Staying Between Lakeside Views and Sloping Streets in Lausanne: My Experience at Five Hotels

Lausanne is a unique city. It lacks the frenetic pace of Zurich and the sharp, cosmopolitan edge of Geneva. Instead, it feels like a lakeside world that unfolds at a leisurely pace—a place where sloping streets, the Old Town, lake vistas, and modern architecture intertwine, shifting your perspective with every step.

For this trip to Lausanne, I deliberately chose five hotels with distinct styles—ranging from lakeside luxury and Old Town boutique inns to modern design hotels and mid-range accommodations with a more lived-in feel. Through these varied spatial experiences, I wanted to get a true sense of what it means to “stay” in Lausanne, rather than just passing through.

1.Lausanne Palace: Overlooking Lake Geneva from the City Heights

My journey in Lausanne began at the Lausanne Palace.

Perched high in the city center, this is one of Lausanne’s most iconic luxury hotels. Upon entering the lobby, I was immediately captivated by its atmosphere: classic European décor, crystal chandeliers, spacious interiors, and an elegance that was understated yet deeply assured.

After checking in, I was shown to a room facing Lake Geneva.

The moment I pulled back the curtains, the entire city seemed to unfurl before me.

In the distance lay the blue expanse of Lake Geneva, its surface as calm as a mirror; further still, the faint silhouettes of the Alps were visible. The city’s hillside architecture cascaded downwards like a staircase, creating a unique sense of depth and layering.

I sat by the window for a long time, doing nothing but gazing at the scenery.

At dinner in the hotel restaurant, I ordered a lake fish dish; the meat was delicate and fresh, its elegance further enhanced by a pairing of white wine. That evening, I felt I had truly stepped into Lausanne’s “high-altitude perspective.”

2.Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa: Slowing Down Amidst Gardens and a Spa

The second hotel on my list was the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa, situated near a quiet residential area.

In contrast to the classic character of the Lausanne Palace, this property leans towards a blend of modern style and a resort-like atmosphere.

The hotel features a meticulously manicured garden, which is particularly serene and beautiful during the spring and summer months. I checked in at dusk; sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a soft, gentle glow over the entire space.

The room featured a modern, minimalist design that combined wood accents with light tones, making it easy to unwind.

What impressed me most was the hotel’s spa area.

The pool and thermal facilities were incredibly tranquil; the interplay of mist and lighting allowed me to completely disconnect from the city’s hectic pace. I soaked in the water for a long time, watching the sky darken beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.

In that moment, I realized that in Lausanne, “relaxation” is a travel destination in itself.

3.Hotel Angleterre & Résidence: Staying at the Edge of Lake Geneva

The third hotel was a prime example of my favorite kind of accommodation—one defined by its unique location: Hotel Angleterre & Résidence.

Situated right on the shores of Lake Geneva, the hotel offers an experience where you are practically living on the water’s edge.

After checking in, the first thing I did was step out onto the balcony.

The lake lay right before me, completely unobstructed.

In the early morning, a light mist would rise from the water; at sunset, the fading light would bathe the lake in a golden hue.

The room itself was unpretentious yet incredibly comfortable, with the focus placed squarely on the view.

My routine here was simple: gazing at the lake in the morning, taking a stroll at midday, and returning to the balcony in the evening to watch the lights.

One evening, I did absolutely nothing but sit on the balcony chair and daydream.

That feeling of having no schedule to follow is a rare luxury when traveling.

4.Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne: A Blend of Modern Business and Lake Views

The fourth stop was the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne, located on the more modern side of the lakeshore.

Compared to the previous hotels, this one leans more towards business and functionality, yet it still boasts excellent lake views.

My room faced the water, offering a view of the distant silhouettes of the French mountains.

The design was clean and practical—devoid of excessive decoration—yet spacious enough to make it ideal for an extended stay.

The hotel’s breakfast left a lasting impression on me.

The selection was extensive, featuring everything from Swiss cheeses and cold cuts to fresh bread and fruit.

I particularly enjoyed sitting by the window, watching small boats glide across the lake while I ate. That sense of balance between work and vacation gave me a new understanding of Lausanne’s urban character.

5.Hotel du Port: The authentic warmth of a lakeside inn

The final hotel was Hotel du Port, a small, intimate property by the lake.

In contrast to the luxury and modernity of the previous hotels, this one felt more grounded in everyday life.

It is situated right by the lakeside pier; a few steps out the door bring you to the Lake Geneva promenade.

The rooms were simple yet spotless, offering a sense of unpretentious comfort.

I loved the mornings here.

Opening the window, I could see fishing boats moored at the shore, with people strolling leisurely or out for a run.

I would have breakfast at a small café nearby—just a coffee and a pastry—enough to start the day.

This hotel didn’t offer a complex or elaborate experience; instead, it made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone briefly living in Lausanne.

The essence of staying in Lausanne: Not just “staying in a hotel,” but “living amidst the scenery”

Reflecting on these five hotels, I realized there was a common thread to the accommodation experience in Lausanne: the scenery is always the focal point.

Whether it was the elevated perspective at Lausanne Palace, the close-up lakeside intimacy of Hotel Angleterre, or the everyday atmosphere of Hotel du Port, every stay revolved around Lake Geneva.

Hotels in Lausanne are not merely places to rest; they offer different ways to “view the city.”

Some let you look down from above, others bring you close to the water, and some allow you to blend into local life.

Here, the accommodation itself is an integral part of the journey.

A final glance as I left Lausanne

On the morning I left Lausanne, I walked down to the lakeside one last time.

The water was calm, and the city had not yet fully awakened.

I glanced back toward where I had stayed; while I didn’t feel an overwhelming sense of reluctance to leave, I carried with me a vivid memory.

Lausanne is not a city defined by “thrills,” but rather by the feeling of “lingering” or “staying awhile.”

And these five hotels were the five distinct windows through which I experienced that stay.