Montreux Hotels -- Are they all Offline?!
Mar 15th, 2012, 06:58 PM
#1
Original Poster
Montreux Hotels -- Are they all Offline?!
I love Montreux. But trying to find decent accommodations under $300/night for 2 at festival time is difficult! And finding a place within walking distance of the festival halls is even more difficult! I have been trying to book with Hotel Splendid -- not that anyone on this board so far has rated this place as good, bad or indifferent, but those on tripadvisor are pretty consistent in their reviews, and it has the price, the location, and the internet access that we want!
But their link to their booking has been down. So I emailed them. In French. And no response so far.
Despite the lousy reviews of Villa Toscane (although they claim to be doing a remodel), we did spend 3 days there, 15 years ago, and actually enjoyed the experience. But they don't seem to have internet access.
Any other suggestions . . . and if so, is it possible to book online?!?
I do want to be close to the festival halls since we're taking my 83 year old mom and won't have a ca. Even though she's active and works out, I need to consider that she's now a senior (even though she'll argue the point) and doesn't move as fast as she did in the old days.
But their link to their booking has been down. So I emailed them. In French. And no response so far.
Despite the lousy reviews of Villa Toscane (although they claim to be doing a remodel), we did spend 3 days there, 15 years ago, and actually enjoyed the experience. But they don't seem to have internet access.
Any other suggestions . . . and if so, is it possible to book online?!?
I do want to be close to the festival halls since we're taking my 83 year old mom and won't have a ca. Even though she's active and works out, I need to consider that she's now a senior (even though she'll argue the point) and doesn't move as fast as she did in the old days.
Mar 15th, 2012, 09:35 PM
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Hi Surfergirl,
You really may want to consider staying in Vevey as well. As you probably know, you will get a Riviera Card from your hosts, which makes all bus travel free. You can then just hop on the bus in Vevey and get off anywhere you like in Montreux. The bus goes through Montreux all the way to Chillon and on to Villeneuve on the other side of Chillon.
In Vevey, you may want to consider the Hostellerie Bon Rivage, which sits right on the water. Or the Hotel Negociants -- but the Negociants sits right in the thick of the old town with a restaurant on the bottom floor, and I've heard it's very noisy.
For Montreux itself, you could consider Hotel Masson, which sits just outside of Montreux in the suburb of Territet. You'll be closer to Chillon. You can take a taxi when you arrive at the Montreux station with bags, but after that, you can get back and forth easily by bus.
I absolutely love Hotel Victoria, which sits in Glion above Montreux; it's my very favorite hotel in the area. However, it may be above your price range. But if you'd like to stay there, you just take the funicular down the mountain (runs every 15 minutes) and then either walk or hop on the bus.
Have fun!
s
You really may want to consider staying in Vevey as well. As you probably know, you will get a Riviera Card from your hosts, which makes all bus travel free. You can then just hop on the bus in Vevey and get off anywhere you like in Montreux. The bus goes through Montreux all the way to Chillon and on to Villeneuve on the other side of Chillon.
In Vevey, you may want to consider the Hostellerie Bon Rivage, which sits right on the water. Or the Hotel Negociants -- but the Negociants sits right in the thick of the old town with a restaurant on the bottom floor, and I've heard it's very noisy.
For Montreux itself, you could consider Hotel Masson, which sits just outside of Montreux in the suburb of Territet. You'll be closer to Chillon. You can take a taxi when you arrive at the Montreux station with bags, but after that, you can get back and forth easily by bus.
I absolutely love Hotel Victoria, which sits in Glion above Montreux; it's my very favorite hotel in the area. However, it may be above your price range. But if you'd like to stay there, you just take the funicular down the mountain (runs every 15 minutes) and then either walk or hop on the bus.
