When planning a trip to Lake Geneva, often referred to as Lac Léman, I know firsthand how crucial it is to pick the right place to stay.
Nestled between Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and luxurious accommodations in Europe. Having explored the area thoroughly, I’ve curated a list of the best hotels of Lake Geneva that not only offer breathtaking views of the lake but also provide top-notch amenities, exquisite dining, and immersive cultural experiences.
In my experience, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip to this picturesque region. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Montreux and Evian-les-Bains, or the cosmopolitan flair of Geneva and Lausanne, there’s a perfect spot waiting to welcome you. Each hotel on my list has been selected for its unique charm, exceptional service, and ideal location to help you experience Lake Geneva to the fullest. From grand luxury hotels to cozy lakeside retreats, these choices cater to a range of preferences and budgets.
If you’re seeking the ultimate Lake Geneva experience, these hotels combine luxury, comfort, and accessibility, making them ideal bases for exploring the best of what this iconic destination has to offer. So let’s dive into the top Lake Geneva hotels that will elevate your stay to an unforgettable adventure.
* Header: 5 Star Hotel Royal Savoy SkyLounge Restaurant with Panoramic view of Lake Geneva.
Best Hotels of Leman Lake Geneva, Between France & Switzerland
1. Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa is located in the center of Lausanne and a 5-minute walk from Lake Geneva. The Fine Arts Museum is 10 minutes away from the hotel.
The hotel consists of two wings: the Savoy wing occupies an elegant Art Nouveau-style building and all rooms and suites are with lake views or city views. Guests can access the Spa du Royal and 24-hour fitness center, with breakfast included. The Park wing is located in the heart of a city park and grants rooms with a private balcony, as well as access to the 24 hours fitness center.
Best Restaurants in La Rochelle FRANCE
Best Honeymoon Destinations FRANCE
Best Castle Hotel FRANCE
Best Restaurants in La Rochelle FRANCE
Best Spa Hotels in Île-de-France
2. Hôtel des Patients
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Hôtel des Patients is located in a quiet area in Lausanne, on the grounds of the CHUV university hospital center. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk.
The property is the first of its type in Switzerland, combining accommodations for guests and patients at the same time.
All rooms have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Some rooms have a seating area where you can relax or a terrace.
3. VISIONAPARTMENTS Route de Vallaire - Contactless Check-in
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
VISIONAPARTMENTS Route de Vallaire - contactless check-in enjoys a location in Lausanne, 4.4 miles from Lausanne Train Station and 1.5 miles from EPFL Metro Station. Complimentary Wifi is provided throughout the property and private parking is available on site. The apartment provides a fitness room and an elevator.
4. Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Located in Geneva, a 8-minute walk from Cornavin Train Station, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva has accommodations with a restaurant, private parking, free bikes and a fitness center. Featuring a terrace, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. There's a sauna, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
5. Hostellerie Le Petit Manoir
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Built in 1764, the Petit Manoir is a luxurious, boutique-style hotel in a French garden in Morges, combining the charm of the past with up-to-date facilities and a spa area. The banks of Lake Geneva are only 984 feet away.
After entering the Petit Manoir, you will find yourself in the cozy boudoir/library with a fireplace. Each guest room is named after a famous composer and features antique-style furniture. From the first floor, a magnificent wrought-iron staircase gives access to the garden.
6. Hotel Angleterre & Résidence
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Hotel Angleterre & Résidence is located on the shores of Lake Geneva facing the Alps, and is just 5 minutes by car or metro from the center of Lausanne. The fitness center is open daily between 06:30 and 22:00, and the outdoor pool is open on sunny days, usually from May to September.
7. Tralala Hotel Montreux
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
The music-themed Tralala Hotel Montreux is located right in the Old Town of Montreux, 1640 feet from the lake and the Montreux train station. WiFi internet is available free of charge.
Each room, many of which offer a lake view, is dedicated to an artist who contributed to Montreux’s reputation as a city of music. All rooms features flat-screen TVs.
