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A Majestic Stay at the
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Switzerland
The magnificent Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is situated in the heart of Montreux with a commanding view over Lac Léman. A grande dame of the Belle Époque, this historic building dates back to 1906 and has been lovingly preserved and restored over the years. A five star luxury hotel with 236 rooms and suites, it boasts impeccable service and the staff are truly welcoming and friendly.
Once you enter the doors emblazoned with the MP logo, you know that you are in safe hands. After a quick and friendly check in, my baggage was taken to my room and I went to explore the hotel.
Chandeliers abound, beautiful statues and cornices, high ceilings and wonderful views. If you like historic hotels with charm and elegance, you will love the Montreux Palace.
I’ve actually stayed in the hotel a number of times over the years – on holiday with my family, and on business too. Each time I’ve been here at a different time of year, but each time I’ve enjoyed it so much. So when I was invited this time and it coincided with the Guest Chef Week with Ben Dayag from NIKKEI NINE Restataurant in Hamburg, I was over moon.
The hotel is such a wonderful place it doesn’t take long to feel at home, and by the end of your stay you feel totally relaxed.
The Rooms
I simply love the bedrooms. With 236 rooms and suites, each one tastefully and classically furnished, you get super comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and a fabulous level of comfort. Elegance and tradition combine with top of the range technology and mod cons, to make your stay relaxing and super luxurious.
If you’re lucky enough to have a room facing the lake, the stunning view is an added bonus.
There is a hotel car park so that your car can be taken care of – but do note that at CHF 45 per day it is pretty steep!
The Restaurants and Bars
You need never go hungry or thirsty as there is a full range of places you can eat wonderful food from early morning till late evening.
Breakfast
You start getting spoilt at breakfast. Views over the lake enhance your enjoyment and there is everything you could possible want – and a little bit more too!
In addition to a huge buffet bursting with both hot and cold delights, the chef will cook you fresh omelettes and other hot dishes to order. There are interesting freshly squeezed juices, Swiss Birchermuesli, the traditional English breakfast, the list goes on. They even serve their own homemade dulche de leche to spread on your freshly baked bread or toast.
Sunday Brunch
If you’re staying there on a Sunday you really must try the Sunday Brunch. It is truly splendid and extremely popular with the locals too. People arrive early and queue patiently until 12 noon when it all begins. The stations are beautifully laid out and there is so much choice. With a carvery, serrano ham sliced to order, freshly cooked fish dishes and a whole host of cold meats and fabulous cheeses, there is something to suit every taste.
You need to leave some space for desserts though as in addition to an amazing array of mouth-watering patisseries, there is a chocolate fountain and an ice cream stand.
Guest Chef Week
The hotel also runs a “Guest Chef Week” every so often and whilst were were staying top chef Ben Dayag from Restaurant Nikkei Nine in Hamburg was cooking Japanese Peruvian fusion cuisine. It was such an amazing blend of wonderful flavours and all so beautifully presented. See our full article here.
The lunch was served in the beautiful and light dining room of MP’s Bar & Grill.
The Montreux Jazz Café and Funky Claude’s
Montreux Jazz Cafe offers a more casual menu with burgers, club sandwiches, salads and even fish and chips. They décor is bright, modern and light with very comfortable seating.
Funky Claude’s Bar is bedecked with artefacts and photos relating to the Montreux Jazz Festival and is a tribute to Claude Nobs who founded the festival. It’s the perfect place to spend the evening and unwind with a good drink. Don’t forget to check their listings as they often have live music in the evenings too.
The Spa
There is an outdoor pool in the Summer months (pictured above) and all year round there is a superb indoor pool and wellness area (pictured below).
The Willow Stream Spa is an Oasis of calm. Equipped with jacuzzis, a hammam, sauna and two swimming pools, it’s the place to simply chill. You can of course book from a full range of treatments too. In addition there is a well equipped gym.
Things To Do Nearby
The Concierge service is fabulous and you can get plenty of advice on things to do and where to go whatever the weather and whatever the season.
Suggestions include:
The Freddie Mercury Statue (above) is along the promenade and just a short walk from the hotel
Statues – the hotel’s own garden in front of the hotel (which is also open to the public) with statues from the world of music.
Château Chillon (below) which is a short bus or taxi ride away
The Peak Walk By Tissot – an exciting mountain bridge
Chaplin’s World – a fabulous exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the famous entertainer in the house where he lived
A visit to the Lavaux UNESCO Vineyards – this can be organised via the concierge’s desk
Montreux Jazz Festival taking place from Friday 29th June – Saturday 14th July 2018
A Trip to Rochers de Naye – a wonderful viewpoint high above Montreux
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
In summary we truly enjoyed our stay at the Fairmont Le Montreux. The weather was cloudy and overcast whilst we were there but it didn’t matter a jot! The hotel is warm and welcoming and the service was friendly and very helpful at all times. It was a great stay to relax and recharge the batteries.
So if you fancy some top class luxury in incomparably elegant surroundings, with great food and amazing service, you really should pop down to the Farimont Le Montreux Palace.
PS. It’s also the perfect place to stay during the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Take a look at our video here:
Address: Ave Claude-Nobs 2, 1820, Montreux
Tel: +41 21 962 12 12
Visit the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace website here
The hotel is a member of the Swiss Deluxe Hotels group.
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We stayed as guests of the Fairmont Montreux Palace Hotel but all views are entirely our own
For more information about events and things to do in Zurich and beyond please see our Home Page or our What’s On Page and for regular updates subscribe to the blog.
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