Have fun!
s
Mar 15th, 2012, 09:38 PM
#3
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Sorry. Here are the sites:
Hostellerie Bon Rivage
http://www.bon-rivage.ch/index.php?o...emid=2&lang=en
Hotel Negociants
http://www.hotelnegociants.ch/en/index.html
Hotel Masson
http://www.hotelmasson.ch/en/index.php
Hotel Victoria
http://www.victoria-glion.ch/
Hostellerie Bon Rivage
http://www.bon-rivage.ch/index.php?o...emid=2&lang=en
Hotel Negociants
http://www.hotelnegociants.ch/en/index.html
Hotel Masson
http://www.hotelmasson.ch/en/index.php
Hotel Victoria
http://www.victoria-glion.ch/
Mar 16th, 2012, 07:26 AM
#4
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Thanks, swandav -- you are always very helpful with Montreux suggestions. Let me ask you, but if you don't know I guess I can google it -- do you have an idea as to how often the bus runs and until what time? That way I can figure out if these might be good options for me. I do like Vevey a lot. (Also like Morges, but that's on the other side of Lausanne, and much too far away!).
Mar 16th, 2012, 08:33 AM
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Hi Surfergirl,
Oooh yes, I know the bus pretty well. It runs every 10 minutes for most of the day. It starts at 06.03 in the morning (runs about every 20 minutes until 07.04, when it begins running every 10 minutes). At 20.00 it goes back to run about every 20 minutes; at 24.00 it only runs twice an hour, and the last run of the night is at 24.40.
I think there will be a more robust schedule during the Festival though. The Montreux Jazz Fest site says that the bus will run free for residents (well, it'll always be free for you) from 6 pm until 4 am. So it must be running until 4am.
Here's a link to their site -- you should have no problem with the French, I think:
http://www.vmcv.ch/horaires_eligne-4...court=VEYGAREA
Good luck!
s
Oooh yes, I know the bus pretty well. It runs every 10 minutes for most of the day. It starts at 06.03 in the morning (runs about every 20 minutes until 07.04, when it begins running every 10 minutes). At 20.00 it goes back to run about every 20 minutes; at 24.00 it only runs twice an hour, and the last run of the night is at 24.40.
I think there will be a more robust schedule during the Festival though. The Montreux Jazz Fest site says that the bus will run free for residents (well, it'll always be free for you) from 6 pm until 4 am. So it must be running until 4am.
Here's a link to their site -- you should have no problem with the French, I think:
http://www.vmcv.ch/horaires_eligne-4...court=VEYGAREA
Good luck!
s
Mar 16th, 2012, 09:08 AM
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I stayed about 4 nights at Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux several years ago and really liked it a lot. The people there are very nice, the hotel rooms are pretty nice, and it has an absolutely super location, especially if you are traveling by train and no car (which I was, it is practically across the street from the train station).
Hotels are not cheap in Montreux, but I think that one was cheaper than the most expensive hotels, of course. I have no idea what festival you are talking about or the timing, since you don't say and there are various festivals in Montreux. If it is the Jazz Festival, the Suisse Majestic's rates will be much more than $200 a night -- I didn't pay that much, but I didn't go during a festival, just some normal week in the summer.
booking.com has one called the Royal Plaza Montreux or something which sounds good and is not too bad in cost (around 350 CHF per night). They quote the Majestic at around 425 CHF per night and Villa Toscane at a little less then 300 CHF per night. These are expensive, I think that's what happens during a peak period like that, unfortunately. I wouldn't worry about using booking.com to book (or venere.com) if you must, I have had no trouble with that. Their rates are better than Expedia, I think.
I think you may have to forget about the Splendid, no booking site quotes it, and booking.com says the last rooms were just booked in that hotel an hour ago. But that was the dates I tried, you can check.
Hotels are not cheap in Montreux, but I think that one was cheaper than the most expensive hotels, of course. I have no idea what festival you are talking about or the timing, since you don't say and there are various festivals in Montreux. If it is the Jazz Festival, the Suisse Majestic's rates will be much more than $200 a night -- I didn't pay that much, but I didn't go during a festival, just some normal week in the summer.
booking.com has one called the Royal Plaza Montreux or something which sounds good and is not too bad in cost (around 350 CHF per night). They quote the Majestic at around 425 CHF per night and Villa Toscane at a little less then 300 CHF per night. These are expensive, I think that's what happens during a peak period like that, unfortunately. I wouldn't worry about using booking.com to book (or venere.com) if you must, I have had no trouble with that. Their rates are better than Expedia, I think.
