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SWISS LUXURY TRAVEL BLOG
Montreux Palace
Elegant, art-déco style on the shores of lake Geneva
Montreux Palace
What do Saudi Princes and Vladimir Nabokov have in common? Well, they've all stayed at the beautiful and very grand, belle-époque Montreux Palace situated right on the shores of lake Geneva. The author Vladimir Nabokov liked it so much he made it his permanent home for sixteen years until his death in 1977. After staying here one night, I could quite easily envisage making it my permanent home too... Ever since the mid-19th century, Montreux has attracted the rich and famous, drawn to this beautiful spot on the shores of lake Geneva for its micro-climate and quiet life.
This is a luxurious traditional, elegant hotel used to dealing with über-wealthy discerning guests. Built in 1906, this jewel of the belle époque architecture is housed in a very grand building, rich in history on Montreux's main street. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, diplomats and some of the world's most famous musicians. Interestingly, during the First World War, it was used as a hospital to shelter wounded soldiers. The sculptures that you can find on the front lawn are a testimony of how many legendary musicians have graced this hotel with a visit during the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. From BB King to Miles Davis to name but a few. If only walls could talk, I’m sure they’d have quite a few wild stories to share…
The large and busy marble lobby is overshadowed by a sweeping staircase and a crystal chandelier, drawing you upstairs where you will find MP’s Bar & Grill with a lovely, sunny terrace with views on the lake. Opened only last year, MP's provides an elegant and relaxed dining space and a great bar. Personally, I particularly enjoyed the delightful Palmeraie breakfast room set in a sun-filled veranda. It is a really light and lovely room to start the day in. A number of richly-decorated ballrooms, that are used for glamorous events, also grace the first floor.
Guests can choose from a number of further restaurants, such as La Terrasse du Petit Palais, where you will have front row seats on the lake view, if you are looking for a more refined dining experience, or the Montreux Jazz Café, if you would like something more informal. And if you want to relax, the Willow Stream Spa has fabulous facilities and a direct access to the lovely garden. You can read more about this beautiful spa in one of my forthcoming posts.
With over 200 rooms and suites, you may find yourself either in a smallish, but very light and stylishly decorated room or a sumptuous, spacious suite. The hotel amazingly has 50 suites on offer. Everything in my room was perfect. I enjoyed the soft colour tones and the bedding was very comfortable. The bathroom was spacious and nicely decorated, but could really have benefitted from more modern shower fixtures; a walk-in Italian shower would have added some value to it. Whatever room you opt for, make sure you ask for a lakeside room as the views, on the garden, the lake and the alps rising in the distance are stunning. And good news, I give this hotel a 9 out of 10 for fluffiness!
The staff are five-star. Clearly used to dealing with demanding clients, they are all multilingual, incredibly professional, efficient and discrete. If you need any recommendations for local visits, or help booking a restaurant, there’s a Clé d’Or Concierge available, who is more than happy to assist. Everything in this hotel is designed to make your stay flawless and memorable!
27th October 2016
For more information check out the hotel's website here.