Peep

We're thinking about flying into Geneve and spending 4 nights in late June somewhere along the lake. Which would you recommend? We're interested in outdoor stuff (hiking, walking around the lake), wandering through old towns, having nice views and easy connections to boats and trains to other cool places in the area. We aren't interested in fine dining or expensive shops. Thanks for your opinions!

jmw

Hi. I think of the three you mentioned, Vevey would get my vote. If it's as warm as it was last June, you might want to choose a place with ac. You'll love the vineyard walks. J.

swandav2000

Hi Peep,

I concur with jmw -- Vevey should be great for you!

I would think Lausanne is too big. Montreux is more of a resort with posh-y atmosphere and doings. But Vevey has more of a local feel and small shops. I think all three will offer good connections and equal activities.

Have a good trip!

s

Peep

Great! Do you have any recommendations for accommodations under 150 euro per night for a double? Also, are there mountain hikes nearby (Vevey)? Thanks!

Grasshopper

Peep,
I stayed at Hotel Negociants, which is a block from the Marche, an easy walk from the train station and a couple of blocks to the lake. I think it was about $120 for a double (last summer). It was comfortable, well located and very clean.

For a hike you can take the train to Les Pleides and stop anywhere along the way (Blonay is a good choice) and take the walking path up or down the mountain. Great views from the top. Also, I recommend taking the steamer boat to Geneva and the train back. Beautiful views.

jmw

Chateau d'Oex is just a short, gorgeous train ride from Vevey. That's mountain hike enough for me. Maybe Ingo will see your post and give opinions on the closest mountain hikes for those who really know. J.

suze

In Vevey, don't miss the open air farmers market held each Saturday early AM in the square. Great food, a weekly event for many locals & fun for visitors too, colorful, authentic, real Suisse.

Outside Montreux see Chateau de Chillon, a fantastic OLD castle. If it happens to be hot and you're looking for a pool, go to Casino de Montreux along the lake which offers day passes to their fabulous pool. Again popular with a good mix of locals and visitors.

Watch the cafes at lunchtime for the 'menu' posted outside on a blackboard. Reasonable fixed price for one particular dish.

The Migro, Placette and any 'Uniprix' are all good stores in Vevey to buy food, chocolates, souveniers, etc.

artlover

I LOVED Montreux, but haven't been to Vevey, so it's hard to say, but Chateau de Chillon was fantastic--we were the only people there (arrived first thing in the morning) and I felt as if I had really gone back in time. Also, walked around the lake and enjoyed the beauty.

Peep

Hey!
So what do you think? Hotel Negociants for 150CHF (99 euros) or Hotel Masson for 220CHF (146 euros) for a room with balcony and lakeview? We won't have a car, plan to explore Vevey, Montreux and surroundings and maybe take a daytrip to Gstaad for hiking. We don't mind walking to and from as long as the walk is nice and is lit after dark. Quiet would be nice, too. Thanks for your opinions!

swandav2000

Hi Peep,

While I don't have personal experience with either hotel, I can say that the walk along the lake from Montreux to Territet/Veytaux (Hotel Masson) is spectacular! I've walked the lake at night, and it's safe.

I think the walk from the Montreux train station to the Masson will be a mile, maybe a bit more. But, as Ingo recently reminded me, there is a convenient bus that stops just outside the station and goes all the way to Chillon. You can either ask at the train station or the bus driver for the closest stop to the hotel. The fare should be about 2.80chf each.

You can also take the ferry from the Montreux dock to the Territet dock -- just go downhill from the station and then turn right at the lake and walk until you see the main dock. Ferry schedules are at www.cgn.ch.

Have you mapped out both hotels yet? Try www.mappy.com or www.mappoint.com to get a good idea of your position and distances from the dock.

Good luck!

s

Ingo

Go to Hotel Masson! Even if you are able to get a room with balcony and lake view. It is definitely quieter than the Negociants. The lake view is superb, you can see castle Chillon the usually snow capped mountains Dents du Midi - and a magical sunset over the lake. The buses are running frequently, and it is approx. a 30 - 40 minutes walk along the beautiful lake promenade to Montreux centre. Just go down to the main road, cross the road and go down the stairs toward the lake (crossing the railroads). You also can walk the little streets through the residential area beside the hotel, leading you down to Territet train/boat stop (five or ten minutes).

I am envious!

Ingo

JoyceL

I am also visiting Montreux in late June. I had a very hard time finding an affordable hotel, mainly due to the decline of the dollar. I finally lucked out and found a 4 star hotel right across from the Montreux train station, the Grand Hôtel Suisse et Majestic. When I called them, they were offering a special deal: about 154 CHF per night for a single room facing the town. (Lakeside rooms are more expensive.)

The Web site is at http://www.montreux.ch/suisse-majestic/. You may have to call them to find out about any discounted rates.