Lausanne Palace

Hotel review

Lausanne Palace proves that some things in life just get better with age. Opened in 1915, the palatial property has always been a social gathering house for well-heeled Lausanners and now more than a century later, the spruced up luxury property remains the place to be seen. While traditions run deep in the 20th-century palace with the Belle Epoque facade and old-school elevators still in operation, the Lausanne Palace is anything but outdated. All 140 rooms are modern and wildly spacious. Lakeside suites are an untold secret gem for travellers with hands down the best views of Lausanne. There is also a classy Coco Chanel suite.

Like all great palace hotels in Europe, the Lausanne Palace has it all. A wellness centre with round-the-clock gym and private trainer, indoor pool, sauna, hamman, multiple hot tubs, sun deck and treatment rooms for massages and facials. Gastronomes are spoilt for choice here. Brasserie Grand Chene is an institution and serves classic dishes like steak frites, L’Ecaillier is the spot for seafood and bubbles and Matcha Picchu is Lausanne’s trendiest Nikkei dining outlet. There is also a gourmet fondue pop-up during the winter. The darling of the palace has to be the two Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table by Franck Pelux. Think: local Swiss ingredients with bold Asian flavours – definitely a place for discovering prestigious Swiss wines too. Location is king for the palace with everything at its doorstep – designer fashion boutiques, museums, art galleries and even the main train station all minutes away by foot.

Michelle Tchea