Beau-Rivage Palace
by the TopOfHotel team
Beau-Rivage Palace is the high-water mark for hotels in Lausanne and western Switzerland — a Belle Epoque palace on Lake Geneva running more than 160 years, with Anne-Sophie Pic's 2-Michelin-star kitchen on site.
Beau-Rivage Palace is the high-water mark for hotels in Lausanne and western Switzerland — a Belle Epoque palace on Lake Geneva running more than 160 years, with Anne-Sophie Pic's 2-Michelin-star kitchen on site.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The hotel has 168 rooms in a Belle Epoque style that has been carefully brought up to date — high ceilings, chandeliers, real wood furniture and top-tier linens. Guests describe the rooms as spacious and luxurious, with one calling every detail thoughtful and beautiful but also comfortable. Lake View rooms open onto Lake Geneva and the French Alps toward Evian and the Mont Blanc range, and the views are at their best, as one guest put it, in the pale of an evening. Every room has at least a small balcony, and the marble bathrooms come with a separate tub and shower.
Food and amenities
There are four restaurants, led by Anne-Sophie Pic at Beau-Rivage Palace, which holds 2 Michelin stars — chef Anne-Sophie Pic is the most decorated female chef in the world. The others include the easygoing Cafe Beau-Rivage and Le Cafe for Swiss classics. The Cinq Mondes spa is large and, in one guest's words, very opulent, with an indoor and outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi and a steam room. Private tennis courts sit in the garden, and several bars and lounges are set aside for a quiet drink. Reviewers describe the service as extremely high from beginning to end.
Location and getting there
Beau-Rivage Palace sits in the Ouchy district on the Lake Geneva waterfront — the prettiest lakeside stretch in Lausanne — about 2 km from Lausanne Railway Station. Take the M2 metro from Lausanne-Gare to Ouchy-Olympique in 8 minutes, then walk 5 minutes, or grab a taxi (about 10 minutes, CHF 25 to 30). The Olympic Museum is a 3-minute walk and the Port d'Ouchy, with boats to Evian, Montreux and Chillon Castle, is 5 minutes away. The lakeside gardens are made for an evening stroll. Geneva Airport (GVA) is 50 minutes by train from Lausanne station.
Things to know before booking
This is the most expensive hotel in the city — rooms run from about $800 to $2,700 a night, so it calls for an exceptional budget. It sits in Ouchy, away from the centre, which means the M2 metro or a taxi to reach the station or the Old Town rather than a short walk. And while the setting suits honeymooners and special occasions, budget travellers will find the next-ranked Movenpick Hotel Lausanne on the same waterfront for far less, just without the icon status.
Our take
Beau-Rivage Palace is best for honeymooners, luxury travellers and anyone marking a special occasion who is ready to spend $800-plus a night — a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime stay. Real guest reviews confirm that every franc feels earned, from the service and the architecture to the lake views and the 2-Michelin-star kitchen. If your budget is tighter, Movenpick Hotel Lausanne (ranked next) sits on the same Ouchy waterfront for far less, though it never reaches the icon level of Beau-Rivage.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A historic 5-star running since 1861 — an icon of carefully preserved Belle Epoque heritage that has hosted royalty, film stars and world leaders for more than 160 years.
- Lake View rooms look out over Lake Geneva and the French Alps toward Evian and the Mont Blanc range; guests describe the rooms as spectacular, quiet and luxurious, with every room getting at least a small balcony.
- The Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant holds 2 Michelin stars, from the most decorated female chef in the world — one of four restaurants on site, alongside the relaxed Cafe Beau-Rivage.
- The Cinq Mondes spa is large and, in guests' words, very opulent, paired with an indoor and outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi and a steam room.
- Private tennis courts sit in the garden, and reviewers single out the service as extremely high from beginning to end.
- Prices run from about $800 to $2,700 a night — the highest in the city, so you need to set an exceptional budget for it.
- It sits in Ouchy, away from the city centre, so you take the M2 metro or a taxi to reach the station or the Old Town.
- Lakefront luxury means it is built for couples and special occasions more than budget travellers; the next-ranked Movenpick Hotel Lausanne is on the same Ouchy waterfront for far less, but without the same icon status.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
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Insider Tips
- Request a Superior Lake View room when you book — every room (garden or lake view) has at least a small balcony, but a high-floor lake view is worth the upcharge for the combined view of Lake Geneva and the French Alps.
- If you want dinner at Anne-Sophie Pic (2 Michelin stars), book at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead; the tasting menu starts around $390 per person and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Skip the station taxi line and ride the M2 metro from Lausanne-Gare to Ouchy-Olympique in 8 minutes, then walk 5 minutes — far cheaper than the CHF 25 to 30 taxi fare.