Built in 1915 and representing an important part of the historical heritage of Lausanne, the Lausanne Palace & Spa is an elegant five-star hotel in the heart of city’s business and shopping district between the transport hub of Place St Francois and the pretty Montbenon park.
One of Lausanne’s most luxurious hotels (its main rival, perhaps, being the Beau-Rivage Palace down at Ouchy), it features four restaurants, an exclusive spa and beauty centre and a cocktail bar whose drink prices are worth it on a special occasion for the stunning views from its terrace over Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Among its well-regarded dining options, the one Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant La Table d’Edgard serves the Mediterranean-inspired dishes created by executive chef Edgard Bovier. Guests can also eat in the Japanese restaurant The Palace Sushi Zen, at La Brasserie du Grand Chêne, and in the Coté Jardin, which sports a lovely summer terrace.
Even if you don’t stay at the Palace, it’s well worth stopping by during the run-up to Christmas to witness the hotel’s completely extravagant external decorations which light up the facade like a particularly sparkly Christmas present, complete with big red bow.