swandav2000

kja -- do you mean Lutry?? I don't know of any place called Autry in the Lavaux.

Aside from the flowered lakeside promenade, Montreux has little that is charming or scenic, I agree. Its architecture is an ugly mix of Belle Epoque and modern steel-and-glass, and often the buildings are crowded together. There is a lot of traffic on its main street paralleling the lake, which makes it even less charming (and whose exhaust hangs over the lake in a greasy grey smog in summer). That is why I rarely venture far from the lakeside and most often walk along it whenever I have to get someplace (unless I'm taking the bus). That's also why I don't go there in the summertime either.

One exception is the old town, in the hills above the lake. There are some winding streets and pretty restaurants bedecked with flowers that are very charming and inviting. There is a church up there, with a terrace and views over the lake that is always worth visiting. And there are a couple of restaurants up there that are well worth the climb. Unfortunately, few tourists make it up there.

One reasonable hotel facing the lake is the Hostellerie Bon Rivage, near Vevey in the suburb of La Tour-de-Peilz. On my last trip, I stayed in the Hotel Bristol in Territet, just outside of Montreux. There are two hotels in Villeneuve facing the lake that are also very reasonable.

Have fun!

s

kja

Actually, I stayed in Montreux at a relatively low-cost hotel (the Splendid) with a lakeside view from my bed -- and a balcony! Unfortunately, I really can't recommend the hotel, but it might work for some purposes -- here's a link to my review:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...ECK_RATES_CONT

kja

Oops – yes, that should have been LUTRY, not autry. Sorry! (And thanks, swandav, for so gently ensuring accurate information! )

russ_in_LA

Actually, I was thinking of staying in Vevey, although Glion and Caux look appealing as well. Definitely will go to Chateau de Chillon. Thanks all for the additional info.

PalenQ

Everyone seems to love Vevey - can take a boat to Chillon from there - or trains or buses. If you have a Swiss Pass it probably covers admission to Chateau Chillon and hundreds of sights and museums in Switzerland. Boats covered in full too.

neckervd

" When I checked the SBB website for train connections to Annecy, I noticed that the train goes to Geneva, at which point there is a bus to Annemasse, and then a change back to a train or another bus to Annecy"

Direct buses between Geneva and Annecy run almost every hr.
Actual timetable:
Geneva (Gare Routiere, Charmilles or Eaux Vives) dp 6.13, 7.15, 8.25, 8.33, 9.21, 10.31, 10.45, 11.10, 11.50, 12.45 (from Carouge), 13.33, 15.00, 16.20 (from Carouge), 16.33 (from Carouge), 16.30, 16.55, 17.25, 17.31 (from Carouge), 17.40 (from Carouge), 17.50, 18.10, 18.15, 18.30, 19.20, 19.52, 21.08, 21.10, 21.15

russ_in_LA

Thanks for the additional info on the Annecy bus. We may pick up a car at the Geneva airport, but if not, it's nice to know that there is a direct bus.