I think you may have to forget about the Splendid, no booking site quotes it, and booking.com says the last rooms were just booked in that hotel an hour ago. But that was the dates I tried, you can check.
Mar 16th, 2012, 10:11 AM
#7
Original Poster
Thanks for the updates. Well, if the bus is running to 4 a.m. during the Jazz Festival (yes, that's when we're going), that will work.
On the Splendid, the booking websites like booking.com repeatedly say that all rooms in a hotel were booked "an hour ago" -- my guess is that they do that for a couple of reasons -- either they ran out of rooms they could book, or they don't book that particular hotel and try to re-direct you to hotels on their list that they do book. I'm going to continue to try with that one, but thanks to all of you, I have more options available to search!
The cheapest room at the Majestic during festival is 480 CHF, but you're right, it's a great hotel!
So, now, let me start checking these options . . . ! If you guys think of anything else, let me know!
On the Splendid, the booking websites like booking.com repeatedly say that all rooms in a hotel were booked "an hour ago" -- my guess is that they do that for a couple of reasons -- either they ran out of rooms they could book, or they don't book that particular hotel and try to re-direct you to hotels on their list that they do book. I'm going to continue to try with that one, but thanks to all of you, I have more options available to search!
The cheapest room at the Majestic during festival is 480 CHF, but you're right, it's a great hotel!
So, now, let me start checking these options . . . ! If you guys think of anything else, let me know!
Mar 16th, 2012, 09:37 PM
#8
Original Poster
took the family poll and we're going to try to book with Bon Rivage -- like the idea that there's a bus that will go to 4 a.m. during festival and it's free. Also like the free wifi at the hotel. Hope someone's stayed there that will tell me, yeah, great place to stay and not too remote from the action!
So thanks again, Swandav for your usual excellent recs in the area!
Will let you all know if we can get a reservation -- noted on the website that there's a 10% discount for mom's 65+!
So thanks again, Swandav for your usual excellent recs in the area!
Will let you all know if we can get a reservation -- noted on the website that there's a 10% discount for mom's 65+!
Mar 16th, 2012, 09:51 PM
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yaaaay!
The Bon Rivage is where I would stay if I could ever tear myself away from Montreux (I stay in an apartment in Territet that I adore).
Here's a link to the TA reviews for this hotel:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...eilz_Vaud.html
Please note that it'll be about a 10-15 minute walk to Vevey along the lakeside path.
I do think your mom will think this is heaven!!
s
The Bon Rivage is where I would stay if I could ever tear myself away from Montreux (I stay in an apartment in Territet that I adore).
Here's a link to the TA reviews for this hotel:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...eilz_Vaud.html
Please note that it'll be about a 10-15 minute walk to Vevey along the lakeside path.
I do think your mom will think this is heaven!!
s
Mar 16th, 2012, 10:02 PM
#10
Original Poster
Cool! Now that you're online, maybe you can help me with this, since this is a decade birthday event for me (and I am still hoping, with all my heart that Leonard Cohen will be one of the performers!) -- I've spent most of my time in Montreux going to concerts there - going all the way back to the early '70's (no, we missed the great Zappa fire! -- but was there immediately following for Focus when the Kinks not surprisingly canceled).
2 train trips I'm thinking of, because we'll be there for close to a week. One, perhaps to Bern, a particular love of mine, to have my husband experience floating down the Aare. Don't know how cold that will be in early July, but actually wondering how long the day trip might be. 2nd, we leave Montreux for Paris on the 12th of July, and it's been some time, but I imagine there's now a TGV or some faster train from Geneva to Paris? Google has it at about 5 1/2 hours -- 90 min to Geneva from Montreux & 4 hours to Paris.
Is that about right?
