Beau-Rivage Palace

This Beaux Arts, government-rated five-star hotel sits directly beside Lac Léman, surrounded by 4 hectares (10 acres) of lush gardens that include rare cedars, masses of seasonal flowers, neoclassical sculptures, and even a small plot devoted to burial grounds for the pets of the sometimes spectacularly famous guests who stayed here. Built in 1861, and enlarged in 1908, the hotel has been frequently renovated, but always with a sense of respect (reverence, even) for its original architecture. Set downhill from the rest of Lausanne, in the lake-fronting residential neighborhood of Ouchy, the hotel is among the last bastions of formal Europe. Rooms come in a wide range of styles. The least expensive of these are somewhat sparsely furnished and open onto the parking area. The more expensive units have Oriental carpets, a mixture of genuine antiques and convincing reproductions, often in one of the French Louis styles, and private balconies overlooking Lake Geneva.

Facilities:
3 restaurants; 2 bars; babysitting; concierge; exercise room; 2 pools (1 indoor, 1 outdoor); room service; 2 outdoor tennis courts (lit)

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.