Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior
by the TopOfHotel team
Excelsior is a 3-star Belle Epoque hotel on the lakefront that gives you classic charm on a budget.
Excelsior is a 3-star Belle Epoque hotel on the lakefront that gives you classic charm on a budget.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The 70 rooms sit inside a historic Belle Epoque building, so they run compact in the way old buildings do, but they keep the high ceilings and tall windows that come with the era, and a few look straight out at the lake. Most reviews single out the classic charm and the cleanliness, even if some bathrooms are starting to show their age.
Food and amenities
A buffet breakfast is included and served in a classic dining room. The spread is straightforward but covers the basics well: croissants, local bread, Swiss cheese and fresh fruit. The staff are friendly and handle English, French and German. There's a bar on site, but no pool or spa.
Location and getting there
You're right on Lake Geneva in central Montreux, a 7-minute walk from Gare de Montreux and close to Place du Marche, where a Friday market sets up. It's a 5-minute walk to the Fairmont along the promenade and about 30 minutes to Chillon Castle on the same lakeside path.
Things to know before booking
There's no pool or spa here, so plan to walk elsewhere for either. The rooms are small, which is normal for a building from 1899, and some reviewers note the bathrooms could use updating. Not every room has a lake view, so ask for one when you book.
Our take
Excelsior suits couples and travelers who like classic-hotel character, want a lakefront spot in the middle of town, and are working to a budget. You get a Belle Epoque feel close to Eden Palace au Lac at a 3-star price.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A historic Belle Epoque building dating to 1899, by the same architect who designed Eden Palace au Lac.
- Right on Lake Geneva in central Montreux, a few doors from the Fairmont.
- Rooms start at about $129 a night, the best value here for a hotel on the lakefront.
- Free buffet breakfast is included, served in a classic dining room.
- Friendly staff who handle English, French and German.
- No pool or spa, so you'll be walking to nearby facilities for either.
- Rooms are small, which is normal for a building this old.
- Some reviewers say the bathrooms are starting to show their age and could use updating.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Montreux
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Insider Tips
- Book a Lake View room: the price gap over a standard is small, and the view is worth it.
- You're next to Place du Marche, where a Friday morning market is worth a wander.
- Walk 5 minutes along the promenade to the Fairmont to see the grand building and its high-end restaurants.