The Best Hotels to Book in Lausanne, Switzerland

This gigantic “grand hotel” opened in 1915 during the Belle Époque and has evolved organically in tandem with the city, offering the most modern conveniences and interiors in a supremely palatial setting. The hotel has a grand total of seven restaurants and bars, including Brasserie Grand-Chêne which serves high-end French cuisine, Sushi Zen Palace for fresh, butter-soft sushi and Yogi Booster for veggies and health-oriented guests. The spa comes equipped with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and relaxation areas, plus there’s a wide range of lavish rooms and suites with either a city view or lake view.

Regarded as one of the leading hotels in the world, the Beau-Rivage Palace opened in the 1860s and has seen much history in its time – without ever losing its reputation for the utmost luxury. A 10-minute drive from Lausanne city centre, in a serene spot on the shores of Lake Geneva, this wellness-focused property has a sublime spa hosted by Cinq Mondes of Paris. You’ll get access to two heated swimming pools, a yoga and meditation studio, consultations focusing on naturopathy (an individually tailored, natural health practice), a hammam, sauna, ice cellar and ice fountain. The staff at the huge fitness centre, which overlooks the lake, offer personal training sessions. Feeling revitalised yet?

This charming, intimate-feeling hotel in Lausanne is spread across five 18th-century buildings and a contemporary reception area. Its calm, cosy rooms have elegantly decorated, sophisticated interiors that overlook the lake or the gardens. Plus, there’s a sizeable outdoor swimming pool ideal for getting in those lengths – when you’re not resting in the English-style country garden. The hotel provides bicycles, as well as an electric boat, for excursions on the lake.

This concept hotel lives within Lausanne’s CHUV hospital, offering 111 rooms, most of which overlook the lake and the Alps. Guests include tourists and business travellers, the families of patients and, of course, the hospital patients themselves, recuperating in a relaxing environment. The light and subtle decor of the interiors – serene pastels and greys – creates a peaceful and nurturing atmosphere throughout the bedrooms as well as the Restaurant Mill’Feuilles, which serves healthy and nutritious fare, as you’d expect from a medicinal establishment.

This buzzy, vibrant outing from the Marriott feels more like a boutique hotel than one of the large chain’s venues. Retro interiors, nodding to all things youthful and fun, pop with sprinkles of electric pink and bright neon. The whole place has a palpable creative energy thanks to its location in the hip Lausanne neighbourhood of Le Flon, where nightclubs and bars will keep you busy after hours. The 113 swanky rooms are designed with streaming in mind, fitted with huge TVs and cushions. Feel like making friends? Head to the recreation area full of games and a foosball table. Even the gym is awash with explosions of colour.

Part of Aquatis, the largest aquarium in Europe, the Aquatis Hotel has 143 modern rooms decorated around the theme of water (of course). As parents and kids make up the majority of the Aquatis Aquarium visitors and hotel guests, the family experience is at the heart of this hotel – so learning and leisure go hand in hand. After your aquatic explorations, you’ll be well fed at either the Aquatis Restaurant for slow dining, or Piranha, which serves quick, child-friendly snacks along the lines of pizza and burgers. It’s also super convenient, taking only 10 minutes to drive into the city centre.

You’ll find this cute boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Lausanne. In a quiet pedestrian area just a few minutes from the train station, it’s also just 10 minutes down to the lake. It’s a family-run establishment, offering all the home comforts with an individual twist. As the recently renovated, 19th-century townhouse is respectful to its roots, the bedrooms are decked out in exposed wood and beams, alongside contemporary design. Don’t miss the tasty continental breakfast and take advantage of the free public transport that’s included in your stay – just ask the staff for a travel pass.