At the Tralala bar, you will be able to discover a variety of Swiss wines, primarily from the cantons of Vaud and Valais.
8. Hôtel Royal - Evian Resort | A palace with a view of Lake Geneva
The pitch - Majestically facing Lake Geneva, the Royal Hotel stands out both as the flagship of the Evian Resort complex, but also as one of the most dazzling hotel treasures in the region.
Built in 1909 for the attention of King Edward VII, who died before being able to stay there, the hotel quickly became the destination of choice for all the elite, celebrities and crowned heads, who came to enjoy the benefits of the waters of 'Evian.
Despite a major fire in 1958, the Royal has retained its original architecture, at the crossroads between Art Deco and Art Nouveau, completely renovated in 2015 under the leadership of François Champsaur, interior designer and François Chatillon, chief architect of the historical monuments. In 2016, the hotel obtained the Palace distinction.
The rooms ? In terms of accommodation, the Royal's offering is broken down into several categories: rooms, suites, experiential suites and the royal suite, which has a private 60 m2 terrace offering a panoramic view of Lake Geneva. Facing the lake or the park, all boast refined decoration, both bright and cozy, enhanced with touches of bright colors and carpets with graphic prints.
-
Aerial view of the Hôtel Royal - Evian Resort © DR
Gastronomy - After sipping a cocktail in the breathtaking Belle Époque decor of the hotel bar, head to Les Fresques for a gastronomic experience worthy of the hotel's prestige.
Under the frescoes painted by Gustave Louis Jaulmes almost a century ago, chef Patrice Vander delivers an impressive culinary score, which not only gives pride of place to regional products, but only to the best. A rigor that can be read on the plate through controlled and never ostentatious associations, like his signature crayfish, puddled with a royal foie gras, morels and a verbena emulsion.
Well-being side? After colossal work, the Royal Evian spa has reopened its doors, to offer its customers an enhanced experience, a journey redesigned from A to Z according to the theme of the water cycle. A “V2” which marks the palace's desire to be part of a local anchor, while offering up-to-date equipment, worthy of its rank.
This new evian®Spa, the first in Europe, extends over 1,700 m² and two distinct areas, one reserved for treatments, the other hosting the aquatic part. All curves, the swimming pool flanked by deckchairs with a view of the lake, is accompanied by a giant jacuzzi-style outdoor pool where you can splash around while admiring the landscape, captured by this famous "lake pier", this feeling of good -being which invades the traveler staying on the banks of Lake Geneva.
On the treatment side, immersive lounges, projecting videos retracing the immutable cycle of water or decorated with ancient frescoes, cocoon cabins named after Alpine peaks host signature protocols carried out by therapists with golden hands, true experts with years of experience. If a reason was missing to stay in this iconic palace, here it is, the circle is complete.
Hôtel Royal – Evian Resort
150 rooms, from €360 per night
13 Avenue des Mateirons, 74500 Évian-les-Bains
hotel-royal-evian.com | BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
9. Le Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne | The great lady of Lausanne
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Situated in a park of several hectares in the heart of the town of Ouchy, in Lausanne, the Beau Rivage Palace offers a breathtaking view of the Alps in front of it.
Built in 1861, the Swiss spa hotel ranks as a “ Swiss cultural asset of national importance ” and cultivates an Art Deco style which pays homage to the greatest hours of its history, reviewed and corrected by the specialist architect Pierre-Yves Rochon palaces. The Cinq Mondes spa (1,500 m2), heated swimming pools, fitness room, yoga studio and naturopathy salon demonstrate the care taken by the establishment for the well-being of guests.
What makes the difference ? If several dining areas are offered to customers (very good mention for the Café Beau Rivage and the Japanese restaurant Miyako), it is at the gourmet restaurant (two Michelin stars) that our taste buds will captivate, thanks to the virtuosity of the chef Anne- Sophie Pic.
