Royalty, musicians and film stars have long chosen the Lausanne Palace Hotel as their home away from home, enjoying breakfast with views over Lake Geneva and the snow-capped French Alps. Opened in 1915 near the Esplanade of Montbenon, the hotel quickly became a favored venue for notable gatherings, diplomatic meetings and discreet encounters.
Coco Chanel Suite © Lausanne Palace
While its elegant architecture and historic character remain, the hotel has integrated a range of contemporary sustainability measures. Guests find electric vehicle charging stations and complimentary public-transportation cards for use on Lausanne’s network, reducing the need for private car journeys. Behind the scenes, a heat-recovery system improves energy efficiency across the property.
Waste management is handled with advanced processes: food waste is sent for methanization and converted into electrical and thermal energy through a cogeneration engine, cutting landfill and supplying local power. All of the hotel’s electricity is sourced from renewable hydropower, and staff wellbeing is prioritized with initiatives such as electrically assisted trolleys for housekeeping teams, a private gym, relaxation and television rooms, and a staff canteen offering vegetarian options.
© Lausanne Palace
Guests today enjoy sustainable practices without sacrificing luxury across 106 rooms and suites. The Coco Chanel Suite, once the designer’s private residence, retains personal touches such as custom shoe racks and opens onto a generous terrace. Dining options range from the Michelin-starred La Table du Lausanne Palace to the lively Brasserie Grand Chêne and Matcha Picchu, which blends Japanese and Peruvian flavours for a modern fusion experience.
The hotel’s wellness facilities are extensive, featuring one of Europe’s largest indoor pools, a full-service spa, a sun deck and tranquil spaces for relaxation. Unusually for an urban hotel, the property also maintains a private vineyard producing Merlot in the heart of Lausanne, adding a local and artisanal element to the guest experience.
Combining historic elegance, panoramic lakeside views and modern environmental responsibility, Lausanne Palace continues to offer a refined stay for visitors seeking comfort, culture and conscientious hospitality in the Swiss Riviera.