BestBeds
I sleep around so you don't have to
It is easy to see why the Beau-Rivage Palace was one of Coco Chanel's favorites. The hotel and her clothes share an easy glamour, as does the town. Lausanne opened its railway station in 1856; tourists followed. The Beau-Rivage opened in 1861 on 10 acres of waterfront garden to cater to the wealthiest of these travelers. Right from the beginning it was noted for its elegant yet comfortable rooms and exquisite service. Luckily some things don't change… the hotel is still known for these very same attributes today. To keep up with demand, an art nouveau wing was built in 1908 and Palace was added to the name. A fairy tale Rotunda connects the two and is where breakfast is served… don't skip it! The Beau-Rivage Palace has been owned & cherished by the Sandoz family for 4 generations. They are dedicated to preserving the details of the historically important décor – think stained glass, frescos, large murals – while keeping up with the needs of the modern visitor. In 2012 – 2014 Pierre-Yves Rochon oversaw a renovation of all the rooms. He is also known for his work at the George V in Paris & the Savoy in London. Mme Chanel was not the only celebrity who has enjoyed this Swiss luxury. Charlie Chaplin, Victor Hugo, Nelson Mandela, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner are but a small sample.
The Sandoz Ballroom, large & majestic… this is one dance I want to be invited to… clearly Phil Collins felt the same… he chose the lavish space for his wedding. It is also where statesmen met to negotiate the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 which dissolved the Ottoman Empire.
The junior suite, room 215, I stayed in was perfection… lovely sitting area, balcony with view over the Lake, comfy bed and huge marble bathroom. Everything a girl could desire.
The center of Lausanne, the Olympic Museum, Lake Geneva, wonderful promenade along the lake, restaurants, bars, shopping.
10 acres of gardens, huge spa, breakfast in the Rotunda, private boat, indoor & outdoor pool, tennis court, fitness centre, Miyako Japanese Restaurant, Café Beau-Rivage, 75000 bottle wine cellar, hammam, tropical rain walk, hair stylist, outdoor chess board, Bar.
