6 Best Hotels in Lausanne, Vaud

Occupying four graceful 18th- and 19th-century villas and a historic hotel near the waterfront, this small complex has been modernized without ruffling its gentility or disturbing its graceful stone arches, marble floors, or discreet gardens. It's the best of both worlds: small-hotel attentiveness plus access to the facilities of the grand Beau-Rivage Palace next door. The hotel, where Lord Byron penned "The Prisoner of Chillon," anchors the compound. A private courtyard with glass pavilion receives guests and dispenses them to quarters furnished in styles ranging from contemporary historical to garden-party floral. A meal taken on the terrace of L'Accademia, the quay-facing Italian bistro, provides a glimpse of the lakefront lifestyle.

After a six-year, top-to-bottom renovation, the historic Royal Savoy has been unveiled as the latest—and perhaps the finest—five-star hotel in all of Suisse Romande. Shaded by tall pines that surround its extensively manicured grounds, the art nouveau castle has strikingly modern interiors of palatial proportions, providing the ultimate urban luxury getaway. Ample rooms in a soothing gray color scheme are available in the main building or in a more contemporary annex, where you'll find a bamboo-enclosed indoor pool, footbaths, and a first-rate fitness center within the sleek, black marble confines of the Spa du Royal. Spend sundown with a signature cocktail on the rooftop lounge overlooking Lavaux vineyards and Alpine peaks across Lac Léman, then head to the smart-casual Brasserie for an unforgettable evening meal.

Behind this historical facade you'll find a courtyard hotel of modern proportions. Filled with light from the atrium, the streamlined rooms have ample work spaces and safes large enough to hold a laptop. A bamboo garden and palm trees add freshness to the busy reception area. The Thai kitchen overseen by imported chefs attracts locals for the most authentic Asian food around. Although the hotel is close to the train station, the walk uphill is a bit of a challenge with luggage.

Of the scores of luxury hotels in Switzerland, this gleaming grande dame stands apart—its neoclassical flourishes seamlessly restored to period opulence, its vast waterfront grounds manicured like a country estate. Every inch of marble, crystal, and polished mahogany sparkles like new. Guest rooms have many modern touches—remote light controls, towel heaters, Wi-Fi. The hotel has a trio of top-notch restaurants: the romantic Anne-Sophie Pic, the lively Café Beau-Rivage, and the Miyako sushi bar. You can also enjoy the lake views over breakfast in the glass-enclosed La Terrasse. The sybaritic spa, umbrella-canopied terraces, meandering footpaths, and a hovering staff make it easy to understand why some guests stay the season.

A quiet tree-lined street in one of Lausanne's nicest neighborhoods masks this lodging's proximity to the train station. Rococo-style architecture is emphasized by embossed wallpapers, textured upholstery, and sweeping draperies in the nicely decorated guest rooms. The marble lobby and guest-room baths are polished to a high gloss; other aspects of innkeeping are equally as bright. Relax with a glass of wine in the French-influenced Carlton's Bar, knowing you are minutes from the Métro and the lakefront promenade.

This Edwardian landmark, distinctly urbane in setting and style, stands on a hill high over the lake, with layers of city scenery draped behind. It faces a city street, so to take advantage of its views you need a back room. Shaded by an enormous indoor tree, the lobby is exquisite. Classic rooms blend new and old with contemporary tones and period details such as marble fireplaces. The sleek, calming spa offers a wide array of treatments and classes.