Beau-Rivage Palace: A Hotel Review
If you’re looking for a hotel experience that defines timeless elegance, lakeside serenity, and top-tier service, the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne is where your Swiss dream becomes reality. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, this grand hotel feels like stepping into another era and has the history to match (Coco Chanel lived here during her exile after WWII). The Beau-Rivage Palace isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself. With manicured lakeside gardens, snow-capped Alps in the distance, and gracious architecture that oozes history, it offers a rare mix of grandeur and genuine warmth.
Overall ****** (8 of 10)
Value (8 of 10)
Food (8 of 10)
Spa (8 of 10)
Service (8 of 10)
Location (9 of 10)
Kid’s Club (7 of 10)
Pros
-Stunning views of Lake Geneva
-Location is extremely walkable yet the property feels tranquil
-Historical charm with modern amenities
-Every restaurant was a highlight
Cons
-Switzerland is expensive, so be prepared to spend your Swiss Francs
Rooms
We stayed in a lake-facing room and waking up to the soft morning light over the water was unforgettable. The rooms are spacious, beautifully appointed, and whisper-quiet. Expect plush beds, marble bathrooms, and thoughtful touches like fresh fruit, chocolates, and luxury bath products. Everything is designed for comfort, calm, and a sense of understated indulgence.
Service
The staff at the Beau-Rivage is warm, polished, and truly five-star. From the moment we arrived we were greeted like family — but the kind of family that happens to know how to run a palace. Whether it’s organizing a lake cruise, booking a babysitter, or delivering the most elegant room service breakfast you’ve ever seen, the service is seamless and personal.
Dining
The hotel offers an impressive variety of dining options that were all surprisingly delicious.
Pic: A must-try. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined, poetic take on French cuisine. Every dish feels like a story — delicate, balanced, and surprising. It’s the kind of meal you’ll remember for years.
Café Beau-Rivage: A more relaxed setting with a beautiful lakefront terrace. Ideal for a sunny lunch or casual dinner, the menu features Swiss classics, fresh fish, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The setting alone is worth the visit.
La Terrasse: Open for breakfast, La Terrasse is a grand, airy dining room that opens to the gardens. The breakfast buffet is exceptional — think flaky pastries, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, local cheeses, and made-to-order eggs.
Bar & Lounge: Whether you’re sipping a negroni before dinner or a herbal tea by the fireplace, the bar is cozy, elegant, and always buzzing with interesting guests.
Kid’s Club/Amenities
Though the Beau-Rivage Palace is undeniably luxurious, it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. The kids’ club, offered during school holidays and weekends, is a beautifully run program with thoughtful activities, creative projects, and outdoor adventures tailored to different age groups. The staff seems to genuinely care about making the experience magical for children — from treasure hunts in the gardens to baking sessions or crafts.
Children are warmly welcomed throughout the hotel, and there are amenities like kid-sized robes, children’s menus at restaurants, babysitting services, and even small touches like stuffed animals left on their beds at turn-down.
SPA/POOLS
The Guerlein spa is a beautiful serene oasis with an indoor pool, hammams, saunas, and an extensive menu of holistic treatments. Despite visiting in the summer, the kids still loved the indoor pool with outdoor access. The outdoor pool is equally beautiful, with loungers and full service. There is also an impressive beach area next to the pool. The tennis courts are set in the manicured lawns overlooking the lake.
LOCATION
Set in Ouchy, a charming lakeside district, the hotel is just a short tram ride or walk to Lausanne’s old town and museums (don’t miss the nearby Olympic Museum!). You’re close to everything, but once inside the hotel’s gates, it feels like a hidden world — peaceful, private, and entirely your own.
The Beau-Rivage Palace gets a lot right — timeless beauty, impeccable service, and a genuine warmth that makes you want to linger. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a lakeside family vacation, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, this hotel delivers in every way.