Petit Hôtel Confidentiel

First off, we don’t expect you to keep it strictly confidential — a secret this good is worth sharing with at least a few trusted friends. The town of Chambéry, in the Savoy Alps, is itself something of a well-kept secret, at least overseas, but it’s a stunner: charming pedestrian streets, plenty of history, and a location that places it at the foot of the mountains. And in the heart of its fortified town center, very nearly hidden behind an unassuming door, is the secret we’re here to tell you about: the Petit Hôtel Confidentiel.

Its 15th-century exterior does little to prepare you for the very contemporary boutique hotel inside. Interiors range from the truly monochrome “Infinite Black” rooms to the lighter schemes of the Club and Deluxe rooms — throughout, the atmosphere is more Provençal than urban. The small spa is accompanied by a gym, pool, sauna, and hammam, and the restaurant is only open for breakfast every day as well as lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Weighing in at a mere fifteen rooms and suites, it’s as intimate as they come — and its hands-on family owners ensure there’s always a personal touch.