The Best Hotels in Montreux, Switzerland

Set in the Unesco Lavaux region, which is famed for its terraced vineyards, the five-star hotel Le Mirador Resort & Spa features a jaw-dropping panoramic view over Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Rooms take advantage of the hotel’s lakeside vantage point, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The property also has a spa with a steam room, sauna and indoor pool. It’s just a short walk to the Charlie Chaplin museum.

On the shores of Lake Geneva, the Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa has rooms with lake or mountain views; many feature a private terrace. Head to Café Bellagio to feast on traditional regional cuisine, with a focus on local, seasonal produce. Sunday brunch is popular with locals. During the day, pay a visit to the spa with its indoor pool and sauna. Come dusk, the Sunset Bar lives up to its name with great views of the sun sinking behind the mountains.

Acclaimed for its service, luxurious offerings and charm, Grand Hotel du Lac Vevey is located in the picturesque town of Vevey, just seven kilometres (4.3mi) from Montreux. The hotel dates back to 1868 and much of its original artworks and furnishings have been retained. A meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Saisons, is not to be missed. Try to book a table on the outdoor terrace which overlooks Lake Geneva. The hotel is less than a 10-minute drive to the surrounding Lavaux wine region — ask the concierge for advice on the best wineries to visit.

Located on the outskirts of Montreux in the town of La Tour-de-Peilz, the three-star Hotel Bon Rivage is a welcoming property with a family-friendly vibe. Choose a room with a lake view and balcony. Downstairs, the Garden on the Lake restaurant serves up delectable French cuisine, whilst the breakfast buffet features freshly-baked bread and warm pastries. The concierge is more than happy to share insights on favourite under-the-radar attractions. Hop on the free bus outside the hotel, which will whisk you into Montreux.

Built in 1906, the Fairmont is Montreux’s most famous hotel. With an outstanding location on Lake Geneva, it has some of Montreux’s most desirable views. There are 236 rooms and suites, all with an elegant aesthetic combined with the latest modern technology, such as iPad directories. There are several restaurants from the relaxed MP’s Bar & Grill to the refined plush Montreux Jazz Cafe.

This contemporary, four-star hotel sits on the banks of Lake Geneva, just a four-minute walk from the main train station. It’s the perfect base if you’re in town for the Montreux Jazz Festival, as the Miles Davis Hall is just down the road. All the rooms come with a balcony and lake views. The property also offers complimentary use of bicycles and stand-up paddle boards so that you can admire the town from the water.

Built at the end of the 19th century, this family-owned building has a certain retro charm to it. Although it has been renovated, it still retains the details that give it an olde-worlde feel. The rooms, decked in rich colours and fabrics, are not the most modern but they are pretty and well equipped. Each one comes with a rich history as well: several famous faces have stayed here, including Lenin, Charlie Chaplin, Rolling Stones and various jazz musicians.

Yet another late-19th century building, the Hotel Helvétie has witnessed Montreux’s growing tourist industry and has grown to accommodate this. It is located near to the casino and Lake Geneva, putting it at the heart of the action. The 62 spacious rooms are equipped with faux fireplaces, plush armchairs and comfortable beds. There’s also a small brasserie which serves up French delicacies such as escargot (snails) and foie gras(duck/goose liver pate).

This Belle Epoque hotel, hugging the shores of Lake Geneva, was built in 1894. Expect period furnishings, crystal chandeliers and decorative moulding – a nod to the building’s grand history. Enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by a lovely garden, or a workout in the gym followed by a sauna. The elegant restaurant, Chez Gaston, features an impressive menu of French favourites, including a delectable tarte au citron(lemon tart). The popular Casino Barrière de Montreux and Musee de Montreux are less than a 10-minute walk away.

Another Belle Epoque beauty, the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is popular for its sun terrace overlooking the lake. During the summer, the restaurant doors are left wide open, so you can soak up the sunshine while you drink your morning coffee. The interiors range in style from ornate ballrooms to uber-modern contemporary rooms, complete with L’Occitane toiletries. During the winter, head up to the ninth floor to enjoy the hammam and sauna.

The oldest hotel in the Montreux-Vevey area, the Hotel Masson Veytaux is an architectural gem. There’s no shortage of details to appreciate, from the wrought-iron balcony to the granite staircase which herald from 1906. All 31 of the individually-styled rooms hark back to the Belle Epoque era but are fitted with modern conveniences, such as complimentary wifi. A buffet breakfast is included with your stay plus late check-out is available for those that want a lie in.

For a more independent stay, the Hôtel Résidence Bristol offers apartments, sleeping from four to six people, as well as hotel rooms. Each apartment comes with a kitchen and two terraces with views of either the lake or mountains or both. Pets are welcome and you can have breakfast in the restaurant, if you don’t fancy doing your own. Château Chillon is a short walk away, plus guests receive a card for free travel on the Vevey-Montreux-Villeneuve bus network.