Picturesque against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the snowy alps, Lausanne is the place to be for those looking for a taste of Swiss excellence—here are three prestigious hotels in the city to book a stay in.
Switzerland has long been a go-to destination for many travelers searching for a serene and luxe experience abroad. For those planning on paying a visit to the Playground of Europe, Lausanne—the country’s fourth largest city and the Olympic Capital of the world—is a great place to start.
Besides boasting an impressive view of the alps and Lake Geneva, the green city is a bustling one filled with culture. Here, visitors can go strolling across its shopping districts or admiring its fine architecture (with landmarks and structures dating as far back as 6000 B.C.). See the stately Lausanne Cathedral, check out The Olympic Museum, relish in the verdant sights of the Lavaux vineyards (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or simply take a leisurely boat ride across Lake Geneva; there’s something for everyone in the historic city.
Of course, one will need a place to rest after a long day of sightseeing. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of excellent hotels to choose from. These three in particular are among the crème de la crème, going above and beyond hospitality to offer exciting sights and sounds of their own, on top of premium accommodations:
READ ALSO: Unconventional Havens: 5 Exceptional Hotels Worth Exploring Around The World
Lausanne Palace
Lausanne Palace lives up to its name, with rooms, facilities, and services that one can only describe as grand. One would expect as much from a hotel as historic as the city it’s in, having first opened its doors on June 19, 1915.
Under the leadership of general manager Isabelle von Burg, the five-star hotel features 140 rooms, including 44 suites and junior suites. Among its accommodations are two presidential suites, the Coco Chanel suite, and the Samaranch suite. A capacious spa offers Yogi Booster, fitness equipment, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and separate hammam (Turkish baths) for men and women alongside its wide range of treatments and services.
One will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options, as Lausanne Palace boasts an extensive assortment of food and beverage establishments. These include contemporary French cuisine set against a panoramic backdrop at La Table du Lausanne Palace, classic Parisian-style brasserie at La Brasserie Grand Chêne, and elegant cocktails within the vintage charm of its LP’s bar, among many others. Limousine services with a Mercedes or English taxi and chauffeur are also available to guests who want to ride in style and comfort.
Beau-Rivage Palace
Beau-Rivage Palace sits right alongside the shores of Lake Geneva, a sparkling golden Belle Époque-style building straight from a fairytale. Much like Lausanne Palace, Beau-Rivage is a landmark in itself. It was the spot of two historic peace-treaty signings. Namely the armistice that ended the war between Italy and Turkey in 1912 and the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. It also accommodated a number of famous figures, including Charlie Chaplin and Coco Chanel.
The hotel is an epicurean dream, as it boasts the eponymous, two-star Michelin restaurant of Chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Its wine cellar also features vintages from the famous Lavaux vineyard, which is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel as well.
With exceptional services under general manager Benjamin Chemoul, lush gardens, a pool, and rooms with a view, Beau-Rivage redefines luxury. Relax in its many scenic outdoor and indoor spaces, or indulge in world-class treatments at its Spa Guerlain. The hotel comes equipped with everything to make each guest’s stay a memorable one.
Hôtel Palafitte
Finally, there’s Hôtel Palafitte, a rather unique option in the list. Its modern structure sits upon stilts by Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake in Switzerland. Its eye-catching concept came into being in 2002, when architect Kurt Hofmann and students from the hotel management school l’Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne created it as part of the Swiss national exhibition Expo.02.
Though it’s the newest hotel among the three, it boasts craftsmanship unlike any other. Many international guests traveling all the way to Lausanne to see it. Its architecture is also a reference to the site’s history, as remains of some of the oldest homes in Switzerland also possessed stilts.
With the leadership of general manager Pauline Laurent, guests can expect pleasant surprises and one-of-a-kind experiences throughout their stay. Those looking for a taste of Swiss art and culture need not go very far, for instance. The hotel also acts as an exhibition and performance space, bringing together amazing artists from around the country (and beyond).
Palafitte’s interiors are as captivating as its facade. Places like the Bar and Smoking Lounge and The Summer Bay Terrace offering visually-appealing spaces for unwinding. The hotel itself consists of 38 individual pavilions, lake or shore, with a private terrace. Here, guests can call on expert therapists to enjoy a personal spa day right from the comfort of their rooms. One cannot forget dining, as the hotel offers sumptuous local specialties with a view of the lake at La Table du Palafitte.
Photos courtesy of Lausanne Palace, Beau-Rivage Palace, and Hôtel Palafitte.
