Colleen C.
Yelp
Let me set the stage a bit...
*I've got 4-years' worth of Expedia Rewards burning a hole in my virtual pocket.
*It's been raining in Berlin for 3 weeks, not even warm rain...cold rain. The sun, gone.
*I have to be in Zurich for work midweek.
*I need to rest and relax without the internet, and preferably outside of a big city.
*I need to see some water. Swimmable water.
All of these forces converged and resulted in a 3-day weekend stay...at the Fairmont Montreux Palace. Montreux is about a 2.5 hour train ride (direct) from Zurich...so on the way over I took the Golden Pass Rail Line (a much longer, but much more scenic route, review to follow!) to Montreux main station, walked 4 or so blocks and found myself at the Palace. Very well located to the train station.
Expedia special was purchase 2 nights and get the 3rd free...plus subtract my voucher and I was at a 5-star hotel for the price of a 2-3 star hotel, and pretty happy! This trip was solo, so I enjoyed being pampered a bit. Even happier when Friday resulted in sunny skies and 8 uninterrupted hours poolside overlooking the Alps and Lake Geneva. BLISS I tell you, straight BLISS.
The Hotel itself is quite magnificent and quite large. It's historical significance places it as a hospital during several world wars, but it has since been restored to its former glory and is quite a hotel specimen. Luxury in all senses of the word complete with expensive shops, expansive ballrooms, well appointed rooms and "friendly-for-Swiss-people" staff.
Next time I'd definitely opt for the lake view rooms...my "mountain view" room was nice, but on the back side of the hotel overlooking a street. Certainly NOT the end of the world...but, might be worth the splurge to have a terrace overlooking the lake, for those looking to book...
Restaurants: There are several restaurants connected to this hotel. Brasserie, which is a bit more casual, and has a nice side cafe for a morning coffee and croissant, and then the restaurant across the street which is much nicer, has a BEAUTIFUL patio overlooking the lake and mountains and great food. Separate review again! They are all coming. There are also a few bars (one NYC themed, haha).
Spa/Pool/ETC: This is where I really got my money's worth, I spent a lot of time relaxing. Reading and relaxing. So nice. The spa and pool area are accessed through the lower level of the hotel, so its actually across the street right on the lake. The spa is full service and extremely pricey...but I did enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, manicured lawn with chairs and umbrellas, pool cafe, sauna and steam room and relaxing room. I enjoyed them all! The staff is quite nice and everything is well groomed and pleasant for guests. The pool of course gets quite crowded and isn't that large....but the lawn for relaxing is huge and therefore you can have privacy and be away from the children if you so wish.
My room was nice, decent sized and had a lovely bath tub for soaking, though the jets did not work. I was able to watch the Olympics via BBC. I slept well. Things went smoothly. No complaints, I'd just opt for the lakeview rooms next time.
So why 4 stars? It's 30 CHF for internet every day. Are we serious, people!? Come on, with a 5-star hotel it should not cost nearly 100 CHF for internet. I opted NOT to get it, because I was on vacation...but if I were traveling and in need of it for work, travel booking etc, I'd be quite annoyed. They do have a business center available, which I did not use, so perhaps that is an option. Time to upgrade, Palace! Get some routers.
Points of interest:
*There is a nearby Coop (grocery/convenience store) right near the train station for quick snacks, etc. The rooms have small fridges.
*Montreux itself is pretty sleepy, it seems. Scheduling a wine tour or taking the Golden Pass Rail for a short day trip, soaking in some nature, etc seems to be the way to go.
*The hotel restaurant (across the street) was the best meal I had...other options nearby seem a little lacking.
All in all a great stay and I left very relaxed...its a bit stuffy because frankly, there are a lot of rich people that stay here, but of course...I knew this. Everyone was friendly and I had a nice time enjoying the amenities and reading 4 books and getting my brain back in order.
Check travel booking engines for good deals, they have HUGE inventory so oftentimes they will run specials during off times.