-
Beau-Rivage Palace © DR
Beau-Rivage Palace
168 rooms, from €500 per night
Chemin de Beau-Rivage 21, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland
10. Le Mirador Resort & Spa, Chardonne | On the heights of the Lavaux vineyard
Located in the heart of the Swiss vineyard of Lavaux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mirador Resort & Spa can pride itself on offering one of the most spectacular views in the world thanks to its ideal location, on the heights of Mount Pilgrim.
With 64 rooms and suites, most of which have a terrace, the establishment allows its guests to enjoy a relaxation area of 1,750 m2, a heated indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and panoramic terrace, as well as a Givenchy spa. As for gastronomy, you can enjoy cuisine with Japanese influences at the Hinata restaurant, or local and refined cuisine created by chef Thomas Perez at the Le Patio table. Lovers of unusual experiences, don't miss the " fondue cabins " set up on the hotel terrace.
-
Le Mirador Resort - Spa Suite © DR
The Mirador Resort & Spa
64 keys, from €300 per night.
Chemin de l’Hôtel Mirador 5, 1801 Chardonne, Switzerland
11. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel | The grand hotel of Montreux
Standing on the banks of Lake Geneva for over a century, the Montreux Palace embodies all the splendor of the Belle Époque. An opulence that is expressed in its 236 rooms and suites, where the splendors of the past century meet the modernity of present times. Spread over 2,000 m2 , the spa is equipped with a multitude of equipment dedicated to the well-being of guests: whirlpool bath, sauna, hammam, swimming pools, cold bath, as well as several treatment cabins where you can benefit from the expertise of Niance and Biologique Recherche brands.
After a day of exploring the region's most beautiful sites, from Glacier 3000 to Château de Chillon, guests can relax at the Pureaty Café bar, before sitting down at the Montreux Jazz Café led by chef Édouard Boudet.
-
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel © DR
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel
236 keys, from €280 per night.
Avenue Claude-Nobs 2, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland
12. Hôtel Ermitage - Evian Resort | The chic address of Évian-les-Bains
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
The second jewel of the Evian Resort complex on the banks of Lake Geneva, set in the heart of a 19-hectare park, the Hôtel Ermitage stands out thanks to its warm and family atmosphere. Behind its Anglo-Norman style facade, the establishment accommodates some 80 rooms and suites facing the park or the lake, a Quatre Terres spa, two bars and a restaurant.
Called La Table, it offers seasonal and regional cuisine, highlighting local products. In particular, you can taste fish from the Pecquery family's fishery, Simon's charcuterie and cheeses from the Ferme des Chalets d'Oche.
What makes the difference - Guests can take advantage of all the amenities and living spaces of the Evian Resort: 18-hole golf course, Kid's Resort, casino, etc.
Hotel Ermitage - Evian Resort
80 keys, from €200 per night.
1230 Avenue du Léman, 74500 Évian-les-Bains
13. Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva | The emblematic luxury hotel of Geneva
Founded in 1834, the Four Seasons Geneva stands out as a true jewel of Geneva's heritage.
The one and only palace of the Four Seasons brand in Switzerland, the setting houses behind its neoclassical facade some 70 rooms and 45 suites, whose decoration by Pierre-Yves Rochon displays an opulent and refined style, combining powdery shades, mix and match of Louis-Philippe prints and furniture.
At the Mont Blanc Spa, travelers can enjoy a wide range of rituals and treatments: massages, silhouette treatments, scrubs, wraps and facial treatments from Biologique Recherche, Swiss Perfection and Dr. Burgener. On the dining side, guests can take their taste buds on a journey to Italy at the table at Il Lago, or from Japan to the Izumi restaurant, reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Geneva.
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
115 rooms and suites, from €700 per night.
Quai des Bergues 33, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland.
14. Grand Hôtel du Lac, Vevey | Luxury in complete privacy
Labeled Relais & Châteaux, the Grand Hôtel du Lac offers its guests a timeless break on the Vaudois Riviera. In any case, this is the impression that emerges from its 50 rooms and suites, designed by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, where old mirrors, plant motifs, refined fabrics intertwine, in a monochrome shades.