2 train trips I'm thinking of, because we'll be there for close to a week. One, perhaps to Bern, a particular love of mine, to have my husband experience floating down the Aare. Don't know how cold that will be in early July, but actually wondering how long the day trip might be. 2nd, we leave Montreux for Paris on the 12th of July, and it's been some time, but I imagine there's now a TGV or some faster train from Geneva to Paris? Google has it at about 5 1/2 hours -- 90 min to Geneva from Montreux & 4 hours to Paris.
Is that about right?
Mar 16th, 2012, 10:19 PM
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Hi again,
oooh, I'm happy to help!
And what a coincidence! The only time I was at the Fest was by mistake, when my sister and I were starting our semester at a boarding school there (Institute Monte Rose in Territet .. . if you want to walk by it). It was 1968, and I remember some dude playing flute with one leg tucked up under his bum, another dude in a tall purple top-hat, lots and lots of VW vans, and lots and lots of .. . smoke . . in the air. I bet it was verrry similar in the early 1970s!!
Anyway, yup, the trip to Bern would be easy and quick. The trip will be about 1h30 with one change in Lausanne. You can get the exact train schedules at the Swiss rail site
www.rail.ch
Yes, the trip from Vevey to Paris will be about 4-5 hours with a change either in Geneva or in Lausanne (take your pick). The most **important** thing is to get your tickets in advance, when the discounted fares go on sale. They go on sale 90 days early, so mark your calendar and be ready to buy. You can usually snag fares as low as 50 chf per person.
Since you can manage in French, you can buy your tickets at
www.voyages-sncf.fr
If you want to do it in English, you can use
www.tgv-europe.com
But do NOT let it throw you to Raileurope, where fares are higher. You can choose Antarctica as your delivery country then print the tickets at your computer.
Yes, bike rentals are everywhere. The train stations at Vevey, Montreux, and Lausanne rent bikes. If you have a Half Fare Card, they'll give you a discount on the rental, too. You can even rent in one city and turn in your bike in another city if that fits your plan. And, yes, you can take bikes onto the trains (there are special bike cars) and onto the ferry; the fee used to be 5 chf per bike.
Here's a link:
http://www.rentabike.ch/fr-CH/dynasi...&dsclang=fr-ch
If you haven't already planned it out, my favorite bike trails are in the Lavaux. I've also heard that the lakeside trail from Morges to Lausanne is continuous, and I'm dying to try it on bike.
You may also want to play at this site:
http://www.veloland.ch/en/routen.cfm
to find some fun routes.
I guess it goes without saying that I wouldn't ride along the promenade in Montreux at that time . . . waaay too crowded.
Have lots of fun!
s
oooh, I'm happy to help!
And what a coincidence! The only time I was at the Fest was by mistake, when my sister and I were starting our semester at a boarding school there (Institute Monte Rose in Territet .. . if you want to walk by it). It was 1968, and I remember some dude playing flute with one leg tucked up under his bum, another dude in a tall purple top-hat, lots and lots of VW vans, and lots and lots of .. . smoke . . in the air. I bet it was verrry similar in the early 1970s!!
Anyway, yup, the trip to Bern would be easy and quick. The trip will be about 1h30 with one change in Lausanne. You can get the exact train schedules at the Swiss rail site
www.rail.ch
Yes, the trip from Vevey to Paris will be about 4-5 hours with a change either in Geneva or in Lausanne (take your pick). The most **important** thing is to get your tickets in advance, when the discounted fares go on sale. They go on sale 90 days early, so mark your calendar and be ready to buy. You can usually snag fares as low as 50 chf per person.
Since you can manage in French, you can buy your tickets at
www.voyages-sncf.fr
If you want to do it in English, you can use
www.tgv-europe.com
But do NOT let it throw you to Raileurope, where fares are higher. You can choose Antarctica as your delivery country then print the tickets at your computer.
Yes, bike rentals are everywhere. The train stations at Vevey, Montreux, and Lausanne rent bikes. If you have a Half Fare Card, they'll give you a discount on the rental, too. You can even rent in one city and turn in your bike in another city if that fits your plan. And, yes, you can take bikes onto the trains (there are special bike cars) and onto the ferry; the fee used to be 5 chf per bike.
