex room, facing the lake and a noisy public walkway, had a tacky built-in platform that held the TV, and a pinon love seat that was a duplicate of one I’d bought on a sour impulse. The six-course $90 dinner (another $10 for a glass of house wine) was tasty but unbalanced, devoid of any vegetable, fruit or starch. I’d reserved for two nights, but left early for the Relais L’Abbaye down the street. I found it superior to the Bise in character, price ($135), salads, service and sweetness: At breakfast I was gifted with a spray of lily of the valley. Just as charming was Les Pres du Lac with balcony and view ($120). No way would I ever return to Pere Bise, though I loved Talloires.

JOANNE ZOLIN

Rancho Santa Fe

Andrews’ article brought back fond memories of our April, 1990, visit. However, he failed to mention that the “main building, which houses the restaurant and kitchen,” is called “Le Cottage.” It is less expensive than L’Auberge du Pere Bise, has the same marvelous view of Lake Annecy and is ably run by Fernand and Celine Bise. Also, it has a four-star rating!

JOHN & KATHRYN BEGOSH

Camarillo

Andrews replies: The main house at Le Pere Bise is not called Le Cottage. Le Cottage is a separate establishment next door, run by another branch of the Bise family.