After a relaxing day at Spa Valmont, travelers are invited to sip a cocktail in the orientalist decor of Henryk's Bar, a joyful preamble to the gastronomic experience offered at Les Saisons restaurant. Awarded a Michelin star, the young chef Thomas Neeser delivers his generous and creative vision of cuisine, based around regional products. Don't miss his duck foie gras with Grand Marnier, nor his vanilla and coconut sea bass.
-
Grand Hôtel du Lac (Vevey) | swimming pool © DR
Grand Hôtel du Lac
50 keys, from €325 per night.
Rue d’Italie 1, 1800 Vevey, Switzerland.
15. La Réserve Genève Hotel, Spa and Villa | An urban resort at the gates of Geneva
An urban resort between lake and mountain, La Réserve Genève invites its guests to stop time to savor the present. Located in the heart of a four-hectare park on the banks of Lake Geneva, the hotel is at the crossroads between a charming refuge and an African lodge, thanks to the exotic-tinged decoration of Jacques Garcia. Spread over more than 1,800 m2 , the Nescens Spa stands out as one of the hotel's major assets thanks to its 17 treatment rooms, swimming pools, hammam and sauna.
In addition, the Nescens brand offers two programs of 4 and 7 days adapted to each person's objectives (slimming, stress reduction, getting back into shape, etc.). The hotel's three restaurants will satisfy all palates, with a special mention for the traditional Cantonese dishes of the Tsé Fung restaurant (one Michelin star), including the two-course Peking duck.
La Réserve Genève Hotel, Spa and Villa
102 rooms and suites, from €500 per night.
Route de Lausanne 301, 1293 Bellevue, Switzerland.
16. Hôtel des Trois Couronnes, Vevey | The other great hotel in Vevey
Feet in the crystal clear water of Lake Geneva, in the heart of the pretty town of Vevey (home to Nestlé's head office), the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes tells the story of more than a century and a half of history within its walls.
If it owes its name to the crowned heads who stayed there, the establishment can also boast of having hosted Charlie Chaplin – who lived for almost a quarter of a century in Vevey – and Tchaikovsky. Despite this flamboyant heritage, the hotel cultivates a luxury that is both discreet and opulent, nuanced with subtle references to the Belle Époque style of the last century.
We appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and refined decor of its Puressens Spa, and its gourmet table, led by Cécile Fontannaz. The chef offers Alpine cuisine giving pride of place to regional products.
Good to know - The hotel offers several personalized treatment programs, including treatments, accommodation and catering, to recharge your batteries without worrying about anything.
Hôtel des Trois Couronnes
71 keys, from €350 per night.
Rue d’Italie 49, 1800 Vevey, Switzerland.
Best Things to Do in Bend, OREGON
Best Things to Do for Couples in OAHU, Hawaii
Best Things to do for Couples Cabo San Lucas
Best Things to do on the Isle of Wight UK
Best Things to do in Texas City
17. Château d’Ouchy, Lausanne
Deals & Booking: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
If the origins of the castle date back to the 12th century, it was in 1885 that the hotel as we know it today was built.
An impressive neo-Gothic style building, bordered on both sides by the Alps and the lake, the establishment accommodates around fifty cozy rooms, twisted here and there with nods to the heritage of the place, through a four-poster bed, period woodwork or a sumptuous carved ceiling.
With a swimming pool, sauna and hammam, the spa goes straight to the essentials, and guests can enjoy the facilities at the neighboring Beau-Rivage Palace at a preferential rate. The 57° Grill, the hotel's restaurant, plays the modernity card, appropriating the codes of New York grills. On the menu, a fine selection of meats from Swiss mountain pastures, local poultry and fish straight from Lake Geneva.
-
© Château d’Ouchy
Château d'Ouchy
50 rooms, from €250 per night.