Here's a link:
http://www.rentabike.ch/fr-CH/dynasi...&dsclang=fr-ch
If you haven't already planned it out, my favorite bike trails are in the Lavaux. I've also heard that the lakeside trail from Morges to Lausanne is continuous, and I'm dying to try it on bike.
You may also want to play at this site:
http://www.veloland.ch/en/routen.cfm
to find some fun routes.
I guess it goes without saying that I wouldn't ride along the promenade in Montreux at that time . . . waaay too crowded.
Have lots of fun!
s
Mar 16th, 2012, 10:31 PM
#13
Original Poster
Brilliant!!!
(Are you sure it wasn't Ian Anderson you saw with the flute and leg?!?)
I'm keen on the raileurope issue -- pre-internet used it a lot; post internet at least as far as France cheap fares & SNCF, I am queen. Happy you can help with CH deals -- that's awesome!
And your tips on bikes -- perfect!!! Just what I was looking for!
Milles mercis!
(Are you sure it wasn't Ian Anderson you saw with the flute and leg?!?)
I'm keen on the raileurope issue -- pre-internet used it a lot; post internet at least as far as France cheap fares & SNCF, I am queen. Happy you can help with CH deals -- that's awesome!
And your tips on bikes -- perfect!!! Just what I was looking for!
Milles mercis!
Mar 16th, 2012, 10:35 PM
#14
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ok, so now I'm guilty of giving you tmi.
But I love to share about Montreux.
Anyway, here are the distances for the bike rides through the Lavaux vineyard trails, if you decide you'd like to do them:
Lutry-Cully 2.6 miles
Cully-Rivaz 3.2 miles
Rivaz-Chexbres 0.7 mile
Chexbres-Vevey 3.5 miles
Vevey-Clarens 3 miles
Clarens-Montreux 1.3 miles
Note, though, that the vineyards can be quite hilly. Also note that you'll be riding on the road (there is a designated bike lane though) from Vevey to Clarens.
Have fun!
s
But I love to share about Montreux.
Anyway, here are the distances for the bike rides through the Lavaux vineyard trails, if you decide you'd like to do them:
Lutry-Cully 2.6 miles
Cully-Rivaz 3.2 miles
Rivaz-Chexbres 0.7 mile
Chexbres-Vevey 3.5 miles
Vevey-Clarens 3 miles
Clarens-Montreux 1.3 miles
Note, though, that the vineyards can be quite hilly. Also note that you'll be riding on the road (there is a designated bike lane though) from Vevey to Clarens.
Have fun!
s
Mar 16th, 2012, 10:37 PM
#16
Original Poster
No, no, never tmi. It's actually giving me lots of things to do that I haven't done before, so very welcome. Truth to tell, I've spent so much time going to concerts, I haven't even been to the Castle! Will do so this trip!
Mar 18th, 2012, 07:03 PM
#18
Original Poster
swandav (or anyone else who wants to jump in!)
-- I want to throw in one more wrinkle in this mix before making my decision, and I know you've stayed here. I found it when I was walking via google maps (ok, I've just admitted my obsessive-compulsive issues). L'Ermitage. They have a Villa on the premises that is, in fact, not too much more than Hostellerie Bon Rivage. It would easily accommodate both my husband, me, and my mom, and is in Clarens, clearly closer to the action.
As I see it, there are only 3 issues that the website can't answer and I was wondering if you knew, before I emailed them.
First problem, you can't help with -- they seem to not have availability the 1st night we'll be in Montreux, but fine the other 4 nights.
2nd -- there is free wifi throughout the hotel, but simply says "internet access available" in the Villa. My best guess without asking is that the hotel/restaurant is fully wired, but because the Villa is a separate structure, they may not have a wireless router that crosses over to that space.
3rd -- tv. Any clue as to what they have to offer? I'll admit to enjoying watching French programs, but my husband needs his CNN.
The Villa does have A/c (I note in one of your reviews your concern over no a/c and being above the dining room w/noise). Neither my husband nor I have issues with noise, and my mom's hearing (too many jazz concerts!) means she won't care either.
