What it is

A fanciful 1906 Belle Époque grande dame with 236 luxe guest rooms, eight buzzing bars and restaurants, a 22,000 square foot spa, and serene indoor and outdoor pools.

What it isn't

Stuck in time. You can expect the latest and greatest technologies, from in-room loaner iPads to video-on-demand flatscreen TVs.

What we think

The pride of Montreux, Switzerland has hosted plenty of boldfaced names since it opened its gleaming doors in 1906, including German composer Richard Strauss, who composed four iconic songs during his stay. The hotel is every bit worthy of art today as it was then, thanks to interiors that combine the best of old (ornate wood paneled walls, wood floors, and plush rugs) and new (curated minibars and glamorous LED lighting fixtures). Deluxe Lake View Rooms begin at a tidy 323 square feet; to sprawl out even further, we love the Penthouse Suites for their 1722 square foot floor plans tucked under the elegant mansard roofs, separate living spaces and dressing rooms, and a grand private terrace that peers out on the surrounding mountain peaks. Did we mention it has its own elevator and sleeps six? Bring all your besties.

You're here because

You love nothing more than a luxury spa, and this one is arguably the best in the region: with Biologique Recherche treatments and unexpected options, like Lomi Lomi massages and cryo 3R facials.

The Moment

After cruising around town on the hotel’s loaner bikes, you’re famished…and the hotel’s Lemantine restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam, is calling your name. Each dish is evocative of both France and Geaam’s native Lebanon, and nothing less than transcendent…down to the glazed kefta with pomegranate molasses and black falafel with smoked eel and tahini foam.

Restaurants & Bars

Montreux Jazz Cafe - A selection of the region’s best wines and irresistibly-named aperitifs.

Terrasse Du Petit Palais - Serves a seasonal cuisine in Mediterranean style for lunch and dinner.

La Palmeraie - International and local breakfast classics.

MP'S Bar & Grill - An outdoor terrace and a cocktail bar.

Funky Claude's Bar - A great place to drop by or hang out late into the night.

The Lounge Bar - Morning coffee, a light lunch, a glass of champagne or even a late-evening snack.

Location

A prime perch of waterfront on Lake Geneva, adjacent to the 1,800 seat Auditorium Stravinski—host of the annual jazz fest.