Place du Port, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland
Other Popular Hotels of Leman Lake
- Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hôtel BOOKING
- Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind BOOKING
- Alpha-Palmiers by Fassbind BOOKING
- Lausanne Palace BOOKING
- Hôtel des Voyageurs Boutique BOOKING
- Villa Cécile BOOKING
- The Ritz-Carlton, Hotel de la Paix, Geneva BOOKING
- Swiss Luxury Apartments BOOKING
- Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva BOOKING
- Swiss Wine by Fassbind BOOKING
- La Maison d'Igor BOOKING
How to Choose a Hotel Near Lake Geneva
When selecting a hotel near Lake Geneva, consider the following factors for an unforgettable lakeside experience:
- Location: Opt for hotels directly on the lakeshore or within walking distance to enjoy stunning views and easy access to water activities.
- Amenities: Look for properties with private beaches, pools, spas, and restaurants offering al fresco dining with panoramic lake vistas.
- Activities: Choose hotels that provide water sports equipment rentals, boat tours, or hiking trails along the lake for an active stay.
- Ambiance: Historic chateaus, contemporary resorts, or boutique hotels - pick the atmosphere that suits your preferences for a memorable stay.
Hotel Angleterre & Residence
Is Lake Leman the Same as Lake Geneva?
Yes, Lake Leman and Lake Geneva refer to the same body of water. "Lac Léman" is the French name, derived from the ancient Celtic word "Lem-an" meaning "large water." The English name "Lake Geneva" is also widely used, though some argue it should be called by its original French name.
Does Lake Geneva Have Tides?
No, Lake Geneva does not experience tides. As a freshwater lake, its water levels fluctuate due to factors like rainfall, melting snow, and inflows/outflows from rivers like the Rhône. However, it does not have the periodic rising and falling of water levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, which creates tides in oceans.
Things to know about Lake Leman Hotels in Switzerland & France - FAQs
Why is Lake Geneva so famous?
Lake Geneva is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, nestled between the Swiss Alps and the Jura mountains. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Western Europe, attracting visitors with its crystal-clear waters, picturesque lakeside towns, and excellent opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities. The region is also famous for its vineyards, producing world-class wines, and its rich cultural heritage, including historic cities like Geneva.
Is Geneva very expensive?
Geneva is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, consistently ranking among the top five in various cost of living surveys. The high prices can be attributed to factors such as the strong Swiss franc, high salaries, and the city's status as a global financial hub and international center. However, Geneva also offers a high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and a safe environment, which contributes to its overall cost.
How long does it take to drive around Lake Geneva, Switzerland?
Driving around the entire circumference of Lake Geneva, which spans both Switzerland and France, takes approximately 4-5 hours without stops. The total distance is around 180 kilometers (112 miles) on the Swiss side alone. However, the journey time can vary depending on traffic conditions, stops along the way, and whether you choose to take the scenic routes through charming lakeside towns or opt for the faster highways.
Why is Lake Geneva so clean?
Lake Geneva is renowned for its exceptional water quality and cleanliness, thanks to several factors. Firstly, strict environmental regulations and wastewater treatment measures are in place to prevent pollution. Additionally, the lake's depth (maximum depth of 310 meters) and the continuous renewal of its waters through the Rhône River contribute to its self-cleaning ability. The surrounding mountains also act as a natural barrier, protecting the lake from industrial and urban pollution.
What is the small town on Lake Geneva?
There are several charming small towns located along the shores of Lake Geneva, each with its unique character and attractions. Some notable examples include:
- Montreux, Switzerland: Known for its annual jazz festival, picturesque promenade, and the stunning Château de Chillon.
- Évian-les-Bains, France: Famous for its mineral water and thermal baths, as well as its beautiful lakefront and gardens.
- Nyon, Switzerland: A historic town with a well-preserved old town, a Roman museum, and a lively weekly market.
- Vevey, Switzerland: Home to the famous Chaplin's World museum and the impressive Alimentarium (Food Museum).
Which Lake is Shared Between Switzerland and France?
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is the lake shared between Switzerland and France. Approximately 59% of its area lies within the Swiss borders, while the remaining 41% is in France. This large freshwater lake straddles the border between the two countries, with major cities like Geneva (Switzerland) and Évian-les-Bains (France) located along its shores.
Best Leman Lake Geneva Hotels, France & Switzerland