No one has commented on the breakfast other than it's part of the charge. My husband and motehr both eat breakfast, I live on coffee, so was wondering if you had any thoughts on that. Is it in the dining room there?
Thanks in advance!
-- I want to throw in one more wrinkle in this mix before making my decision, and I know you've stayed here. I found it when I was walking via google maps (ok, I've just admitted my obsessive-compulsive issues). L'Ermitage. They have a Villa on the premises that is, in fact, not too much more than Hostellerie Bon Rivage. It would easily accommodate both my husband, me, and my mom, and is in Clarens, clearly closer to the action.
As I see it, there are only 3 issues that the website can't answer and I was wondering if you knew, before I emailed them.
First problem, you can't help with -- they seem to not have availability the 1st night we'll be in Montreux, but fine the other 4 nights.
2nd -- there is free wifi throughout the hotel, but simply says "internet access available" in the Villa. My best guess without asking is that the hotel/restaurant is fully wired, but because the Villa is a separate structure, they may not have a wireless router that crosses over to that space.
3rd -- tv. Any clue as to what they have to offer? I'll admit to enjoying watching French programs, but my husband needs his CNN.
The Villa does have A/c (I note in one of your reviews your concern over no a/c and being above the dining room w/noise). Neither my husband nor I have issues with noise, and my mom's hearing (too many jazz concerts!) means she won't care either.
No one has commented on the breakfast other than it's part of the charge. My husband and motehr both eat breakfast, I live on coffee, so was wondering if you had any thoughts on that. Is it in the dining room there?
Thanks in advance!
Mar 18th, 2012, 09:28 PM
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Hi again,
Well, my stay there was seven years ago -- and apparently they have made a lot of improvements since I was there!! I can see from the photos that the decor has been redone, and it looks pretty good to me. and if they have a/c, then that would also eliminate the other big problem I had.
I was there before I considered wifi a necessity and can't comment on that. But they say that ALL the bedrooms have high-speed internet access, so I would count on that. It just may *not* be free! You could easily email them and make sure the villa has wifi and ask about the cost.
I don't specifically remember the tv, but I'm sure we watched it, and I'm sure they have CNN. It is a 4-star property, and that is pretty standard.
Again, I was there so long ago that my experience with breakfast may no longer be valid. Yes, the breakfast was set out in the front of the dining room, next to the lakeside patio. Don't remember how lavish it was -- but this is a place that made its reputation with food, so I'd bet that it's good.
I do adore the location -- it's very quiet, and the views are suberp over to Montreux.
Really sorry I can't help more! If you stay there, I would really look forward to your review!
s
Well, my stay there was seven years ago -- and apparently they have made a lot of improvements since I was there!! I can see from the photos that the decor has been redone, and it looks pretty good to me. and if they have a/c, then that would also eliminate the other big problem I had.
I was there before I considered wifi a necessity and can't comment on that. But they say that ALL the bedrooms have high-speed internet access, so I would count on that. It just may *not* be free! You could easily email them and make sure the villa has wifi and ask about the cost.
I don't specifically remember the tv, but I'm sure we watched it, and I'm sure they have CNN. It is a 4-star property, and that is pretty standard.
Again, I was there so long ago that my experience with breakfast may no longer be valid. Yes, the breakfast was set out in the front of the dining room, next to the lakeside patio. Don't remember how lavish it was -- but this is a place that made its reputation with food, so I'd bet that it's good.
I do adore the location -- it's very quiet, and the views are suberp over to Montreux.
Really sorry I can't help more! If you stay there, I would really look forward to your review!
s
Mar 18th, 2012, 09:41 PM
#20
Original Poster
Thanks. Very helpful.
And by the way, Jethro Tull is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Thick as a Brick by Touring doing the whole album. They will be in Austria on 7th July, and Quimper, France, the 25th, so perhaps they might squeeze in Montreux in between! That album was a particular favorite of mine!
And by the way, Jethro Tull is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Thick as a Brick by Touring doing the whole album. They will be in Austria on 7th July, and Quimper, France, the 25th, so perhaps they might squeeze in Montreux in between! That album was a particular favorite of mine!
