HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: The Fairmont Montreux Palace in Montreux, Switzerland
On our recent adventure to Switzerland, we decided to hop on the train and escape bustling Geneva for the picture perfect smaller town of Montreux, about an hour away. We had heard and read great things about Montreux famous for it's annual Jazz Festival, Christmas Market and literary geniuses who have called it home over the years. Now where to stay? As soon as we saw pictures of the Fairmont Montreux Palace perched on the banks of Lake Geneva we were besotted. Reading about its history and learning that one of Mary's favorite authors, Vladimir Nabokov had lived in the hotel for 16 years, we were sold.
The Montreux Palace is the sort of hotel we envision while reading Edith Wharton, the Brontes, Jane Austen- the hotel and gardens where Victorian heroes and heroines fled to from dreary English winters to vacation and rehabilitate. This Belle Epoque hotel very well may have been the site of such excursions as it was built in 1906 and its 236 rooms and suites would host visitors for weeks at a time explaining the numerous ballrooms, theaters, "bridge rooms," etc. that are still in existence- they had to keep the guests from being bored! The ballrooms are absolutely exquisite to this day-- with the original lighting fixtures, furniture, and frescoed walls, one could easily forget what year it really is.
The rooms are lovely and you can choose from the more traditional style rooms with red carpets and more antique furniture or the modern style rooms with dove grey carpeting, and sleek grey and white furniture. They are both equally nice, it is simply a question of taste. We preferred the more modern rooms. If possible, a lake view is a must as literally the view will take your breath away... and perhaps inspire the next great novel.
The breakfast buffet is a sumptuous affair and Harry's Bar is a fun spot to have a before or after dinner drink. We had to treat ourselves to the signature Bellini (champagne and peach puree) which was delightful! The live music each night was inspired and a little funny.... we appreciated the effort of the duo who is still awaiting Simon Cowell to tap them for the "X Factor." And waiting.
Although this is a big hotel, it doesn't feel like one. It has everything you could need on the hotel grounds-- a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, a business office, several bars and restaurants, the 5 star property retains a glamorous, comfortable and intimate feel. We also loved that it was a short walk from the train station (don't pay $15 for a two minute taxi ride like we did not knowing!!) and right in the heart of things in Montreux.
Truly a special place past, present and future.