Voted the Best Small City in the World by the British Monocle Magazine and named The Best Emerging Destination 2020 by the American travel site Travel Lemming, Lausanne is found beside Lake Geneva. It’s a business hub, home to many start-ups and a host of countless conventions. But its traditional mountainside setting, Swiss food and cultural heritage have much to offer tourists. And visitors are warmly welcomed — guests staying in Lausanne’s hotels receive free public transport access within the city (although much of it is easy to traverse on foot), as well as preferential discounted VAT rates on rooms.
Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne
The two buildings housing this five-star hotel, date back to 1861. Its interiors were more recently re-designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, creating an upscale country mansion effect, focussing on pastel hues and mirrors to echo the neighbouring lake’s surface. Many stay for the 1,500 square-meter Cinq Mondes spa, with its naturopathy treatments, two heated pools, tennis courts, terrace restaurant and a patio featuring the ‘tree of life’. Culinary highlights include the two Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant, Miyako Lausanne (Japanese food) and a grand brasserie, as well as several bars. And the Beau-Rivage Palace has its own concept store.
Lausanne Palace
Not to be confused with the Beau-Rivage Palace, the Lausanne Palace is an impressive Grand Dame just a few minutes’ walk to the train and metro stations. 140 contemporary rooms – some with lake views – have dark wood flooring, free minibars and Penhaligon’s bath products. Its spa area includes a family-friendly pool. The Michelin starred La Table du Lausanne Palace provides a sensory journey with panoramic rooftop views. But guests can also dine alfresco at Côté Jardin, in the Sushi Zen Palace, at Brasserie du Grand Chêne, or grab a healthy snack at Yogi Booster. Lausanne Palace has been popular with locals and visitors alike since its inception in 1915.
Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne
First opened in 1909, the Hotel Royal Savoy is a beautiful Art Nouveau property, close to Lac Léman. Its turrets and landscaped gardens create a fairytale feel, with a serene hillside setting, that’s still within easy pedestrian reach of the centre. The 196 bedroom hotel was renovated in 2015 and includes a rooftop bar, cigar lounge, brasserie and further bar, as well as seasonal pop-up venues. The spa has both indoor and outdoor pools, cutting edge treatments and a hammam. Rooms come with Nespresso machines, Bulgari toiletries, marble bathrooms and plenty have balconies.